The loss of a pet is deeply saddening, as they bring us joy and comfort and hold a special place in our lives and hearts. A pet funeral can help you come to terms with the loss, bringing closure and comfort while allowing you to say goodbye.
A pet funeral doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. You could hold a simple ceremony with close family and friends, or perhaps you may wish to hold a larger memorial service to everyone who knew your furry friend to come and share their memories. You may even consider preplanning your pet’s funeral, just as many people do for themselves. This saves precious energy and time just when you feel the most grief.
Planning a pet funeral
Funeral homes and cemeteries are staffed by people who understand that pet loss can be just as painful as losing a human family member. They offer burial and cremation services, and provide caskets, urns, and grave markers designed specifically for pets.
To plan the most meaningful event, consider the people who were significant in your pet’s life and ask them to participate. For the perfect location, think about your pet’s favourite places. A particular bench, the local park, or a spot in your garden?
The pet funeral ceremony
Planning the funeral can provide relief for those who are grieving the loss of a pet. A pet funeral can be particularly helpful for some children. There aren’t any hard rules when it comes to creating a pet funeral, but there are common elements that people include. These customs are similar to those you see in human funerals but are typically much simpler. Of course, it is up to you how elaborate you would like your ceremony to be.
Sharing memories
Telling a story about your pet can help you and those hearing it. It will give you the chance to share your feelings, and perhaps introduce some humour into the ceremony. Consider asking others to share their memories too. You could provide memory cards or a guest book for people to write down their memories.
Planting a tree
A beautiful way to forever remember the impact that your pet had is by planting a tree. Through the act of creating new life to represent a life that has past, many find planting a memorial tree to be a healing act. You can either plant the tree as a part of the service or separately, depending on what feels right.
Memorial photographs and videos
People often display photos of their loved pet. If the location of your ceremony allows you to show video footage of your pet with family members, this can be a wonderful way to remember your pet. You may want to include special memorabilia such as toys, leashes and other items.
Holding a funeral or memorial service for your pet is a wonderful way to honour your furry companion. Our qualified funeral celebrants can help you to celebrate your pet’s life.
Saying goodbye is never easy, but we are here to help and support you through this difficult time.
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