Services

Pet Funerals

Do you know where the world's oldest pet cemetery is located? And for that matter, do you know exactly how old it is? We ask only because we want to illustrate a simple fact: people have been ceremonially burying their pets in dedicated spaces for a very long time.

That fact proves to us the connection we have with our domesticated animals, those beings we lovingly call pets; is (and has long been) very special to us. And when a pet dies, it's understandable how a pet funeral can help grieving family members mourn, find comfort, and celebrate their life together. Learn more about today's pet funerals and discover what's involved in planning a funeral for your pet. (For those who want to know the answers to our earlier questions, we suggest you read the Daily Mail 2013 online article, "Pets in Peace: World's Oldest Pet Cemetery".)

Funeral rituals can be found in all cultures and in all corners of the world. Despite their differences, these ceremonies are important because they give the bereaved a place in time and space where they can come together to:

• Acknowledge the stark reality of the death.
• Embrace and fully experience the pain of the loss.
• Remember the pet's life and celebrate their contributions to your well-being.
• Search for the symbolic and philosophical meanings of life, and death.
• Receive emotional support from others.

What's Involved in Planning Pet Funerals?

Much like a funeral for a human member of your family, planning a pet funeral involves deciding the where, when, and who of the service. In other words, you'll need to answer these questions:

1. Where should you hold your pet's funeral? You have lots of options, including our chapel, your family home or backyard, a local park, or someplace special where your pet spent hours of enjoyment with you and your family. (If you are planning to bury your pet, the pet funeral ceremony could be held at the place of burial.)
2. When would you like to have the ceremony? This decision may factor in how you are caring for your pet's physical remains. Call 956-720-4414 to explore your specific scheduling options with one of our pet loss professionals.
3. Who would you like to invite? Naturally, family members will be on the top of your list; but what friends or acquaintances would appreciate the opportunities to celebrate your pet's life and to support you in your pet loss bereavement?

As with funerals for human family members, where the body of the deceased is casketed and present for the ceremony; pet funerals prominently feature a pet's physical remains, lovingly settled into the pet casket chosen by the family. This fact requires that you select a pet casket from our collection of pet caskets. We will be pleased to assist you in choosing the most appropriate casket for your beloved pet's funeral. Call us at 956-720-4414.

The next aspect of planning a pet funeral involves identifying those activities you'd like to feature in your pet's service. For example, you can incorporate story-sharing, a time for the reading of meaningful literary or spiritual passages, music, singing; even the ceremonial lighting of candles. When we work with families to plan their pet's funeral ceremony, we suggest they pick three (3) things–activities and ceremonial features–to focus upon. (It's a small enough number to work with comfortably; but chances are good that once you get started, you'll find far more than just three.) With that said, what three things would you like to include in your pet's funeral?

Let Us Help Celebrate the Life of Your Pet

Your pet's funeral can be anything you'd like it to be! It can be traditional or innovative; somber or light-hearted. Our pet loss professionals can support you in making these emotional decisions; simply call us at (956) 720-4414 to arrange an appointment.