Planning Guide and Resources

Once you have made the decision to euthanize your pet, though emotionally taxing, preparing in advance is a wise and thoughtful thing to do. Certainly none of us likes to think of the day our heart will be broken into a million pieces, however, thinking about this ahead of time will give you and your family the opportunity to discuss how you would like to memorialize your beloved pet and to celebrate the life that you shared together. There are numerous elements to think about regarding the death of your pet and your final wishes. 

• When would you like it to happen (time of day, day of week). 

• Who would you like to be there with the pet?  Is there family and/or friends that would be great support? 

• Where is the best place?  Is it outside where he/she is most relaxed?  A favorite walking trail?  Or in the living room surrounded by family.

These things may not happen perfectly but if you can make a plan it will be easier to make it close.

Euthanasia may not be right for all families.  If you choose not to euthanize your pet but would like to plan for “natural” death we can help you prepare for that as well. 

Making sure that your beloved pet is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve will be of the utmost importance at this time. Knowing the various options will relieve much of the stress you may have in ensuring what you do is appropriate to not only honor the life of your pet, but to ensure that they are receiving the care and treatment in death that was important to you for them in life. Occasionally families will take this final goodbye time to incorporate their important family/religious rituals.

Rituals may include:

•           Special readings

•           The planting of a tree/flower/bush

•           Rituals you and your pet did to say “I love you”

•           Scripture readings

•           A candle-lighting tribute

•           A donation drive for a local shelter in memory of your pet

•           Reading of special poems and remembrances

•           Playing audio tapes of their meow/bark/chirp

•           Sharing videos of the pet and your family

•           Reading a eulogy to remember your pet’s life with your family

Self burial, where?

Areas of consideration with this decision are:

• Will this town/county/development allow pet burials?

• Will you always live in this area or have access to this burial ground?

• Do your religious preferences guide you in one way or another?

• Did your pet like the outside or the inside?

For burial, will you want a casket to protect the pet’s body?

Aid to burying a Pet

If cremation, Gentle Passings uses the services of Faithful Friend Animal Memories.  You may choose to have your pet transported to another crematory if you prefer.

Do you want the cremains returned to you?  If this answer is no, you need to ask  for a “group” or “communal” cremation. Your pet will be cremated with other pets and their ashes will be scattered in a designated area.

Is it important to you to have your pet’s body cremated alone in the crematory?  Usually for a private cremation, in order to keep costs down, several pets are placed in the crematory at once.  They are placed separately into containers and the containers are mapped so you will get your pet’s and only your pet’s ashes returned to you.  There is however the option of an exclusive private cremation for an additional charge.  Your pet will be the only body in the crematory. It also includes a clay paw print.

You will be asked to choose a container or urn to receive your pet's cremains.  There are options included in the price of cremation but you may also purchase any urn of your choice to place the cremains in.  This can be done by the crematory or you can transfer them yourself.

The following choices are included: Scatter tubes (Rainbow, Sunset, Pawprint or Mountain), or Bamboo or Cherry Box.  A brass plate can be added for an additional charge.

 Making a decision on memorialization products is a personal process. This will be reflective of the life shared with your pet, your lifestyle, your personal style and those items that are reflective of your pet’s personality. It’s also important to take into consideration where your memorial pieces will go in your home, or in your yard, and how you want the item to look, either blending in with your decor or making an individual statement. In addition, if you have a large pet family, consider a piece where all of the pets can be together. There are various memorialization products:

Keepsake clay paw prints and Brass plates are available through our crematory service.

• Rocks/garden flagstones

• Jewelry that would have the pet’s own paw print or nose print on it

• An urn that is reflective of your decorating style

• An eco-friendly urn for burial in a special location

• An urn with paw prints to show your love of animals

• A piece of art done to depict the pet’s personality

• A personalized urn made to look like the pet

• A frame to hold a cast of your pet’s paw print, nose print and/or locket of hair

• Locket jewelry to hold a bit of the pet’s ashes or hair

• Memorial note cards

The personalization of your memorial pieces will truly make them as unique as your relationship was with your pet. From an inscription on an urn or jewelry piece to the saying on a rock or marker, your sentimental words will create a true reflection of the love that you have for your special pet. Hearing other friends and family member’s stories is certainly a wonderful way to reflectively pay tribute to your pet and get everyone involved in honoring their life. 

Consider: When you think about your pet—what makes you smile?

A nickname:

• “He was our little Buddy-Wuddy”

• “Squirrelly-Girly-Shirley”

• “Whit”

• “Sweetie Pie”

A saying:

• “Hiding sox in heaven”

• “Our First Born”

• “Always Chasing Frisbees and Hearts”

 Dates:

• Birth date/Gotcha date to death date

  A photo:

• Personal paw print or nose print

• A way to show your pet’s love of their favorite things —  a bone, slice of pizza or possibly a cookie

Pet’s Name Birth date/Gotcha Date—

Date of Death

Where born/Where Gotcha’d

Nicknames

Pet Parents/ Siblings—

Pet and Human Favorite Toy(s)

Favorite Activity(s)

Least Favorite Thing

Other friends

Favorite Place to Sleep

Favorite Food

Favorite Memories