how do i choose: Cremation or burial?

Saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion can be one of the most emotional moments of a pet owner’s life. As you navigate the grief of loss, you may also be faced with a difficult decision: Should you choose cremation or burial?

Both options offer a meaningful way to honor your pet, but the choice comes down to personal preference, logistics, laws, and what’s meaningful to you.

Why some people choose cremation: Cremation is one of the most common choices for pet aftercare. It offers flexibility in memorialization, allows for portability, and accommodates many living situations.

Pros of pet cremation:

• flexibility in memorialization – ashes can be kept, scattered, or used in memorial items like jewelry or other keepsakes.
• portability – if you don’t have a backyard or plan on moving in the future, cremation means you can take your pet’s remains with you.

Considerations:

• cost -- cremation costs vary. Most crematories have different rates based on the size of your pet. Communal cremations (where no ashes are returned) are less expensive than individual (sometimes called “partitioned” or “semi-private”) cremation.
• emotional aspect -- Some pet parents struggle with the idea of cremation and prefer a more tangible resting place.
• Including ritual – if rituals like shrouding, vigiling, or placing personal items with your pet are important, make time and space for these before transportation to a crematory.

Why some people choose burial: Burial is a time-honored tradition that provides a dedicated space for remembrance. For those who want a permanent place to visit their pet, this can be a comforting option.

Pros of pet burial:

• a physical place to visit -- A pet’s burial site can serve as a place for quiet reflection and remembrance.
• a more traditional ritual -- Many people find comfort in the ritual of burial, including shrouding, a vigil, or placing personal items with their pet.
• eco-friendly option -- If sustainability is a priority, natural or green burials allow your pet to return to the earth naturally.

Considerations for burial:

• laws and regulations -- Home burial is not legal everywhere. Be sure to check local laws before proceeding. Rules for Alaska can be found on the Division of Environmental Health website.
  **if your pet was euthanized, please take the specified precautions to avoid accidentally poisoning wildlife**
• space requirements -- If you don’t own property, burial may not be an option.
• permanence -- If you move, you may not be able to visit your pet’s resting place.

There’s no wrong choice. Whether you choose cremation or burial, the most important thing is that it feels right for you. Your pet’s memory is not defined by where they rest, but by the love you shared and how you choose to honor them.