The death of a pet is always untimely and painful. Taking some time to plan ahead for the inevitable means you don't have to worry about making these decisions while you're also experiencing acute grief. It's also helpful to have a plan, to avoid getting swept up in the automatic processes and decision-making that can sometimes occur in a more clinical setting.
Here are some questions to guide you in thinking about end-of-life planning. There are no right or wrong answers to any of these, it's just meant to get you thinking about options.
What do I want to happen with my pet's remains after they die?
How do I know when it's time to say "goodbye"?
Where do I want my pet to die?
Who do I want to be there when my pet dies? Who is my support network?
Where can I find more resources? Here are some links for online memorials, grief resources, and grief support chats:
Here are some questions to guide you in thinking about end-of-life planning. There are no right or wrong answers to any of these, it's just meant to get you thinking about options.
What do I want to happen with my pet's remains after they die?
- Water cremation
- Flameless Cremation Services is the only water cremation facility in Southcentral Alaska. Like funeral homes for people, we also accept "pre-need" arrangements with families. Read more about pre-need here.
- Ashes can be kept, scattered, or buried. There are abundant options for urns of all shapes and sizes, and countless ways that ashes can be used in art, jewelry, and other creative keepsakes. Some options for mementos using ashes and fur can be found here.
- Flame cremation
- In the Anchorage and Mat-Su areas, your options for flame cremation include Hearthaven, Passages, and PetER. Your favorite veterinarian likely has a contract with at least one of the flame crematories.
- Burial
- We aren't aware of any cemeteries within the Anchorage area willing to accept animals. If you know of any, please message us! For backyard burials, the State of Alaska has recommendations about burial depth and distance from water sources.
How do I know when it's time to say "goodbye"?
- Involve your trusted veterinarian in this decision, but you know your pet best. Try to be objective in evaluating quality of life for your pet. The Quality of Life Scale is a good tool to help you in this assessment.
Where do I want my pet to die?
- At home or in a veterinarian's office? There are a number of mobile veterinarians serving the Anchorage and Matsu areas.
We love Dr. Julie Stafford, Dr. Amanda Grimes, and Dr. Andi Slaughter. - We are now offering our Sendoff Suite for use by families. Learn more about the Rainbow Bridge Sendoff here.
Who do I want to be there when my pet dies? Who is my support network?
- Who do you want to be present? Who will be your biggest source of support?
- Death Doulas and Death Midwives are another resource. They've undergone training to help families in creating ritual and meaning during end-of-life and aftercare. They're also able to help with more practical and logistical needs that arise.
- Fur clipping, pawprints in ink or clay, nose prints - if you want any of these keepsakes, make time to collect them. Your veterinarian, Doula, or crematory professional should be able to help. We can definitely help with this.
Where can I find more resources? Here are some links for online memorials, grief resources, and grief support chats:
