Tips To Plan A Pet Memorial Service

Step-by-Step Guide To Planning A Pet Memorial/Funeral Service

Step 1 - Researching Pet Funeral/Memorial Ideas

Based on how formal an event you wish to organize, there is a wide range of pet memorial ceremonies you can opt for: 

• Candle-Lighting Ceremony: Pets are treated like a member of the family, and their demise can prove to be a period of immense grief. Often considered the best symbolic gesture, a candle-light ceremony is also ideal for those who shy away from public speaking.
• Tree Plantation in Honor of Your Pet: Many people believe that planting a tree, or the act of creating a new lifeform, can help us heal faster. Many people nowadays opt for pet memorial urns that are bio-degradable and can be used as a base to plant a tree.
• Symbolic Release: By way of releasing something, you can aim to free your pet’s spirit. For this, you can use balloons and/or lanterns or even opt to release live butterflies.
• Slideshow: By using all your favorite photographs of your pet, you can create an interactive slideshow. This can be showcased during the memorial/funeral service.

Step 2 - Exploring Burial And Cremation

When you lose your beloved pet, amid immense grief, you will have to decide what to do with your pet’s mortal remains. 

The first option you can choose is cremation. Within cremation, there are two further options – private cremation and communal cremation. In the case of the former, your pet is cremated alone, and the ashes are then handed over to you. In the case of the latter, your pet is cremated along with other pets, and the remains are then scattered by the designated staff on private land. The former will cost you anywhere between $150 to $300, while the latter will cost you $25 to $150. If opting for cremation, you must also opt for pet memorial urns to keep the ashes secure and can also opt for pet memorial jewelry using ashes.

The second option you can choose is burial. You can choose to do so either at home or in a cemetery specifically designed for pets. While the former is definitely more economical, you must make sure that it is legal to do so where you reside. The latter is more expensive and can cost you anywhere between $400 to $600. In addition to this, you will also have to purchase a casket, which can cost anywhere between $50 to $500. 

Step 3 - Choosing Your Guest List

Pets are beloved family members, loved even by distant relatives and friends. Collective grieving when you lose a pet can help each member of the family cope with their loss. When creating a guest list for your pet’s memorial/funeral service, make sure to invite friends and family members who genuinely loved and cared for your pet. You can also call other pet owners. Additionally, do not forget to invite service providers, such as pet sitters, dog walkers, and veterinarian clinic staff. 

Step 4 - Setting Up A Viewing Table

You can set up a viewing table and display mementos associated with your pet - such as collars, name tags, and their favorite toys. If in case you opt for cremation, you can display the pet memorial urn on the table. 

Step 5 - Selecting Funeral Prayers And Speeches

In your moment of grief, finding the right words to pay homage to your pet can prove to be a difficult task. However, by reading out a prayer, speech, or poem, you can ensure you give your pet an honorable send-off. For prayers, you may explore St. Francis of Assisi’s work, given that he is the patron saint of ecology and animals.

When it comes to selecting a casket for your pet’s funeral service, you can choose from a wide range of caskets offered by Titan Casket. Our wide collection is available in a wide range of sizes and designs and is made using the most durable materials.