Cremation and Burial FAQ's
What is cremation?
Cremation is a specialized process by which the remains of the dead are reduced to very small bone fragments and a sandy ash. The body is placed in a cremation chamber. Reduction takes place as a result of intense heat. The remains are retrieved and placed in a permanent or temporary container, depending on whether the remains are to be kept, scattered, or buried.
Is cremation the same for people and for pets?
Yes. The process is exactly the same.
Why do people choose cremation for their pets?
Cremation is less expensive than burial, yet it maintains the same standards for respect and dignity. Cremation makes it possible to scatter or bury the remains in one or more locations which were special places of happiness during life. And it makes it possible to keep the cremated remains at home in an urn.
Why do people scatter or bury the "ashes"?
Because they want to return to nature what nature created. Some people like the idea of mixing the "ashes' with wildflower seeds which can blossom a tribute to a pet's memory year after year. Some people want a special resting place for their pet, and choose burial.
Why do people keep the "ashes" of a pet in an urn?
They want to maintain the pet's presence in the home as a constant reminder of love and good memories. And if they move to another place, the remains of a beloved pet do not have to be left behind.
Where can I bury by animal ?
Some people choose to bury their animal. Certain laws do prohibit burial of an animal within city limits. If you are outside city limits some important things to remember. Please check your city laws to determine what action is best. It is important that you bury them under 4 feet of earth. The reason for this is so they are not unearthed by other animals. Also if your pet was euthanized vs. passed away naturally they still have the euthanasia solution in their tissues. If another animal were to unearth them and ingest any of the material they could be affected by the euthanasia solution and pass away themselves.
Another option for burial is a cemetery. These certainly are more costly, but they are an option. In the Denver Metro area we have the Evergreen Pet Cemetery available.
What is cremation?
Cremation is a specialized process by which the remains of the dead are reduced to very small bone fragments and a sandy ash. The body is placed in a cremation chamber. Reduction takes place as a result of intense heat. The remains are retrieved and placed in a permanent or temporary container, depending on whether the remains are to be kept, scattered, or buried.
Is cremation the same for people and for pets?
Yes. The process is exactly the same.
Why do people choose cremation for their pets?
Cremation is less expensive than burial, yet it maintains the same standards for respect and dignity. Cremation makes it possible to scatter or bury the remains in one or more locations which were special places of happiness during life. And it makes it possible to keep the cremated remains at home in an urn.
Why do people scatter or bury the "ashes"?
Because they want to return to nature what nature created. Some people like the idea of mixing the "ashes' with wildflower seeds which can blossom a tribute to a pet's memory year after year. Some people want a special resting place for their pet, and choose burial.
Why do people keep the "ashes" of a pet in an urn?
They want to maintain the pet's presence in the home as a constant reminder of love and good memories. And if they move to another place, the remains of a beloved pet do not have to be left behind.
Where can I bury by animal ?
Some people choose to bury their animal. Certain laws do prohibit burial of an animal within city limits. If you are outside city limits some important things to remember. Please check your city laws to determine what action is best. It is important that you bury them under 4 feet of earth. The reason for this is so they are not unearthed by other animals. Also if your pet was euthanized vs. passed away naturally they still have the euthanasia solution in their tissues. If another animal were to unearth them and ingest any of the material they could be affected by the euthanasia solution and pass away themselves.
Another option for burial is a cemetery. These certainly are more costly, but they are an option. In the Denver Metro area we have the Evergreen Pet Cemetery available.