The loss of a beloved pet can be a heart-wrenching experience. As pet owners, we often grapple with the difficult decision of how to honor our furry companions once they pass away. Two primary options emerge: pet cremation and pet burial. Both choices offer unique ways to commemorate the lives of our cherished animals.
A Final Resting Place
Pet Burial:
Many pet owners choose traditional burial as a way to provide their pets with a final resting place that mirrors our human customs. This allows a physical connection to the pet’s memory and often provides a sense of closure for the grieving family. One advantage of pet burial is the wide range of personalization options. Whether it is a spot in the backyard, a dedicated pet cemetery, or a custom-made memorial, this option provides a tangible way to remember and visit your pet.
According to a survey by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC), around 86 per cent (%) of pet owners opt for traditional burials for their pets (IAOPCC, 2021).
Pet Cremation:
Pet cremation, on the other hand, is an increasingly popular choice for pet owners who prefer a more flexible approach. Cremation offers multiple options, including communal, individual, or private cremations. The ashes can be placed in a decorative urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or even turned into keepsakes like jewelry or art. This adaptability is one of the key benefits of choosing cremation. It also allows pet owners to take their beloved companions with them when moving or traveling.
According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), the pet cremation industry has been steadily growing, with a 63 per cent (%) increase in cremations over the past decade (CANA, 2020).
Environmental Considerations
Pet Burial:
One environmental aspect to consider when opting for pet burial is the potential impact on the ecosystem. Traditional burials require space and can pose a risk of groundwater contamination, depending on the chosen location. While some cemeteries have regulations in place to mitigate these concerns, they can vary significantly. It is crucial for pet owners to research and select an environmentally responsible burial site. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality suggests that traditional pet burials can result in nutrient leaching and contamination in groundwater if not managed properly (Yang et al., 2019).
Pet Cremation:
Pet cremation is often considered an eco-friendlier option. The process generally consumes less land, and emissions can be controlled in modern, regulated facilities. Some crematories even offer eco-friendly cremation methods, using less energy and producing fewer emissions. For pet owners concerned about environmental impact, cremation is a responsible choice.
A comparative study published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association concluded that cremation has a lower environmental impact than traditional burial, particularly in terms of land use and emissions (Du et al., 2018).
Emotional Considerations
Pet Burial:
The act of digging a grave, choosing a location, and personally tending to a pet’s burial can be a cathartic and emotionally healing experience for many pet owners. The physical process of laying your pet to rest can help in the grieving process and provide a sense of closure. The pet’s grave can also serve as a place for quiet reflection and connection with your departed companion.
A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that ritualized burial, like pet burial, can provide comfort and help people process grief (Neimeyer et al., 2016).
Pet Cremation:
Cremation, with its various options for memorialization, offers a different type of emotional healing. Creating custom urns, keepsakes, or art pieces from the ashes can be a comforting way to keep your pet close. Some pet owners find solace in the portability and versatility of ashes, enabling them to accompany their pet in their everyday lives.
A survey conducted by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories found that 74 per cent (%) of pet owners who chose cremation reported feeling a sense of comfort in keeping their pet’s ashes (IAOPCC, 2021).
Cost Considerations
Pet Burial:
In the Philippines, the cost of pet burial exhibits significant variability contingent on factors such as the burial site’s location, the chosen cemetery, and the extent of memorialization desired. These expenses encompass charges for securing a burial plot, procuring caskets, erecting headstones, and sustaining the resting place over time. Although traditional pet burial can be comparatively more costly, it provides a more palpable and enduring connection to the memory of your pet.
Data from the Philippine Pet Burial Association (PPBA) reveals that the average expense for a pet funeral, encompassing burial services, falls within the range of PHP 25,000 to PHP 100,000, with fluctuations influenced by the selected offerings (PPBA, 2022).
Pet Cremation:
The expenses associated with pet cremation fluctuate depending on the selected type of cremation, including individual, communal, or private, and the preferences for urns or memorialization. Generally, pet cremation is considered to be a more budget-friendly option, allowing pet owners to tailor their choices according to their financial constraints while still paying homage to their beloved pets.
According to data from the Philippine Pet Cremation Council (PPCC), the cost of pet cremation varies, with communal cremation typically ranging from PHP 2,500 to PHP 12,000 and individual cremation from PHP 5,000 to PHP 20,000. Additional expenses may apply for urns and personalized memorialization (PPCC, 2023).
Your (personal) choice
In the face of losing a beloved pet, the choice between pet cremation and burial can be a deeply personal and emotionally charged decision. Each method offers a unique set of advantages and considerations, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It is essential for pet owners to reflect on their own preferences, values, and circumstances when making this choice.
Whether you opt for the traditional and tangible connection of a pet burial or the flexible and eco-friendly approach of pet cremation, what matters most is that the chosen method helps you and your family find solace, healing, and a fitting way to remember your cherished companion.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She has been a solo parent for 16 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.