Pet cremation is based on your pet's weight. The average cost of pet cremation in Australia is anywhere from $325 for a pet under 10kg, to $385 for a pet over 40kg. Premium urns, boxes or memorial keepsakes are also often available, usually for an additional fee.
Most veterinary practices use the services of just one pet crematorium, which they may have no say over the choice of, and will act on your behalf to arrange your pet's cremation with this crematorium. Many pet owners do not realise that they have the freedom and right to decide which pet crematorium they use.
What to Expect After the Euthanasia. Once the solution has been administered, your vet will listen to your dog's heart to confirm the death. Your vet will let you know that your dog has passed on. At this time, your vet will probably step out of the room to give you a few moments alone with your dog.
Some people choose to have their pets cremated, before placing the pet's ashes in an urn or scattering them someplace special. In Australia, pet cremation follows the same systems and safety checks as human cremation. Therefore you can be ensured that your pet is in safe hands.
You can choose to bury your pet at your property. This can be a meaningful and meditative process for home owners able to do so. You can also contact your local council's waste facility about possible disposal options at their site.
If this happens to you, seek guidance from your veterinarian as soon as possible, preferably by taking your pet into the practice. Your veterinarian will confirm your pet's death, assist with aftercare arrangements and can even investigate the cause and circumstances around your pet's death if they feel it's necessary.
The average amount of time it takes to cremate an animal is 45 minutes to two hours. Once your pet has been cremated, you should receive their cremains within just a couple days. Ask your pet crematorium ahead of time how long it will be to save yourself any distress.
Vet expenses aren't exactly cheap. While the average cost for euthanization and cremation of a dog ranges between $150 to $300, you can still expect a vet to charge anywhere from $50 to $300 and up for euthanization alone.
Private Cremation: Your dog is placed in a private and separate compartment in the cremation chamber. This way, you are sure to receive only his or her ashes. Witnessed Cremation: Allows you to watch the cremating as it is happening. This type can sometimes help with the grieving process.
Occasionally, a dog may give a small cry as the injection is given – as with all anaesthetics, there is a brief feeling of dizziness as the drug takes effect. Unconsciousness follows within seconds, often before the injection is finished. Death occurs within a couple of minutes when the heart stops beating.
Choosing to stay with your pet during euthanasia is best because it alleviates their stress. Having you present reduces the anxiety and fear they may experience at the end of life. The process of dying can trigger anxiety in a pet. Having their loved one near relieves some of their discomfort.
Rudolph, estimated to be about 8 months old, was chosen to be put down because of overcrowding at an animal shelter in Oklahoma. When the veterinarian returned after injecting the euthanasia drugs, the puppy was still awake.
The most prominent sign that you will notice is a complete relaxation of the body, your dog will no longer appear tense, rather they will “let go.” You will notice a slimming of the body as the air is expelled from their lungs for the last time and you may notice the lack of life in their eyes if they are still open.
The Three Types of Cremation
The cremation process can be: Private - During a private cremation, your pet is alone in the cremation space, which is carefully cleaned between use.
Once you're sure your dog has passed, the next step is to call your veterinarian's office. A vet's office will take your dog's body and either dispose of it for you or store it for you before you have a cremation or burial. They might also know of resources like a pet crematory or a mobile vet service.
Give them all the things they enjoy most – their favourite toys, their favourite food. You know what will make your pet feel most at ease in the time that remains. If you become tearful, ask a family member, friend or other trusted person to take care of your pet so you can leave the room and have a cry.
Obtain a blanket, towel or bed sheet that is large enough to wrap around the body. Also get a heavy duty plastic trash bag (double them up if the body is very large or if the bags are thin). Arrange the body on the blanket, towel or sheet. Place the body on its side in a curled-up position, as if sleeping.
16. Are organs removed before cremation? Removing organs before cremation does not happen. Even if an autopsy has been performed, the organs are cremated.
Acute grief symptoms after the death of a pet can last from one to three months and general symptoms of grief can continue, on average, for six months to a year This grieving period can vary significantly from person to person and can be much longer or shorter.
Call the vet
The first person you should call is your vet. If they don't have the facilities to handle your dog's body as you wish they will be able to direct you to someone who does. If there is a Pet cemetery in your area, they are also usually able to make collections.