After Care

Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the most difficult moments a pet owner can face. If you’ve chosen home euthanasia, you may now be wondering what after care options you have for your pet. This decision is deeply personal, and there is no right or wrong choice—only what feels best for you and your family.

Many people like to consider their options ahead of the appointment time and are reassured to know what will happen next in their pets journey. It’s okay to take your time and choose what feels right. Your pet holds a special place in your life, and their memory will always remain in your heart.

Options for your companion

Home burial

If local regulations allow, you may choose to bury your pet in a special place on your property. This can provide a sense of closeness and create a personal memorial. Be sure to check local ordinances regarding pet burials, including proximity to local water courses, and take precautions to ensure the grave is deep enough to prevent disturbance.

Cremation

Gentle Paws Home Vets partners exclusively with trusted local crematoriums, whose processes have been vetted and with whom we would entrust our own pets.

There are two main types of cremation to choose from, communal and private.

Communal Cremation: Multiple pets are cremated together, and their ashes are not returned. Some facilities scatter these ashes in a dedicated memorial area.

Private Cremation: Your pet is cremated individually, and you will receive their ashes in an urn or keepsake. This option allows for scattering, keeping, or incorporating the ashes into a memorial item.

If private cremation is the right option for your loved one, then you will have a choice of keepsakes similar to those below. The exact appearance will be crematorium and availability dependant.

Scatter Tube

Presented with care, this option allows you to scatter your pets ashes in a chosen location.

Bamboo Pouch

Thoughtfully woven into a soft pillow shape, this option is suitable for burying or scattering your special companion.

Wooden Casket

A sturdy, closed wooden casket, suitable for keeping your companions ashes safe for years to come.

Paw Print Urn

A charming ‘brush finished’ metal design, with paw print motif detailing.

Picture Frame Casket

With a space for a treasured photo of your choice, this light ash box frame has an integrated casket.