Aftercare options for our beloved friends

Talking about what happens with our pets after they pass can be very uncomfortable. However, it is a very important part of planning and decision making. We refer to this part of their end-of-life journey as “aftercare”. Sunset Veterinary Care is able to facilitate your wishes for your pet’s aftercare. The following blog post will outline the various options available to help you feel confident about your decision.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Cremation

There are two main types of cremation available for pets - traditional (flame/heat-based) and aquamation (water-based). We will cover the differences shortly. There is also the option of having your pet’s ashes returned to you (private cremation) or to have them spread with other pets and not receive any remains (communal cremation). Families can arrange to have an urn from the crematorium, or receive ash remains without an urn in order to use their own selection. Urns can be left unsealed so ash remains can be viewed or spread, or can be securely sealed. Ashes are kept within a bag inside of the urn.

Pet companions who are privately cremated will have their ashes returned to their family veterinarian for pickup. You may also choose home delivery for an additional fee.

When Sunset Veterinary Care arranges cremation for your companion, the veterinarian will bring your pet in their vehicle. Pets over 32lb will require assistance to the doctor’s vehicle, and dogs over 90lb will require a home pickup from the crematory. Companions brought into our care will be respectfully handled and a tag will stay with them indicating their name, your information and any important information regarding cremation wishes, such as urn choice or where ashes will be delivered.

Families can choose to send blankets, toys or tokens with their beloved pets during their journey to the crematory. Please know, however, not all items can be cremated with your pet, but will stay with them until time of cremation.

Dr. Liz has personally toured both crematories and is grateful to have such respectable facilities to continue the care of her patients.

Traditional Cremation

Traditional cremation is what most of us think of when we consider cremation. It is the use of high heat to create an ash remain.

We are very fortunate to have Precious Pet Cremation in Winnipeg to handle our traditional pet cremation needs.

They offer various urns which are available for viewing on our website. The veterinarian can also bring a sample of standard ceramic urn colours to the appointment.

Aquamation

Aquamation is a newer form of cremation. It is also referred to as alkaline hydrolysis or water-based cremation. The process is considered more eco-friendly as there are reduced emissions, less energy is used and the water used during the process can be returned to the ecosystem.

Peaceful Pasture Pet Cremation is Manitoba’s first and only aquamation facility and we are proud to work alongside them.

They include a biodegradable urn with their private cremations and have other urns available for purchase, which you can view here.

Spreading Ashes

Families may wish to spread their pet’s ashes at a memorable location such as their home or cottage.

Burial

Many families would like to keep their beloved companion animals close to their hearts by opting for a home burial.

In the City of Winnipeg it is legal to bury animal remains on your privately owned property. For more information, please contact 311. If you are outside of the City of Winnipeg, please contact your RM to find out specific laws or rules.

Regardless of where you are located, there are some important guidelines to follow in burying your pet to protect local wildlife and waterways. Euthanized animals contain medication that can be very harmful, or even lethal, if it was ingested by scavenging animals or through leaching into water.

Other

Other aftercare options may be available for your companion. Please feel free to discuss options with the Sunset Veterinary Care team to see how we can accomodate your wishes.

Other options may be available through your city or RM. Contact 311 or your RM directly to discuss.