Over a century ago, the idea of giving pets a respectful farewell was so unconventional that it made news. In 1881 in New York City, Caroline Earl White decided to bury her beloved dog instead of merely disposing of her, and in so doing, established the first pet cemetery in the U.S. In a recent article, Smithsonian Magazine called this a "revolutionary" movement for animal aftercare. Since then, the bond between people and their pets has only grown stronger, and expectations around aftercare have evolved. Today, research provides insights into what pet parents value most when making these decisions. Yet, despite this progress, many pet families are still unaware they have options when the time comes.
When it comes time to say goodbye, choosing an aftercare option can feel overwhelming. Studies suggest that the primary expectations of pet parents center on dignified handling, transparency of the process, and having options for how to honour their pet. While the climate crisis has inspired us to consider sustainable alternatives as consumers, environmentally friendly options are not always the top priority when considering pet aftercare options.
So what DO pet parents expect?
According to a study published in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, a major concern for pet parents is how their pet’s body is treated after death. The study surveyed pet owners about their expectations and found that 50% expressed worries about the body being mislabeled or mishandled. Most respondents preferred respectful containment, such as a blanket or shroud, and 85% felt that the use of trash bags was completely unacceptable. This reflects a common desire for dignity, respect, and personalization in how pets are handled once they’ve passed.
The same research revealed that many pet owners wish to plan ahead, even while their pet is healthy. About 41% indicated they would like to discuss aftercare options before the time comes, while 28% preferred to finalize all arrangements well in advance. This proactive approach to planning provides peace of mind and ensures that the aftercare aligns with the family's wishes. Preplanning helps reduce stress for families during an emotionally charged time and gives them a voice in their pet’s final arrangements.
A majority of pets are cremated by flame, but this 'preference' may be linked to a lack of information about other options. When given the choice, more pet parents opt for Aquamation, or gentle water cremation, than traditional flame cremation but environmentally friendly alternatives are not commonly offered. Veterinarians play a crucial role in educating pet parents about their choices, as many pet families look to their veterinary team for guidance on aftercare services. And 86% of pet owners in a study published by The Veterinary Nurse reported relying on their veterinarian to help make end-of-life arrangements and provide recommendations for cremation or burial.
A study by Cooney et al. emphasizes the importance of transparency and choice in aftercare. Ethical Aftercare Recommendations developed in their research outline how veterinarians should communicate with pet families, providing accurate information, written materials, and time to address concerns. Most pet parents felt that a brief discussion (5-20 minutes) would be sufficient to understand aftercare options. Additionally, empowering pet owners to make informed decisions about whether they prefer burial, cremation, or other alternatives like taxidermy or cryopreservation is crucial.
One of the key insights from the research is the strong preference for respectful treatment of a pet’s body. Concerns over body care and storage reflect pet parents' desire for a dignified process. Ensuring minimal holding time (preferably less than 24 hours before cremation or burial) is an example of a respectful practice that many families look for. Veterinary staff are encouraged to follow these preferences closely and communicate clearly about how the process will be managed.
From that first pet burial to today’s variety of aftercare choices, pet parents' values have elevated our standards, mirroring our growing recognition of pets as cherished family members. Each decision about aftercare reflects these evolving values, whether choosing an individualized service, opting for a gentle, environmentally friendly process, or researching local options. Knowing your options and understanding what resonates with you can help provide the meaningful farewell your beloved companion deserves.
More Reading:
Cooney, K.A., et al., "Pet Owners’ Expectations for Pet End-of-Life Support and After-Death Body Care," Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 2021 [oai_citation:2,Pet Owner Expectations About After-Death Care | Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-dogs-go-heaven/202103/pet-owner-expectations-about-after-death-care).
Kogan, L.R., et al., "End-of-life support and after-death body care for pets: what pet owners want," The Veterinary Nurse, 2023 [oai_citation:1,The Veterinary Nurse - End-of-life support and after-death body care for pets: what pet owners want](https://www.theveterinarynurse.com/content/research/end-of-life-support-and-after-death-body-care-for-pets-what-pet-owners-want).
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