One lovely option for families is a private cremation. With a private cremation, your pet is cremated individually, ensuring that only your pet’s ashes are returned to you. Careful identification and an 8 step tracking process is maintained throughout the entire process to provide complete peace of mind and to ensure your pet is respectfully cared for from collection through to the return of their ashes.

Following the cremation, your pet’s ashes are carefully placed into your chosen urn, keepsake or presentation vessel before being returned directly back to your home address, and handed to you person to person.

Some families choose a communal cremation, where their pet is cremated together with other beloved pets. With this process, every pet is still treated with dignity and respect.

As ashes cannot be separated following a communal cremation, they are not returned to families. This option provides a respectful farewell for those who do not wish to keep their pet’s ashes.

Instead, the ashes are returned back to the soil and scattered on a property in a beautiful country setting.

Following your pet’s peaceful passing at home, you are welcome to spend as much private time with them as you need. There is never any rush, and we encourage families to say goodbye in whatever way feels right for them.

When you are ready, your pet will be gently wrapped in a soft blanket and transported with dignity to a dedicated pet crematorium. Throughout the entire process, experienced staff treat every pet with the same compassion and respect they would their own.

Many families find comfort in creating a lasting tribute to their beloved companion.

Depending on your preferences, there are a range of beautiful memorial options available, including:

• Elegant urns and keepsake vessels

• Timber memorial boxes

• Paw print impressions

• Locks of fur

• Memorial jewellery designed to hold a small portion of ashes

• Photo frames and remembrance keepsakes

These personal mementos can provide lasting comfort and celebrate the unique bond you shared with your pet.

Each of our families is offered a complimentary fur clipping and ink paw print as part of our bespoke service, at no extra charge.

Yes. Many families like to send their pet with a favourite blanket, toy, handwritten letter, flowers or another meaningful item. Depending on the item, these may be able to accompany your pet during cremation.

If there is anything special you would like included — or alternatively, returned to you afterwards — please let us know so we can make the appropriate arrangements.

Once the cremation has been completed, your pet’s ashes are carefully prepared for return.

Depending on your preference, they can either be returned directly to your home or collected from an agreed location. Return times are typically within 14 days, although this may vary depending on the selected service.

In many areas, home burial is permitted under certain circumstances. However, requirements can vary depending on your local council, your property’s zoning, and any environmental restrictions that may apply.

If you are unsure whether home burial is appropriate for your property, we recommend checking with your local council before making arrangements.

If you decide to bury your pet at home, choose a quiet, well-drained area that is unlikely to be disturbed in the future. It is generally recommended that the burial site is located well away from vegetable gardens, waterways, drainage lines, underground utilities and neighbouring properties.

Many families choose a favourite spot beneath a tree, in a garden, or somewhere that held special memories for their pet.

Your pet can be lovingly wrapped in a favourite blanket, towel or natural fibre shroud before burial. Some families also choose to include a favourite toy, flowers, photographs or a handwritten letter as a final tribute.

A grave should be dug deep enough to help prevent disturbance by wildlife or other animals. The exact depth required will depend on your pet’s size and your local conditions, but sufficient soil (approximately 30cm - 60cm) should cover your pet once they have been laid to rest.

A home burial provides the opportunity to create a beautiful and lasting place of remembrance.

Families often choose to commemorate their pet by:

• Planting a tree, flowering shrub or native plant

• Placing a memorial stone or plaque

• Creating a small garden dedicated to their pet

• Adding a personalised ornament or engraved marker

• Visiting the site as a place for quiet reflection and remembrance

There is no right or wrong way to honour your pet. The most meaningful tribute is one that reflects the love and bond you shared together.

If you are considering home burial and would like guidance, we are happy to discuss your options during your consultation. We can help you understand the practical considerations and support you in choosing the farewell that feels most meaningful for your family.

At Paws Forever, our priority is ensuring every pet is treated with dignity, compassion and respect, no matter which aftercare option you choose.