Cremating Small Animals - Have you ever done it?

[skittyginny]

So I had a rat, her name was Beatrix and I can't put her in the ground. I'm leaving the "nest" soon and I want to take her with me.. She's been in a basement freezer for a month, I haven't been able to deal with her death, my mom had to move the body.



She was the most annoying little thing, she'd chew the bars until someone got her out or gave her food, she chew things if you gave her the chance, she ran around her cage creating a racket just because she wanted your attention. And afterwards she'd give you an "i iz so innocent" look that could make anyone laugh. She loved life so much, she fought so hard. Even after she'd been given her euthanization shot, she snuggled into my hand and licked it the entire time, fighting against the medicine. She wanted to stay but she was in so much pain, her quality of life was horrible because of the cancer that was destroying her body. I'd been delaying it because she always was such a happy little girl. Letting her go was one of the hardest things I've ever done.. And now I can't even let go of the body..

Yeah, so now I'm seriously considering getting her cremated. But it's really expensive! My family loved her a lot, I think my dad'd pay for it.. After her death he was the one who said "No more rats," because it hurt so much. And I agreed, it was too soon.

Have you ever cremated a small animal?

[Xeygwyn]

All of my piggies will be cremated when their time comes, and if your rat meant something to you, and you want to bring her with you, I would say go for it. Also, call vets in the area who might be able to find you a cheaper price range if the one you got seems too high. Sometimes the listing is only for larger pets, so definitely ask around and see if it differs for your little one. So sorry for your loss, even if it was some time ago.

[ellisa]

I am very sorry for your loss.

I had my guinea pig, Pedro, cremated when he passed. I couldn't stand the thought of burying him and leaving him somewhere. It's just a personal thing. I have nothing against people who don't cremate.

[Agrimony]

Both of my piggies who passed away, Toby and Fergus, were creamated. Asking around and specifying breed are the only ways to get a fair price. I did not creamte by choice so much, they both passed in winter and could not be buried due to snow, but I am glad thats what I did now.

[Kelsie]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know first hand how attached you can become to a little rat. Before I bought my house I used to always have my ratties cremated. I have a little table in my office that has their framed pictures on it and right beside each picture I have their little urns. I no longer cremate since I'm able to bury them in my yard. I absolutely loved my ratties. I've had many over the years and a few became so special to me. I can fully understand how Beatrix just touched your heart. My most special one was Sabrina. She passed away over 15 years ago and I can still tear up at the mention of her name. May your beautiful little Beatrix rest in peace.

[skittyginny]

I don't like burial for pets. It still haunts me that Baby is in the ground. My mom suggested that we do it through the vet. We're taking cat to the vet tomorrow, so we're going to ask then.
I really want an urn, one that is sealed. I've seen too many movies and shows of urn mishaps, Cartman and Kenny's ashes, Focker spilling his inlaw's beloved cat on the floor.. *shudder*

[SeeSpotSit]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I only had Alfred for a very short time, but had him solo cremated and returned to us. I think I have decided to get an urn for him as well I lost my first pet many many years ago and didn't have the money to take her with me so I left her at the vet...That will never be an option for me in the future. If I owned a house (not in the city), I can definitely see burying, but cremation is the best for me right now.

[schavarry]

I really want an urn, one that is sealed. I've seen too many movies and shows of urn mishaps...

This made me think of Due Date where Zach Galifianakis character keeps his father's ashes in a coffee can... And someone else unknowingly uses the ashes to make coffee.

I understand not wanting to bury your baby! My dad buried two of our dogs in our yard when I was growing up, and another dog ended up digging up some of the bones We've had all our other doggies cremated and their urns are on the fireplace mantle in my parent's house. A sealed urn sounds like a good idea, maybe one made out of metal instead of ceramic or wood (more durable). Good luck finding a vet who will do it at a reasonable cost! Sorry for your loss RIP Beatrix

[CavyMama]

Are you sure it's expensive for a rat? I made the decision to have one of my pigs cremated. The vet charged $20. It only gets expensive if you want the ashes back.

[skittyginny]

Are you sure it's expensive for a rat? I made the decision to have one of my pigs cremated. The vet charged $20. It only gets expensive if you want the ashes back.

It's $275 for cremation. Speedy service, basic urn(unless other is bought), online memorial, private cremation is what you get. I want the ashes back in a nice urn, which is even more expensive. That's just going straight to the company, maybe going through the vet would be less expensive. They use the same company..

[CavyMama]

OKay, I didn't do private cremation, no urn, no ashes back or online memorial. I guess if you just do cremation, it's one basic fee.