Recently, Rufus, our Miniature Schnauzer passed away due to old age and stroke. On his passing, we had to make certain choices on the spot and in time of grief, these choices are never easy. Hence, we thought we share our experience here so that other pet owners will perhaps have an easier time during the inevitable passing of their pets.
Choice of Cremation Type
As there are no pet cemeteries in Singapore, cremation is your only choice. However there are 3 common options to choose from and they are:
Communal Cremation
In communal cremation, your pet is cremated along with other pets. As such, the ashes are not segregated, and you will not have the option to get back its remains.
If you have a tight budget, communal cremation is the way to go.
Individual Cremation
With this option, your pet is still cremated along with other pets but in individual compartments. Its remains are thus separated from the rest and after cremation, will be placed in an urn for your collection. However, because it is cremated along with other pets, you will not be able to witness the event or say your final goodbyes.
Private Cremation
The most expensive of the 3 available options, with private cremation, your pet will be cremated on its own. You will be able to witness the cremation and time will be given before cremation for family and friends to gather to say their final farewell. After cremation, your pet’s ashes will be placed in an urn of your choice for collection.
Choice of Urn?
While searching for a nice urn, we realize that the choices are pretty varied. Other than the ones provided by the pet cremation centre, you have the option of shopping online for one that best meets your needs. At one end of the spectrum are budget urns priced at about $10 and at the other, beautiful urns which can cost you in excess of $500. You can find urns made of different material types, from ceramic to stone or even hardwood. Indeed, the alternatives are so wide-ranging they remind us of funeral urns for humans.
Just like funeral pre-planning for us humans, it may be wise to search for an urn in advance so that when the time comes, you will not be pressured to make a decision which you may later come to regret.
Home, Columbarium or Sea Burial?
While we presume that most pet owners will want to bring their beloved pet’s ashes home, it’s interesting to note that there are other options, namely placing them in a pet columbarium or choosing sea burial. Most pet cremation service providers offer the latter 2 options.
Choice of Pet Cremation Services
The following are the providers of pet cremation services in Singapore. We list them here for completeness and for your convenience. Note that we do not endorse any of them and do not have any business dealings with any of them.
Mandai Pets Sanctuary
Website: www.mandaipetssanctuary.com
Mobile Pet Cremation
Website: www.mobilepetcremation.com.sg
Pets Cremation Centre
Website: www.petscremation.com.sg
Express Pet Cremation
Website: www.expresspetcremation.com.sg
Paws to Heaven
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pawstoheaven.com.sg/
When penning this article, memories of Rufus’ passing came flooding back. Looking back, we may have done enough for him for his final farewell. If anything, we were ill prepared. We therefore hope that by sharing, many can learn from our experience and plan a better final farewell for their best friend.
Alice Carroll says
It’s interesting to know that sea burial can also be possible for pets. I’d like to look for private pet cremation services soon because my dog’s condition is getting worse by the day. When his time comes, maybe I would like to scatter his ashes in the lake that he likes swimming in.
Andrew Koh says
So sorry to hear that you dog’s condition is deteriorating. Not sure if you are able to do sea burial in California though.