When Pets meet their time: 3 things you'll need to know

When Pets meet their time: 3 things you'll need to know

When Pets meet their time: 3 things you'll need to know

Pets are certainly the lights of our lives, but even our best buds will one day need to move on. We will never be mentally prepared for things like this happening, however we should know what to do when the time does come. What should we prepare? What are the signs we need to look out for? What are things that need to be done? Here are 3 things we should know to get their affairs in order.

1) Pets will tend to display certain characteristics and behaviors before their time

Your pets tend to know when their time is coming. They will show signs of behavioral change when their lives edge towards the end, and these include weight loss, signs of discomfort and much less grooming than usual. You may notice a change in their eyes as well, where it starts to dull a little. Disinterest in food, drink and things happening around them may become more apparent as well. Lethargy will also be a sign to look out for, especially if it is more than usual. If all these signs appear at once, it may be time to take a look at end-of-life care for your pet.

2) Try not to prolong their suffering

Understandably, pet parents tend to wish their furbabies will live long and fruitful lives with them by their side. However, even the longest lived friendships have to part one day, and should part on as amiable terms as possible. Some parents, in a bid to try to spend as much time as possible with their pet, would opt to prolong the lives of their furbabies. This is not advisable, as sometimes your furkids suffer from the procedures and evils of their unnaturally lengthened lives. Always consult your family veterinarian for the best care for your furry ones, and if the advice of the vet is that of parting, perhaps it is time to let go.

3) Pets have to be cremated and deregistered after passing


Image credit: Sanctuary Pet Cremation

Finally when the time comes, and your furkid finally moves on, pet parents are required, by the National Environment Agency, to have their pets cremated. This mostly applies to larger pets, which include dogs and cats. There are 3 main forms of cremation available to pet parents: communal cremations, individual cremations and private cremations. 

  • Communal cremations are done with no partition between several pets at once, and therefore parents will not be able to attend the cremation. The ashes will be scattered at sea after. 
  • Individual cremations are cremations where partitions are set up between individual pets, thus allowing pet parents to collect the ashes after. 
  • Private cremations allow for pet parents to have a cremation ceremony in their own chambers before the cremation, and be able to gather the ashes after. 

Those who have opted for either the individual or private cremations are allowed the option to keep their pet's ashes in an urn, to either be displayed at home, or in an animal columbarium. The collection of ashes also allows for it to be turned into little trinkets to be worn, to remember the pet by. Do not forget to visit the Animal and Veterinary Service site in order to submit your pet's death certificate for the cancellation of your pet license and annual fees.

The passing of a pet is definitely akin to the passing of a loved one. No one is ever prepared for a loved one to go, but we should nonetheless be ready for anything and all eventualities. Hopefully, this article will better help you prepare for your pet, and lessen the burdens placed upon you during that tragic period.

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