Everything you need to know about animal cremation

Animal cremation: a respectful and symbolic approach to honoring your companion

Pets occupy a precious place in our lives. They share our daily lives, offer us love and presence, and become true members of the family. This recognition of the importance of animals is now reflected in the law, which considers them as sentient beings and no longer as mere chattel. When the time comes for their departure, it is natural to want to offer them a dignified and respectful farewell. Pet cremation is a solution increasingly chosen by owners to pay tribute to their deceased companion.

Definition of terms

• Burial : burying the deceased and creating a grave.

• Cremation : Burning and reducing to ashes the body of a deceased human or animal. The ashes are collected in a cinerary urn.

What is animal cremation?

Animal cremation is the process of incinerating (=crematizing) the animal's body in a specialized crematorium. This method is regulated and carried out in compliance with health and environmental standards. It offers a respectful and clean alternative to other solutions such as burial.

The different options available to the owner of a deceased animal

1. Burying the animal in your own garden : This practice is subject to strict social distancing rules to avoid health risks. However, animal burial has been prohibited since 2021.
2. Bury the animal in a pet cemetery : These spaces allow owners to have a place of remembrance for their companion.
3. Cremating the animal and storing it in an urn : This option allows you to keep the ashes at home or to place them in the tomb of a deceased person.

The different types of cremation

When choosing cremation for your pet, you have several options:

1. Collective cremation

In this cremation, several animals are incinerated at the same time. The ashes are then collected and scattered by the crematorium, often in a designated memorial garden. This option is generally more affordable.

2. Individual cremation

Individual cremation allows the pet to be cremated alone. The ashes are carefully collected and returned to the owner in a funeral urn. This solution offers the possibility of keeping the ashes at home, scattering them in a symbolic place, or using them to create a piece of keepsake jewelry.

3. Private cremation

This type of cremation is similar to individual cremation, but with the possibility of the owners being present during the cremation. This option allows for a moment of farewell and reflection.

Why choose animal cremation?

Animal cremation has several advantages:

• Environmental respect : It meets strict standards in terms of ecology and hygiene.
• Personalized Keepsake : Individual cremation allows for ashes to be kept in an urn or turned into keepsake jewelry, providing a tangible way to keep your loved one close.
• Soothing process : Choosing cremation, especially private cremation, can allow you to experience a final symbolic farewell.

Social and legal context surrounding animals in France

A major social issue

Pets occupy a central place in French society:

• There are more than 80 million pets in France, or one in two households.
• 84% of French people consider animal protection to be an important cause, on a par with environmental protection and the fight against violence against women.
• 93% of French people are in favor of strengthening the legal framework concerning animal protection.

The evolution of the legal framework

Recognition of the status of animals in France has evolved significantly:

• 1999 : Animals cease to be considered as simple things in the Civil Code.
• 2015 : Animals are recognized as living beings endowed with sensitivity.
• 2020 : The report by veterinarian and MP Loïc Dombreval proposes several measures for animal welfare, including the management of stray animals and a ban on the sale of animals in pet stores.
• 2021 : Bill to strengthen the fight against animal abuse.

Unlike human ashes, the preservation of pet ashes is permitted by law. The burial of pets, except in specialized cemeteries, is prohibited.

The importance of remembrance

Losing a pet is a profound emotional ordeal. To help owners through this time, many solutions exist today to honor the memory of their companion. Jewelry containing ashes, personalized urns, and even engraved objects allow for a symbolic presence of the deceased pet.

Conclusion

Pet cremation is a respectful and personalized way to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Offering several options tailored to each individual's needs and wishes, it allows for a dignified tribute to these companions who have meant so much to our lives.