Pet Aftercare & Cremation Near You
We understand that choosing what to do with your pet’s remains is an extremely personal decision, and we want to completely honor your wishes. As with every other aspect of your pet’s transition between life and death, your personal preferences and beliefs, as well as cost and local regulations can all affect your decision. Here are several options.
Cremation
Cremation is the option most often chosen by our pet parents, in part because our CodaPet vets can handle all the cremation details for you, whether you decide on private or communal.
Private Cremation
This makes it possible for us to return the remains of your pet in an urn of your choice. You can then choose to bury the ashes, scatter them, or even transfer them to a decorative urn or other keepsake. If you would prefer water-based cremation (Aquamation) rather than traditional flame based, please ask your CodaPet vet if this is available in your area. If you'd like to consider the different options of urns we offer, please consult with your CodaPet vet before or at the appointment.*Aquamation places your pet’s body in a bath consisting of water and salts that together, hasten the process that would normally occur if your pet had been buried. It takes longer than traditional cremation (up to 24 hours) and has less impact on the environment.
Communal Cremation
We also offer communal cremation options for a lower price. This option ensures your pet is cremated with others and the ashes are ceremoniously spread on the crematorium grounds or another location.
Burial
Private Burial
If your city/county regulations allow, you can choose to bury your pet on your personal property. Please check local regulations to see if this is legal in your area.
Cemetery Burial
Many areas have pet cemeteries where you can bury your pet and mark the grave, making it possible for you to visit as you might with any other family member who has passed. If you want to bury your pet in a cemetery, you will need to choose and make arrangements with a local pet cemetery before the euthanasia appointment. Please be sure to let your CodaPet vet know if you have planned for such a burial.
Other Options
Taxidermy
Some people choose to preserve a lifelike replica of their pet. If you are interested in this option, we recommend that you ask the taxidermist you plan to use to determine the most ideal method of storing your pet’s remains after passing. Please share this information with your CodaPet veterinarian as soon as possible so they are aware of your wishes.
Charitable Donation
Some people find comfort in knowing that as painful as it is to say goodbye to their pet, his or her remains can provide invaluable learning opportunities for future veterinarians and pet nurses. If that resonates with you, contact a veterinary teaching hospital or university prior to euthanasia to determine their current need. Please be sure to ask them if there is a particular drug that your CodaPet Vet should either use or avoid so that your pet’s condition at the time of passing will remain clear for the students to study. They might also have questions for your regular veterinarian about your pet’s general health and diagnosis.As difficult as it is to think about any of these options, deciding what you want ahead of time will help all concerned to honor your wishes.
Take Our Quality-Of-Life Questionnaire
“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Sarah Clem for helping our beloved Chloe Bear pass peacefully at home. Dr. Clem was compassionate, gentle, and respectful through one of the hardest moments for our family. She gave Chloe comfort, dignity, and love in her final moments, and helped us feel supported every step of the way. Saying goodbye is never easy, but the kindness and professionalism shown to Chloe Bear and our family made all the difference. We will always be thankful for the care and peace you provided. Thank you, Dr. Sarah Clem. ❤️”
Patti H.
May 18, 2026
“This was the best experience that we could have hoped for. We knew it was time to let our cat go but the thought of the stressful car ride and cold atmosphere of the vet's office was not ideal. Dr Krueger was amazing - she was gentle, compassionate and thorough. I felt very comforted by her presence and the peace that I had with my cat as I was able to hold him in his favorite blanket while he passed in a familiar place. ”
Barbara E.
May 18, 2026
“As heartbreaking as it was to say goodbye to our Senior Yorkie, Dr. Sarah Clem made the whole process as easy and peaceful as could be from first contact to returning our beloved baby. Thank you Dr. Clem. Appreciate you!! ”
Kristin S.
May 18, 2026
“This was the best experience it could possibly be, under the circumstances. Dr. Norman was friendly, warm and knowledgeable. We were able to focus on our beloved dog's final moments, while she handled all of the logistics seamlessly. It was a peaceful end . We sure appreciated her kindness.”
Andrea A.
May 18, 2026
“Thankful for Dr. Meadows and his assistant for their kind, gentle and professional care of our Lab. His suffering ended very peacefully at home. I would recommend him for in home pet euthanasia.”
Carol H.
May 18, 2026
“Dr Casey made the transition for our Bella in a very gentle and compassionate way. She made sure we were involved in the transition process in a very respectful manner. Her professionalism came with a heart. We are grateful she was able to ensure Bella was given the respect and dignity she deserved. She helped make the transition compassionate and we are very appreciative of her services.”
Kevin E.
May 18, 2026
“This was my first experience with having an in- home euthanasia service for my dog. I appreciate the careful and thoughtful way Dr. Bates took care with my dog having the procedure and the way she handled my dog that was a witness to it. Although, it was a very sad situation. She made us feel comfortable and walked me threw all the steps of the process. This put me at ease a bit and made my pups trip to rainbow heaven bearable. ”
Lisa G.
May 18, 2026
“The Doctor was very compassionate and so very thoughtful. We are so very happy we chose her in our time of grief. Thanks, Doc.”
Christopher B.
May 18, 2026
“I wanted to take a moment to thank a very special doctor, Dr. Karen Duncan of CodaPet, along with the incredible team at Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service. Laying Thor to rest has been one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. Dr. Karen Duncan is an amazing soul who truly found her calling. She arrived, took the time to get to know Thor, and after giving us the time we needed, gently and confidently reassured us that letting him go with dignity was the most selfless thing we could do. She made us feel like we had known her for years. She explained everything, supported us through every step, and gave us the time and space to process such a heartbreaking moment. The compassion and care did not stop there. The follow-up and support from Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service was beyond anything we could have imagined. The kindness, humanity, and understanding shown to our family is something so many businesses have lost over time. Thank you all for the compassion, dignity, humility, and care you showed us during one of the hardest moments of our lives. These are gifts and skills that simply cannot be taught.”
Joseph M.
May 18, 2026
“It’s been about two weeks now since we helped my guy Benny over the Rainbow Bridge. At 15 years and numerous health / mobility challenges, it was his time. When it was “their time”, we always took our furry children to the vet’s office for the “final visit”. Each office did their best to make it as easy as possible for all concerned, but it still felt a little “cold”, clinical and a little frighting. I was fortunate to have found CodaPet.com at the urging of our own vet’s office. We made the decision to help Benny at around 3:30pm on a Saturday. We received immediate response after scheduling online and Dr. Cassandra Lewis arrived at our house promptly at 7pm. After assessing Benny, she provided him with carefully administered sedatives to ease his suffering while surrounded by his family in the comfort of his favorite room on his favorite bedding. For the next 40 minutes or so, Dr. Lewis listen to us tell Benny’s life story. She was truly sent by the Angels. Allowing us to unburden ourselves to her compassionate ear allowed our healing to begin. She explained each step in the procedure and allowed for our questions as well as our periodic expressions of tearful grief. When we said our final “goodbyes”, she lovingly took Benny’s suffering away as we assured him the he was indeed “a good boy”. We chose the option for water cremation and carefully prepared him for transport in her vehicle. The entire process was professional, compassionate and even a little spiritual. We are forever grateful to Dr. Lewis (and CodaPet) helping us through this difficult time and giving Benny comfort and peace as he traveled the Bridge. ”
Dave B.
May 18, 2026
Book an appointment online for your beloved pet
Here are our frequently asked questions to help you feel fully informed and at ease.