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.
“Dr. Huntley was able to come to our house within 24 hour period, as our friend and pet Elmer, could not get into a car and the last 2 days, get up from the floor, so, it was time to help him, though I was not ready. Nobody ever is. Dr. Huntley is SO compationate with our family, who was there to say goodbye. My wife and I held him so he knew that we were going to miss him. I would have rather met Dr. Huntley in another way, but we are glad, there is a service that can take care of everything. She was very respectful and compassionate when it came to the "time" and the after care. Elmer is running with his friends that left us before, and I can't wait to see them all again. ”
Dale D.
Dec 11, 2025
“This was the first time having to say goodbye to a pet. My pup had declined quickly on Thanksgiving morning. I didn’t even know if there would be any options to do anything that day or if I’d have to wait until the next day to do anything. I am very thankful for Dr. Cherissa. She was very kind and compassionate. She explained what the process would look like and gave us plenty of time for our goodbyes. Thank you again for your service. ”
Amy D.
Dec 11, 2025
“This is written to share with you our personal experiences with the unfortunate necessity of saying ‘goodbye’ to our friend, companion and virtual family member of nearly 15 years, our dog, Baxter. Most of the time Baxter was a good boy...and, yes, once in a while, a bad boy...but he was always our boy. Baxter was a Shiba Inu and a handsome devil. He loved to run, jump, chase and frolic and shared hours of enjoyment with us. Since our children were all grown, Baxter became more than just a pet. He would sit at the table with us, never ate dog food, was most often fed his chicken and cheese (not mixed) by hand and loved to escape from the house, patrol the neighborhood for between 30 seconds and 5 minutes and then come running back through the garage, thru the open door to the kitchen to the safety of his own home. As it does with all pets, eventually time caught up with Baxter much too quickly. He slowed down and began to have other issues that seemed to be causing him pain. He had 14+ great years, but things had become more and more difficult for him over the past 12 months. This finally brought us to what seemed like the most painful conclusion we ever faced – it seemed we were trying to extend Baxter’s life – not as much for Baxter as for us. So the final decision was made and we investigated all the options, one of which was in-home pet euthanasia. We decided we wanted to be with him to comfort him during his final moments. We wanted him to be treated with dignity and compassion. And we wanted him to be comfortable with where he was and with those who loved him the most. And, yes, I will admit, we wanted it to be as free from anxiety and stress as possible for us as well. As I am typing this with tears in my eyes, I have to say that thanks to Dr. Dzierga and her team at CodaPet. She came to our home, sat with us and Baxter for an hour explaining the process, what we could expect and, most importantly how Baxter would be treated. I have to say the entire procedure was more comforting and less painful than either of us ever imagined. Baxter was lying with us and simply drifted off to sleep experiencing no pain nor any anxiety, nothing but comfort. We said not our ‘goodbyes’, but our ‘goodnights’ to our little friend, promising to see him again. The last image I have of Baxter was him wrapped in blanket like a baby being lovingly carried away. His eyes were closed as if he were only sleeping, content, at peace and free of pain. We recommend every pet owner consider in-home pet euthanasia. It is a beautiful way to say ‘goodnight’ to your ‘friend’ and give those final moments with ‘your Baxter’ the same meaning as the wonderful life you shared together. Don and Eileen Bigda”
Don B.
Dec 11, 2025
“Dr. John was compassionate and gentle in dealing with our sweet girl, and followed our wishes at every step, even to sweetly wrapping her and pacing her into the box for burial. He made the experience bearable and comforting.”
Laura N.
Dec 11, 2025
“Dr. Murray was so kind and empathetic.The compassion he provided to us and our loved one was so special. . I am forever grateful to Dr. Murray for the care and respect he showed our family and pet. Thank you so much Sarah Vidosh and Ike RIP❤️”
Sarah V.
Dec 11, 2025
“Dr Lane was incredibly compassionate and thoughtful during such a sad and heartbreaking moment for our family. He took the time to love on our sweet pup and gave us the time we needed. Explaining everything along the way. He even noticed all our family photos that included her acknowledging how loved she was and that he could tell she had an amazing life. Very personable and kind. ”
Kayla C.
Dec 11, 2025
“I cannot thank Dr. Murray enough for the sincere amount of support and love he expressed during this time. I honestly don't know what I would have done or how I would have gotten through this time if it wasn't for him!”
Lora S.
Dec 10, 2025
“She was so incredible. This was our teens first pet death and she took the time to explain what would happen. She gave them and us plenty of time to say goodbye, give kisses and feel ready. In a situation no one wants to find themselves, her kindness and care made it so we have warm memories of saying goodbye to our dog. ”
Mandy W.
Dec 10, 2025
“Lexi was our first family pet, so we'd never used a service like this and I didn't know it was an option until I unfortunately had to consider it this past week. Amy came by last evening and was very kind and considerate. She sat with us and allowed us to start the process when we felt comfortable. She was especially kind to my children who were having a rough time, as we all were. We are very thankful this service exists, and for Amy. ”
Kevin U.
Dec 10, 2025
“Dr. Meadows, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for your caring and respectful demeanor during this difficult process of letting our precious dog Bosley go. Your thoughtfulness made a significant difference to us. Thank you 🙏🏻 Kathy & Ed Galuski”
Kathy G.
Dec 10, 2025
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