Did you know that 70% of households in the United States own a pet? Everyone with a furry companion thinks about that sad day when we have to say goodbye.

We must choose between pet cremation and traditional burial for our beloved animals. Unfortunately, this is often while we’re grieving, which makes it even more difficult to decide.

Losing a pet never gets easier, whether you have to put them down or they pass away unexpectedly. We often push death to the back of our minds so we don’t have to think about it.

But death is a natural part of living, and we must prepare for it someday. That’s why planning ahead is a good idea, so the process is as painless as possible.

There are over 1.5 million pet cremations in the US per year. And whether you lose your pet cat, dog, or horse, cremation remains a viable option for your family’s needs. Keep reading to learn about the pet cremation process and whether it’s right for your family.

Pet Cremation vs. Pet Burial

Many people don’t realize that a pet burial can become complicated. You must pick a spot to bury your friend, choose a casket, and prepare a grave.

To make it harder, some states, like California, made it illegal to bury pets on private property. And while these rules are relaxed in rural areas, that doesn’t help urban families. You’ll likely have to locate a pet cemetery and drive to see your departed friend’s burial site.

Pet cremation is an easy way to avoid the difficulties of pet burials. Your pet’s remains are incinerated and carefully prepared for your family.

Pet cremation allows you to keep your pet close. And the cost of pet cremation is usually affordable. It can range from $25 to a few hundred dollars based on various factors. Plus, cremation comes with options.

Pet Cremation Options

Pet cremation offers your family a few options based on your needs. You can choose from communal cremation, private cremation, and witness cremation plans.

Communal Cremation

Communal cremation is the most affordable option available. Your pet will be cremated along with other pets. But, unfortunately, you won’t be able to keep their remains.

Their ashes will be mixed with other animals and handled by the crematorium. We work with local nurseries to scatter your pets’ remains in nature. Others will bury the ashes.

If you don’t want your pet’s ashes back or need a cheap option, communal cremation is a good choice. However, if you want a personal experience, it probably isn’t for you.

Private Cremation

Over 95% of people consider their pets a member of the family. And private cremation takes this statistic into mind. This process allows you to cremate your pet and receive its remains back separately. It’s also the preferred option for most pet owners.

You can have your pet delivered to the crematorium, prepared, and receive your pet’s remains the same week. You’ll often receive your pet’s ashes back in a small container. If you choose us, we’ll provide you with an urn, certificate, and ink paw impressions.

Witness Cremation

Did you do everything together with your furry companion? Then witness cremation may be something worth looking into. Witness cremation is the most intimate cremation service available. It allows you to come to the crematorium and witness the process.

Some people will find this option emotionally difficult, but others want to be there every step of the way. At our crematorium, you’ll have the choice of watching from our reception area using a monitor. Or, you can observe from a Facetime call.

Dog Cremation Services

For some, dogs are man’s best friend. It can be a heavy blow to the heart when they pass on. Here’s what you can expect if you plan on cremating your dog.

Before Dog Cremation

We’ll have you complete an inquiry form so we can get to know your beloved friend. Depending on your needs, you’ll choose from communal, private, and witness cremation.

Then we come to your home and pick up your dog for preparation. You can also drive to our facility and deliver your dog with your family if you’d like.

During Dog Cremation

The cremation process will depend on the option you choose for your dog. Communal cremation means your pet will enter the cremation chamber with other pets.

A private cremation means your dog will have its own cremation procedure. Once in the chamber, the incinerator reaches up to 1,300 degrees and reduces the pet remains to ash.

We’ll care for your dog and prepare for the cremation. Then we’ll begin the process of cremating your dog using our state-of-the-art machinery. Our machine tracks the process and ensures that your dog is safely cared for.

After Dog Cremation

After cremation, you will be notified by the crematorium. For communal cremations, your dog will be safely buried or scattered with the remains of other animals. For private cremations, you’ll receive the remains back under the procedure of the crematorium.

We notify your family when we’ve finished the cremation. If you choose private cremation, you can come to our facility and pick up your pet’s remains.

You can select a custom urn for your dog and get a certificate and paw prints to remember them. We also provide ongoing support to help you heal through this difficult time.

Cat Cremation Services

Cats are adored by their owners. And losing our feline companion is no easier than losing a dog. Here is what you can expect when you decide to cremate your cat.

Before Cat Cremation

You’ll complete our inquiry form and tell us about your cat’s life. Then you’ll choose from a communal, private, or witness cremation for your kitty.

We’ll travel to your home, pick up your cat, and get them ready for the cremation option you chose. You can also drive your cat to our facility, drop them off, and we’ll prepare them for cremation.

During Cat Cremation

If you choose a communal cremation for your feline friend, they will be cremated along with other animals and cared for by a local nursery.

They will enter the cremation chamber separately for a private cremation. The incinerator will reduce your cat’s remains to dust, and we’ll inspect for belongings, then we’ll refine the ashes.

At our facility, we’ll return any belongings or trinkets to your family. Our machine uses a Halcyon system to ensure your cat is treated with proper care.

After Cat Cremation

After cremation, the crematorium will notify you. If you choose a communal cremation, they will be carefully buried or scattered in nature with other animals. For private cremations, you’ll get your cat’s ashes back according to the crematorium’s standards.

Choosing us means you get the best care for your cat’s cremation process. You’ll receive your furry friend’s remains with paw prints, a certificate, and a beautiful urn. We’ll be there to help you through the grieving process with materials and support.

Horse Cremation Services

The bond between you and your horse is unique, and losing them can be heartbreaking. If you want to cremate your horse, here’s what you need to know.

Before Horse Cremation

Horse cremation can be different from smaller animals like cats and dogs. And it’s important that you choose a crematorium equipped to handle such an animal. Note that the pet cremation cost of a horse will also be higher than other pets.

You’ll fill out a simple inquiry and tell us about your horse. You’ll then choose your service.

You have the option of a communal, private, or witness cremation. It’s important to note that not every crematorium offers communal cremations for horses.

Since it’s difficult to preserve a horse’s body, we’ll act quickly to pick up your horse in a timely matter. We can retrieve your horse from the stable or the field. Or, if you feel you have the proper resources, you’re free to deliver your horse to our facility.

During Horse Cremation

Our facility is equipped to offer you a communal or private cremation for your horse. If you choose a communal cremation, your horse will be cremated with other pets. A private cremation ensures that your horse’s ashes are not mixed with other animals.

Our machinery is fully capable of cremating your horse safely and with care. Belongings will be returned to you, and ashes will be inspected to ensure there are no issues.

After Horse Cremation

We’ll contact you after the cremation process concludes. If you choose communal cremation, we’ll ensure that a local nursery properly handles your pet. If you choose a private cremation for your horse, you can come and pick up the remains.

You will receive your horse’s remains with a certificate and a proper urn to suit your departed friend. We’ll provide you with the best aftercare and support.

Pet Cremation Near Me: We’re Here for Your Family

Losing a pet is a challenging time. We know how hard it is to part with a loved one, but it’s best to plan ahead. Pet cremation services can help you get through the process without additional hassle. They can offer you options to suit your needs and budget.

If you need a crematorium in Long Beach, CA, we’re here to help. We provide the most compassionate services for families who lost their cherished animals.

Whether you need care for your deceased dog, cat, or horse, our facilities are prepared to help. We’ll treat you like family and help you honor your pet with dignity. Contact us for help today.

About 4,500 years ago, humans decided that domesticating horses was far more beneficial than hunting horses for food. These humans lived in the Don-Volga region of what is now Russia. That decision changed the course of human evolution.

Horses became a fundamental part of human life. Horses carried people over long distances and helped establish trade routes. Horses accompanied warriors onto the battlefield. And, perhaps most importantly, horses have become trusted and valuable friends.

Losing a companion like a horse is devastating. In this article, we’ll look at ways to remember your deceased equine friend, such as horse cremation, and why our horses deserve such an honor.

How Long Do Horses Live?

As with most domesticated animals, modern veterinary care has dramatically extended the horse’s lifespan.

Most horses live to about 25 to 30 years of age. Ponies live longer than standard horses and draft horses often live the longest. In fact, the oldest recorded horse was a draft horse named Old Billy.

Old Billy lived in England and worked as a barge horse, tugging boats through the canals. He was estimated to be 62 years old when he died.

Advances in equine medicine and nutrition have allowed horses to live and work well into their late twenties and even longer. It’s not unusual to see horses in their thirties galloping with their herd or participating in horse shows.

Why Do Horses Die?

Most horses succumb to age-related issues. Despite our best efforts, older horses might have trouble eating which causes them to lose weight and experience malnutrition. Advanced arthritis is painful and prevents a horse from being able to move properly.

When an old horse’s quality of life is affected, a veterinarian would probably recommend humane euthanasia.

Horses can also die from an illness. Colic, a disruption in a horse’s digestive tract, is a leading cause of death in horses.

Accidents can also result in the death of a horse. When a horse slips or falls, it can be catastrophic.

Sadly, horses don’t usually regain full health and mobility when they break a leg bone. Unlike humans or dogs and cats, a vet can’t always set a horse’s broken leg with a cast. Because of their body weight, a horse’s other legs aren’t always capable of holding themselves up, especially for the amount of time it takes for a bone to heal.

In cases where the horse is valuable, veterinarians may take steps to provide artificial support during the healing process, but it’s not always successful. One well-known example of this is Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner.

Barbaro broke his right hind leg in the 2006 Preakness Stakes. He had surgery at the University of Pennsylvania to correct the fracture but developed complications in his other legs. After considering his quality of life, Barbaro’s owners and the veterinary team decided to euthanize him in January 2007.

Barbaro’s ashes lie buried at Churchill Downs, the site of his final win.

How is a Horse Euthanized?

Suppose you and your veterinarian have decided your horse no longer has a good quality of life or your horse has a catastrophic injury. In that case, it might be time for humane euthanasia to end his suffering.

Chemical Euthanasia

When a horse is euthanized by chemical euthanasia, your veterinarian will give your horse a combination of drugs. Usually, they’ll give the horse a sedative first. If the horse is standing up, the sedative will cause them to lie down. Then the vet gives another injection containing a drug that stops the horse’s heart.

Gunshot

Although rare, some veterinarians might use a bolt gun to euthanize a horse. The vet must be licensed to carry and use this firearm. This method of euthanasia is not ideal but might be used in an emergency situation.

Horse owners who are also experienced with firearms might choose this method. Euthanasia by gunshot is critical if their horse is gravely injured and veterinary care isn’t readily available.

What to Do After a Horse Dies?

Since a horse is such a large animal, dealing with its body after death is difficult. However, time is of the essence, and even though you’re grieving, you or someone you trust must make a decision quickly.

It’s advised that any method of disposal be started within 24 hours of the horse’s death or sooner if possible.

Burial

Horse owners who have their own property might choose to bury their horse in its pasture. However, many horse owners board their horses at stables or on someone else’s land. In these cases, on-site burial might not be possible.

If you can bury your horse, it needs to be done quickly. If you have the luxury of planning your horse’s euthanasia and your horse can walk, your vet may advise you to dig the grave ahead of time.

Then the horse is euthanized near the grave, making burial much easier.

However, some states have laws regarding livestock burial, including horses. In California, burials on private property are allowed only if the burial site is at least a quarter-mile from shared property lines. The burial site must also be within three miles of the horse’s place of death.

Animals that were chemically euthanized must be buried at least three feet deep. This helps prevent wildlife from ingesting the chemicals when scavenging, which can be fatal across the food chain.

Cremation

Cremation is the preferred method of disposal for horses after they die. Equine cremation eliminates the need for a burial site and can be easier for a grieving horse owner to tolerate.

Cremation also falls within California state law regarding the safe disposal of remains. For instance, if your horse dies more than three miles away from home, you can have him transported for cremation, not burial.

A licensed transporter will take your horse to the crematory site when you choose cremation. The cremation service team members will help you decide on the details and inform you about the cremation procedure.

What’s Involved in Horse Cremation?

Cremating a horse is no different from cremating another species of animal or a human. The body is placed under high heat for several hours until ash is all that remains. If necessary, the ash might be treated again to remove any bone fragments.

Cremating your beloved horse is not pleasant to think about. However, it’s essential that you or someone you trust understands the process and asks pertinent questions. We’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions below.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time if you have additional questions or concerns.

Can I See My Horse Before the Cremation?

If you’d like to see your horse one last time, Furrever Friends can accommodate your request.

You can schedule an appointment to see your horse in person before the cremation begins. Viewing can be an important part of the grieving process and may help you recover from your loss. You can also use this opportunity to take a piece of your horse’s tail as a keepsake.

If you’d prefer another type of viewing, we can arrange a video call, or you can view a monitor in our guest area. This option allows you to witness the cremation process for as long as you’d like.

Is My Horse Cremated Alone?

In animal cremation, sometimes animals are cremated separately, and sometimes they’re cremated communally. Horses are so large they are always cremated individually in cremation units.

If you plan to keep your horse’s ashes, you will choose a private cremation for him. Private cremation ensures that your horse’s ashes are free from contamination. We’re committed to upholding the dignity of our profession and honoring your commitment to your beloved horse.

When Will I Receive My Horse’s Ashes?

If you choose to keep your horse’s ashes, we will have them ready for you within seven business days. We’ll contact you when they’re ready for pick up.

We also use Halcyon pet cremation software. Your horse is assigned a QR code and is tracked throughout each step of the cremation process.

Do You Offer Grief Counseling?

Our staff members are committed to treating every death with dignity. We can offer ways to cope with the loss of an animal friend and help you understand the process of parting with your horse’s body.

How Much Does Horse Cremation Cost?

The cost of horse cremation depends on several factors. However, cremating a horse is more specialized than other types of animal cremation. We’ll always be as upfront as possible regarding equine cremation costs.

First, we measure your horse’s height and weight. In most cases, a pony’s cremation is less expensive, and a draft horse’s cremation is more costly. A riding horse’s cremation costs fall in the middle.

Generally, the cost of a horse cremation is between $1,200 and $2,000. We’ll be able to give you an exact price after assessing your horse’s particular cremation needs.

If your horse is insured, consult your policy to see if cremation is covered. The insurance company can reimburse you for the equine cremation cost if it’s part of your contract.

What Happens After My Horse’s Cremation?

When your horse’s ashes are ready, you have many choices regarding their display and storage. You can decide on more than one way to remember your heart horse.

Proper storage also helps protect your horse’s ashes for years to come.

Growth From Ashes

Furrever Friends offers a unique service where we use some of your horse’s ashes to plant a tree or mix them with wildflower seeds. “Treemation” is a lovely way to remember your horse and be reminded of new life.

Decorative Urn

We recommend a beautiful urn for storage if you want to keep your horse’s ashes safe. You can choose from several sizes and styles. Your horse’s name, photo, and life dates can be displayed on the urn. View our catalog or talk with a team member to learn more.

Pedestal Urn

A pedestal urn is a lovely way to store your horse’s ashes in a manner that compliments most barn or home decor styles. The pedestal urn features a compartment for the ashes and a memento shelf for your horse’s blue ribbons, equine passport or one of his horseshoes.

Biodegradable Urn

If you’d like to bury your horse’s ashes, we can offer all or part of them in a biodegradable urn. Then the ashes can be buried in our pet cemetery, or you can bury them under your horse’s favorite tree.

Commemorative Jewelry

Commemorative jewelry is the perfect way to keep your horse close to your heart. A pendant-style necklace with lovely engraving contains your horse’s ashes. Or you can choose an urn charm to attach to your bracelet.

Candle Holders

An engraved candle holder is an uplifting way to have your horse’s ashes in your home. All you need to do is add the candle and light it to keep his memory alive.

Consider Advanced Planning

Caring for an elderly horse is a privilege. You get to provide him with a safe home during his final years in thanks for all the wonderful experiences he gave you.

However, the death of a horse is logistically more complicated than the death of another type of animal. Having a plan can make your horse’s last moments easier, especially knowing that Furrever Friends will treat his body with respect and dignity.

Furrever Friends can help you create that plan. When your horse’s time comes, we’ll be there to help.

Give Your Horse the Goodbye He Deserves

Losing a cherished animal is never easy but losing a horse feels different. Maybe it’s because horses and humans share thousands of years of history. Or perhaps it’s because your horse is your best friend.

Choosing horse cremation isn’t just a practical way to handle your horse’s body. It’s also a way to keep a piece of him with you in the form of ashes. And you might keep a bit of his spirit as well.

Click here to learn more about our equine cremation services for your peace of mind.