Aftercare
This is the time to celebrate your pet’s life and to mourn his or her passing. This is such a huge day in your life and we want you to be able to grieve comfortably and privately in a relaxed and peaceful setting that Cherry Tree offers.
It is important to plan in advance of the appointment what arrangements you would like to make for the aftercare of your pet. Considerations are a home burial or use of a cremation service. Home burials must be at least 3 feet below the surface to avoid your pet being dug up by wild animals.
What should you tell your children? Honesty is the best option and make sure they know that "put to sleep" is very different to normal sleep. Children will grieve the loss of a pet as much as we do, so be honest about your own grief and work through the sorrow of your loss as a family.
Will your other pets grieve? We know that pets form strong bonds to one another and as such the remaining pets may seem to grieve for their companion. All pets notice every change that occurs in the household and are bound to notice the loss of their companion. It is much better to introduce any new pets after a period of readjustment to their loss.
Much more information about pet loss and grief support can be found at https://theralphsite.com
Cherry Tree Pet Crematorium
Our cremation services are provided by Cherry Tree Pet Crematorium, conveniently located where our clinic is based. We can arrange an individual cremation, where your pet’s ashes are returned to you in a choice of a beautifully crafted wooden casket or a scatter pouch or tube. The wooden caskets are sealed and come with an engraved brass nameplate, creating a lasting tribute to your pet. Scatter tubes are a thoughtful option for those who wish to scatter their pet’s ashes in a special place filled with fond memories.
If you prefer not to have your pet’s ashes returned, we can arrange for a respectful cremation, with the ashes scattered in a peaceful paddock at the crematorium — a serene, natural resting place.
Cherry Tree Pet Crematorium also offers a range of memorial keepsakes, such as paw prints or engraved items, which can be discussed at the time of making arrangements. These keepsakes offer a meaningful way to remember your pet and keep their memory close.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to make your own aftercare arrangements, we fully support that decision and are happy to provide guidance where needed.
Please note that all cremation fees are separate from our euthanasia fees. We can discuss these costs with you before your appointment to ensure you have a clear understanding of the available options and associated fees.