Aftercare & Memorialization
What happens after my pet passes?
Aftercare is the term used to describe the body care of beloved deceased companion animals.
Some families choose home burial as a permanent place of remembrance for their dear beloved pet. There are many beautiful memorial items that can be used to mark the final resting place.
Each municipality has their own by-laws and legislation regarding home burial, if this option is something you are considering, please contact your city/township office to learn more. If allowed, for your area, please see our Home Burial Guidelines.
Other families choose cremation for their pets. We have partnered with Gateway Pet Memorial. Gateway is Canada’s first accredited aftercare provider, located in Guelph, Ontario.
Aquamation, aka gentle water cremation, is also available through Evermore Pet Aftercare. Evermore is independently owned and operated locally in Stratford, Ontario.
Our partnered pet aftercare providers operate on three important principles: Dignity, Compassion, and Respect; values shared with our team at Black Creek Mobile Veterinary Services.
Pet Memorial Keepsakes
We are honoured to help you create precious paw, nose, and fur keepsakes during our time together.
Cremation Services
In partnership with Gateway Pet Memorial
Private Cremation
Your pet is cremated alone in the cremation chamber, and their cremated remains (sometimes referred to as cremains) are returned to you to scatter or keep forever by your side.
Black Creek Mobile Veterinary Services is honoured to provide our clients with a selection of complimentary urns to choose from as well as personalized engraving for that extra special touch.
This site is the final resting place for pets that have been communally cremated. Gateway believes that by placing these cremated remains in this cemetery, these pets continue to receive the dignity and the respect that they deserve.
Communal Cremation
Your pet is cremated with other recently departed animals, and their cremated remains are not returned. Because no cremated remains are returned to you in choosing this option, you may wish to consider memorial paw prints and/or other keepsakes that do not hold the cremains as a timeless remembrance.
Aquamation
Arrangements for Aquamation, aka water cremation, are made directly with the owner of Evermore Pet Aftercare.
Do you have questions about the body care of your pet following their passing?
We’ve complied a list of commonly asked questions pet parents like yourself have that are especially helpful when planning ahead.
Memorialization
We recognize that the memorialization process can often be overwhelming.
We want you to take your time and think things through, determining what is most important to you as you move forward. For many, selecting memorial products that are meaningful to you as you remember, celebrate, and cherish the life, love, and bond with your beloved friend can be important in the grieving process.
♡ We are here for you ♡
Our client care coordinator is dedicated to helping you through the decision-making process, whether you prefer to make all your decisions before, during, or after your visit with us.
We commonly help pet families through texting as speaking on the phone can be too difficult. We understand these precious decisions can take time..
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Paw Print Memorial Keepsake
Want a special way to remember your pet?
We offer Pawpals foam impression paw prints with all our appointments
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Pet Cemetery
We are proud to accommodate our pet parents by offering a choice of two cemeteries in Ontario as a final resting place for your beloved pet.
Please contact us or Gateway for more information on burial plot arrangements.
Ancaster Pet Cemetery
Sandy Ridge Pet Cemetery
Client Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my pet’s body after a euthanasia appointment?
There are four options to consider:
Burial at home if permitted in your municipality
Burial at a pet cemetery
Cremation, communally with other recently departed pets, ashes are not returned.
Cremation, privately, ashes are returned to scatter or keep forever by your side.
For those choosing cremation, our team will respectfully transport your beloved pet to the crematorium.
Where is my pet cremated?
Our partnered crematorium Gateway Pet Memorial operates out of Guelph, Ontario.
Evermore Pet Aftercare operates out of Stratford, Ontario.
How do I know I am getting my pet’s ashes returned to me?
This is a common question, and rest assured your pet is followed throughout the entire aftercare journey. Our partnered accredited crematorium Gateway adheres to a strict code of ethics and practices in all aspects of their operations. All pets entering their facilities are assigned a unique pet identification number that follows them and is electronically scanned through every step of the cremation process, ensuring accuracy and accountability. Additionally, we have toured their facilities and seen first hand the dignity and respect with which your pets are treated.
Can I visit and/or view my pet at the crematorium?
Yes, private viewing and visitation is available with our partnered crematorium. This is another opportunity to say goodbye - to grieve, to celebrate, and to remember your faithful companion. Arrangements are made directly with Gateway and tailored to your wishes in a warm, supportive, and private environment. There is an additional fee for this service.
What are some things to consider when choosing an urn?
Choosing a final resting place for your pet can be a difficult task. Some important considerations are:
How will the urn be used? Will it be prominently displayed, or will you be scattering the cremated remains?
Urns are made from wood, metal, and ceramic material, in many different styles - find one that speaks to you and the personality of your pet.
Jewelry is popular when sharing cremated remains amongst family members.
A specific colour or engraving can make the urn more personal and remind you of the special memories you shared together.
I am having my pet communally cremated. Where do his/her ashes go?
A small portion of the communally cremated remains are collected and interred into an Ossuary, a monument located at Sandy Ridge Pet Cemetery. The remainder of the remains are respectfully buried at the same pet cemetery.
I am having my pet communally cremated. Are there products available to help memorialize him/her?
There are many beautiful memorial products that do not require cremated remains, including:
Clay or ceramic paw prints can be made for each member of your family, which can be displayed on a stand, in a leather case, or in a picture frame.
Memorial stones, for indoor or outdoor display, provide a lasting tribute.
Jewelry is a unique and personal remembrance and can be customized to include your pet’s paw print or nose print.
Did you miss any part of our Pet Aftercare Q&A Series?
View Dr. Erica’s video message after finishing her Aftercare Q&A series on Instagram and Facebook July 27 - August 7, 2020.
We understand that this is a very difficult and overwhelming time. We are committed to helping through the decision-making process, actively listening to your concerns and needs, providing comfort and relieving pain for your pets to facilitate the most peaceful End-of-Life experience.
Please reach out at 226-779-KIND (5463) with any & all questions.
We are honoured to help you and your pet in your time of need.