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Aftercare

Loving care of your Pet’s body

is a part of saying goodbye

Dog and cat caressing

There are several options when caring for a loved pet’s body.

Please ask Dr. Ivey if you have any questions or special requests.

Cremation

 

If you would like, Dr. Ivey will take your pet (up to 100 lb) with her when she leaves your home and arrange cremation with Heaven’s Gate Pet Memorial Center in Wheatland. Dr. Ivey is proud to partner with Heaven’s Gate, a family owned and operated pet cremation service. Each body is handled with loving care and respect, and each pet family is treated with care and compassion. Heaven’s Gate offers exceptional attention to detail so that each pet owner will be assured of receiving the best care for their beloved companion.

 

Private Cremation with the Ashes Returned

If you chose to have your pet’s body privately cremated, the cremation will be completely private; only one pet is in the cremation chamber at one time. You are guaranteed to receive your pet’s, and only your pet’s, ashes. The ashes are returned in a wooden urn with your choice of a brass name plate or laser engraving directly on the wood. Within 1-2 weeks, the ashes will be ready for pickup at Heaven’s Gate in Wheatland, or they may be delivered to your home by USPS Overnight. A signature is REQUIRED for home delivery, so someone must be home to receive the package. You will be notified by phone and email of the day of delivery. Witnessed Cremation and same day return of ashes are also available by appointment with Heaven’s Gate.

urn with brass plate

Urn with Brass Metal Name Plate

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urn with laser engraving

Urn with Laser Engraving on the wood

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Communal Cremation

If you do not wish to have your pet’s ashes returned, your pet will be cremated along with other loved pets. The ashes will be respectfully scattered at a beautiful 20 acre horse ranch in Lincoln, CA. This is also the site of FieldHaven Feline Center, and is open to the public.

 

Special Cremation Services

Heaven’s Gate offers a lovely selection of specialty urns, jewelry and other memorial keepsakes. Custom urns and keepsakes are ordered directly from the Heaven’s Gate. More information is available HERE.

Metal Implant Retrieval  Please notify Dr. Ivey if your pet has metal implants (bone plates and screws) that you would like to be returned with your pet's ashes.

 

Collars, toys, blankets, and other items cannot be cremated with your pet.

Other Aftercare Options

If you choose to care for your pet’s body yourself, there are several options:

Owner Arranged Cremation You may to chose to bring your pet directly to the pet crematory. Advantages of bringing your pet to the crematory yourself may include: having more time with your pet’s body, having the opportunity to witness the cremation, same day return of ashes, being able to see custom urns and keepsakes on display, and cost savings. Please click HERE for a list of Sacramento Area Pet Crematories. You may also choose to arrange cremation with your regular veterinarian or a local animal shelter.

 

Cemetery Burial You may wish for your pet to be interred at a pet cemetery.

Please Click HERE for a list of Sacramento Area Pet Cemeteries.

 

Burial at Home may be permitted in some municipalities – the pet owner is responsible for ensuring that all local regulations are followed. Please be aware that drugs used during euthanasia can be toxic to wild and domestic animals, including birds. Where home burial is legal, make sure that the grave is deep enough to cover the body with at least 3 feet of packed soil, and cover the site with stones or pavers to prevent birds and animals from contacting the body. Do not bury near utilities, wells, waterways, or areas that are prone to flooding.

Clay Paw Print

You may wish to have an imprint of your pet’s paw. Your pet’s paw is pressed into polymer clay, the clay is inscribed with your pet’s name and baked. These are available in White or Terra Cotta colors. These are made by and sent from Heaven’s Gate, and are only available if your pet is to be cremated.

 

Lock of Hair

If you wish to have a clipping of your pet’s hair, Dr. Ivey

will clip and tie a lock of hair for you. For pets with very short coats, loose hair is placed in a small glass bottle.

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