Story: Death and dying

Pet remains

Pet remains

Pet animals have often been buried lovingly and their graves marked in various ways for hundreds of years. In the 21st century pet animals are increasingly cremated and their ashes returned to their owners for storage or burial. This tiny rimu casket contains the ashes of Softy, a guinea pig. Caskets for pet ashes can include plaques with photos and messages similar to those on memorial plaques for people. Notices relating to pet deaths may appear in newspapers, and websites are sometimes set up to remember beloved pets.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Emily Tutaki

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How to cite this page:

Ruth McManus and Rosemary Du Plessis, 'Death and dying - Cremation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/30426/pet-remains (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Ruth McManus and Rosemary Du Plessis, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 16 May 2018, updated 1 Nov 2023