Pet Aftercare & Cremation Near You
We understand that choosing what to do with your pet’s remains is an extremely personal decision, and we want to completely honor your wishes. As with every other aspect of your pet’s transition between life and death, your personal preferences and beliefs, as well as cost and local regulations can all affect your decision. Here are several options.
Cremation
Cremation is the option most often chosen by our pet parents, in part because our CodaPet vets can handle all the cremation details for you, whether you decide on private or communal.
Private Cremation
This makes it possible for us to return the remains of your pet in an urn of your choice. You can then choose to bury the ashes, scatter them, or even transfer them to a decorative urn or other keepsake. If you would prefer water-based cremation (Aquamation) rather than traditional flame based, please ask your CodaPet vet if this is available in your area. If you'd like to consider the different options of urns we offer, please consult with your CodaPet vet before or at the appointment.*Aquamation places your pet’s body in a bath consisting of water and salts that together, hasten the process that would normally occur if your pet had been buried. It takes longer than traditional cremation (up to 24 hours) and has less impact on the environment.
Communal Cremation
We also offer communal cremation options for a lower price. This option ensures your pet is cremated with others and the ashes are ceremoniously spread on the crematorium grounds or another location.
Burial
Private Burial
If your city/county regulations allow, you can choose to bury your pet on your personal property. Please check local regulations to see if this is legal in your area.
Cemetery Burial
Many areas have pet cemeteries where you can bury your pet and mark the grave, making it possible for you to visit as you might with any other family member who has passed. If you want to bury your pet in a cemetery, you will need to choose and make arrangements with a local pet cemetery before the euthanasia appointment. Please be sure to let your CodaPet vet know if you have planned for such a burial.
Other Options
Taxidermy
Some people choose to preserve a lifelike replica of their pet. If you are interested in this option, we recommend that you ask the taxidermist you plan to use to determine the most ideal method of storing your pet’s remains after passing. Please share this information with your CodaPet veterinarian as soon as possible so they are aware of your wishes.
Charitable Donation
Some people find comfort in knowing that as painful as it is to say goodbye to their pet, his or her remains can provide invaluable learning opportunities for future veterinarians and pet nurses. If that resonates with you, contact a veterinary teaching hospital or university prior to euthanasia to determine their current need. Please be sure to ask them if there is a particular drug that your CodaPet Vet should either use or avoid so that your pet’s condition at the time of passing will remain clear for the students to study. They might also have questions for your regular veterinarian about your pet’s general health and diagnosis.As difficult as it is to think about any of these options, deciding what you want ahead of time will help all concerned to honor your wishes.
Take Our Quality-Of-Life Questionnaire
“Dr. Jorge Adarraga brought (and maintained throughout) a quiet, calming presence and energy to the occasion of euthanizing my cat. He took great care to explain each step for the process. Never made me feel neither rushed nor upset/guilty about my decision to take my cat out of her clearly failing health. Thank you.”
Andrea T.
Jul 4, 2026
“On a very difficult day for our family, Dr. Le Blanc's calm caring presence and expertise made the experience for our dog and our family as peaceful and as loving as possible. Thank you Dr. Le Blanc for the kindness and care you brought to our beloved dog's final moments.”
Glenys R.
Jul 4, 2026
“It is never easy, losing a loved one. Especially when it comes to our furry family members. The decision to euthanize generally comes when there’s no other option and you are “forced “ to do what’s right for your pet. But it’s still tears your heart out just the same! I have been tasked with this decision more than once and it is never an easy one to make. The way Dr. Angela handled our extra large dog was truly God sent. She was professional, courteous, but above all she was very compassionate. She genuinely cared about our situation. It was unrushed, and she managed our big guy to sleep in a very painless,- unorchestrated kind of way. From my past experiences with euthanizing services,- Coda pet is the only service that I really truly recommend. I still miss our big guy, but given the circumstances, I know he’s in a much better place. If you are in the Richmond Va. area and tasked with this decision, then my heart goes out to you. Coda pet , Dr. Angela Thanks”
Michael S.
Jul 4, 2026
“I wish I could give Sarah a 100 stars! As I told Sarah before she left, she is my hero and that she is an angel. I adopted Honey 14 months ago, she was 17 at that time. Her prior owner had passed away and she was up for adoption. My husband and I had decided we wanted to try adopting an older cat with the goal of giving the cat the best end of live as possible. When it came time for Honey’s end of life to come, the most important thing to me at that point was for her to be euthanized here at our home, where she was comfortable. My husband was traveling when it happened which meant I was alone. Before finding codapet. I had spent 24 hours looking for a veterinary that would travel here to our home. I gave in and booked an appointment for the next day at 4:00 pm with a veterinary in a town close to us. I was heart broken thinking I was going to have to put Honey in a crate, travel in a car and she was going to die in a place she had never been to before. Imagine the terror it would bring to her. My promise to Honey was to give her the best life I possibly could and I was failing at that promise. Then Sarah contacted me. Sarah agreed to come to our home the next day at 11:00. I never would have dreamed that I would be saying this but, it was beautiful. Sarah assured me that it was Honey’s time to go. Sarah and I both sat on the floor as Honey laid resting in her bed. Sarah made Honey feel comfortable with her. I held Honey’s paw and said my final good bye. Honey is at peace and hanging out with the person she first loved. I’m at peace because Sarah and codapet made Honey’s end of life perfect. Thank you Sarah! ”
Tammy S.
Jul 4, 2026
“Dr. Le Blanc was kind, compassionate and professional. She explained the entire process thoroughly and gave us as much time as we needed with our pet. It was a blessing to be able to go through this difficult process at home with our pet in her favorite space. Thank you Dr. Le Blanc, we truly appreciate you. ”
Nazli F.
Jul 4, 2026
“We greatly appreciated the phone call a few hours before the appointment; she was professional and friendly. At the appointment, she was prompt and courteous, talked to everyone there, including our dog. She kept her voice quiet and talked us through everything we needed to know. It was very quick, completely painless for our dog, and she quietly left while we grieved. I felt a tug to be a more polite host and encourage her to stay, but in the end, I was grateful for her quiet exit so we wouldn't have to put on a brave face. In a moment that is the hardest, she made it as easy, smooth, and peaceful as possible. We're grateful to this service - being able to say goodbye at home was priceless - and deeply grateful to Dr. Dixon.”
Neil and Moira C.
Jul 4, 2026
“Dr. Litwack came very quickly and was very professional. He talked us through the process and helped my daughter to understand what was happening. He helped to give our Hazel a peaceful end. He was very respectful and allowed us to take our time with the process. ”
Karen C.
Jul 3, 2026
“Dr. Brittany is absolutely AMAZING! She is kind and professional and caring. She always asked how my pets are doing, after I had to cancel. I scheduled Harley and he declined very rapidly before our appointment and she came late that night to help him crossover and relieve his pain. She made sure I was aware of what was going to happen before, during and after. My dogs and I were cared for so much by Dr Brittany. Ive shared her information and Coda-pet with my fellow dog parents. I recommend both HIGHLY! Thank you for making the worst time of my life as easy as possible! I'm forever grateful!”
Marlene S.
Jul 3, 2026
“Dr K Hart went above and beyond to make sure my pet was comfortable, not anxious and no longer in pain. Her coming to my home and taking Cayman to the facility made it much less stressful. Many thanks to a job well done. What you do really matters to people with pets. ”
Kaye M.
Jul 3, 2026
“Dr. Murray was absolutely amazing. She took great care of my Makya. She explained everything she was doing and what was going to happen. She was very gentle and compassionate with us and with Makya. Even after she had passed, she had the utmost respect for Makya. I don't have enough kind words to say about Dr. Murray. She made a very, very difficult time a little easier and I can't thank her enough for that. ”
Deedra H.
Jul 3, 2026
Book an appointment online for your beloved pet
Here are our frequently asked questions to help you feel fully informed and at ease.