As you are making the decision for euthanasia, it is important to determine what you would like to do with your pet’s body. There are several aftercare options that may be considered, including burial, private cremation or communal cremation.
Burial
You may keep your animal’s body at the end of the appointment and make your own arrangements for burial or cremation. Most cities, including Las Cruces, prohibit burying an animal anywhere but in an established pet cemetery. Outside city limits, county regulations regarding pet burial may vary. Please check with the your local officials regarding laws concerning burial within city or county limits.
In the Las Cruces area, the Alicia Melgaard Memorial Pet Cemetary provides an option for pet burial. For more information, visit their website or contact Ellie Choate at (575) 640-0634.
Cremation
Private cremation: Gift of Goodbye transports your pet’s body to a local crematory. In a private cremation, the body is cremated individually. Following cremation, the ashes are placed in a standard tin or urn and may be picked up by you from the crematory or, for an additional fee, delivered to you by Gift of Goodbye. If you are interested in finding out about additional urn options, please call Gift of Goodbye at (575) 312-0679.
Communal (group) cremation: Gift of Goodbye will transport your pet’s body for cremation. Your animal’s body will be part of a communal cremation in which several animals are cremated together and the ashes will be scattered on a property designated for this purpose by the crematory.
