senior calico cat with green eyes lying on floor
senior calico cat with green eyes lying on floor

Dog & Cat Aftercare Services in North Carolina & Virginia

Honoring Their Life with Gentle, Respectful Care

At Happy Earth Pet Hospice, my commitment to your pet doesn’t end at their final moments. After your companion’s peaceful passing, I offer kind, respectful guidance through every step of the aftercare process. This part of the journey is deeply personal, and I’m here to support your wishes with care, clarity, and the utmost respect for your beloved friend.

Whether you’re choosing cremation or have other arrangements in mind, I’ll ensure that your pet is treated with dignity, just as they were in life.

Have questions or want to discuss aftercare options? Reach out for help.

Aftercare Options for Cats & Dogs

After in-home euthanasia, you’ll be able to choose between:

  • Private Cremation

    Your pet is cremated individually, and their ashes are returned to you. You may pick them up directly from the crematorium or have them delivered to your primary care veterinarian’s office.

  • Communal Cremation

    Your pet is cremated with other pets, and ashes are not returned. This option still offers a respectful, gentle farewell, as their ashes are spread at a local family farm.

  • Home Burial

    If permitted by local ordinance, you may also choose to bury your pet at home. I’ll be happy to discuss preparation and guidelines if this is your preference.

Dog Paw Prints In The Sand near the shoreline
Dog Paw Prints In The Sand near the shoreline

What to Expect for Your Pet’s Aftercare

When it’s time to say goodbye, I want to lift as much of the burden as possible, emotionally and logistically. For families choosing cremation, I offer a simplified, compassionate option where I personally transport your beloved companion to a safe location in North Carolina (my home), where they will be respectfully picked up by the crematorium. There will be no need for you to drive an hour away or more to reach a respected crematorium, or attempt to arrange your own transportation, which is often difficult or not offered by crematoriums.

If you prefer to handle your pet’s aftercare independently or use a different provider, I’ll fully support you in that decision and offer guidance as needed.

A $200 transport fee applies if I’m handling cremation on your behalf. Here’s what that includes, depending on the type of cremation you choose:

Communal Cremation

For families who do not wish to have their pet’s ashes returned, communal cremation is a gentle and affordable option. Your pet is cremated alongside others, and the ashes are not returned.

If you choose communal cremation, the $200 transport fee covers everything: transport, cremation, and coordination. I’ll take care of your pet with great care, and you won’t need to contact the crematorium directly. Many families find comfort in knowing that their pet’s final journey is managed entirely by someone they trust.

Private Cremation

If you wish to have your pet’s ashes returned, private cremation offers a deeply personal option. Your pet is cremated individually, and their ashes are returned to you in a keepsake urn of your choosing.

When you choose private cremation, I will still handle your pet’s transport and initial care, and you will pay the crematorium directly for cremation and memorial services. Once your pet is picked up from my home by Nansemond Pet Cremation Services, their compassionate team will reach out to you directly to help you choose an urn, discuss engraving, and keep you informed on when your pet is ready to come home. Their thoughtful communication ensures that every detail is personalized for your family.

Every Goodbye Deserves Gentle Hands and an Open Heart

Your pet’s story doesn’t end when they pass; it continues in your memories, your home, and the way they shaped your life.
My role is to help you move through this part of the journey with peace, presence, and a plan that feels just right for you.

Need help making arrangements or want to learn more? Contact me today or schedule a consultation. I’ll walk beside you with care and clarity, every step of the way.