Hickey Home Veterinary Care handles all aftercare arrangements following in-home euthanasia, including cremation coordination and memorial services. Dr. Kyle Hickey manages every detail so families in the Phoenix and Scottsdale metro area can focus on their grief without worrying about logistics.
What Aftercare Services Include
After an in-home euthanasia, Dr. Hickey takes care of your pet with dignity and respect. Aftercare services include gentle transport of your pet from your home, coordination with trusted local service providers, and your choice of final disposition — traditional cremation, eco-friendly aquamation, home burial, or pet cemetery placement.
Your family does not need to transport your pet anywhere. Dr. Hickey handles everything from the moment you say goodbye. Every option is discussed thoughtfully before the appointment, so you can make the choice that feels right for your family and your pet's memory.
Aftercare Options
Individual Cremation (Private Cremation) Your pet is cremated individually, and ashes are returned to your family in a memorial container within 1-2 weeks. This allows you to keep your pet's remains and honor their memory in the way that feels right for your family — whether by scattering, burial, or keeping at home.
Communal Cremation Your pet is cremated together with other animals. Ashes are not returned, but this option is more affordable and provides a respectful final disposition for families who prefer simplicity.
Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis) Aquamation is an eco-friendly alternative to cremation that uses alkaline hydrolysis — a gentle water-based process — to return your pet's remains to ash. Aquamation has a carbon footprint approximately 1/10th that of traditional cremation, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious families who want to honor their pet's memory with minimal environmental impact. Ashes are returned to your family in a memorial container.
Home Burial If you prefer to bury your pet on your own property, Dr. Hickey can provide guidance on proper burial practices and help coordinate any necessary arrangements. Many families find this option deeply meaningful — your pet remains close to home, and you can create a memorial space in your garden or yard.
Pet Cemetery Placement Dr. Hickey coordinates placement at a respectful pet cemetery in the Phoenix area, where your pet can be laid to rest in a dignified setting designed specifically for pet memorials.
How Aftercare Works
Before the Appointment — Dr. Hickey discusses all aftercare options with your family, answering questions and helping you decide what feels right. No pressure, no rush.
After the Procedure — Take as much time as you need with your pet. There is no rush.
Transport & Processing — When your family is ready, Dr. Hickey respectfully takes your pet from your home and arranges transport to your chosen aftercare provider.
Return of Ashes — For cremation and aquamation, ashes are typically returned within 1-2 weeks in a memorial container.
Memorials — Dr. Hickey can arrange additional memorial items including clay paw prints, fur clippings, or other keepsakes based on your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is aquamation, and why is it an option? Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis, is an eco-friendly alternative to cremation. It uses water and gentle alkaline chemistry to reduce your pet's body to ash, with a carbon footprint roughly 1/10th that of traditional cremation. Many families find aquamation appealing if they want to honor their pet's memory while minimizing environmental impact. Ashes are returned in a memorial container, just as with cremation.
Q: What is the difference between private and communal cremation? Private cremation means your pet is cremated individually and the ashes are returned to you. Communal cremation means your pet is cremated with other animals and ashes are not returned. Many families choose private cremation for the ability to keep their pet's ashes at home.
Q: How long until I receive my pet's ashes? Typically 1-2 weeks for cremation or aquamation. Dr. Hickey will contact you when the ashes are ready and arrange delivery or pickup at your home.
Q: Can I bury my pet at home? Yes. If you have property where you'd like to bury your pet, Dr. Hickey can provide guidance on the process and help ensure it's done respectfully and in compliance with local regulations.
Q: Do I need to make aftercare decisions immediately? No. Dr. Hickey will discuss options with you before the euthanasia appointment so you can make decisions without time pressure. If you're unsure, Dr. Hickey can help you decide after the procedure. This is your choice, and there's no rush.