When experiencing the death of a pet, and working through the initial grief, you are then left with the difficult task of deciding how to honor your pet. Many choose cremation and others may choose a formal burial. Well, I’m happy to tell you, that you have options.
When my cats Precious and Dusty passed away I knew I wanted to have them cremated and keep their ashes with me. However, what you choose to do may be different.
Here is a small list of 5 pet cemeteries and crematories that are in the Northeast United States serving NY, NJ, PA. I understand the importance and significance of making sure you work with a company that has a solid reputation and care for their clients. All the cemeteries listed are highly recommended via Google rating. Additionally, you will also see a few are BBB Accredited and/or IAOPPC accredited.
However, I’d still encourage you to do your own vetting and research as finding a final resting place for your beloved furry family member is important. I want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision on your own terms.
Let this list of options be a helpful guide to assist you in finding a final resting place for your pet. Check out the following services and options available that may be suitable for you and your family. If you live in the northeast, here are 5 pet cemeteries you need to know about.
1. Hartsdale Pet Cemetery
*BBB / IAOPCC Accredited
Visit the website: https://petcem.com/
America’s First Pet Burial Grounds
- Oldest operating pet cemetery in the world
- Only pet cemetery listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Ranked Top 10 Cemetery in the World
- Certified National Wildlife Habitat
- Licensed Under New York State Law
- Family owned and operated for over 40 years
- Located 30 minutes north of Mid-Town Manhattan
- Serving all religious denominations
“Throughout its exemplary history, Hartsdale is and always has been a much sought-after role model for cemeteries worldwide.” – International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories
“Since 1896, Hartsdale Pet Cemetery has provided compassion and comfort by treating your pet with the same dignity and care as if he or she was our own.”
Services offered:
- Burials – Pricing starts $2,400+
- Monuments
- Caskets
- Cremation Plots
- Funerals and viewings
- Gentle transportation
- Pre-need planning
2. Abbey Glen Pet Cemetery
Visit the website: https://www.abbeyglen.com/PublicPages/Home.aspx
“Abbey Glen is the most beautiful pet cemetery in the country. Nestled on 14 landscaped acres in northern New Jersey and surrounded by an additional 60 acres of land, the park is an idyllic sanctuary designed especially for the memorialization of animals. Designed in 1982 by the chief architect of the U.S. Veterans’ Cemeteries, Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park is a source of pride and the deed has been legally restricted to ensure this land will never be used as anything other than a final resting place for animal companions. We are just a short drive from Brooklyn, Queens, NYC, and Staten Island.”
Features and options as quoted from their website:
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“Memorial markers are available in bronze and granite and integrate with the park’s lovely country setting.
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Besides individual markers, Abbey Glen offers a unique variety of memorial options, including interment in the Hilltop Mausoleum.
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Service pets – a special section in the cemetery is reserved for seeing eye and therapy dogs, police canines and horses who have dedicated their lives to public service.
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Serene locations throughout the cemetery, such as the Hilltop Gazebo, offer visitors a moment to enjoy the scenery and peace of the grounds.
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Special gifts – donations or bequests for the care and beautification of the cemetery may be included in a will. These gifts are greatly appreciated and are recognized with engraved plaques on display in the Abbey Glen Memorial Library.”
Service Areas
NYC – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Orange County, Westchester County, Hudson Valley.
NJ – Pet cemetery and crematory in Sussex County
PA – Pet cemetery in Bucks County
Services/options offered
- Caskets, markers, burial plots
- Private pet cremations
- Attended pet cremations (on-site or viewed remotely)
- Communal pet cremations
- Pre-need cremation and burial arrangements
- Urns and keepsakes
- Grief support resources
- Order flowers for burial and cremation services
My own testimonial
I personally can attest to the quality service from Abbey Glen as my urgent care veterinarian had Dusty cremated using their service. Dusty’s ashes were returned to me dignified and tastefully. I did not know what to expect however, her ashes were tastefully sealed in a nice wooden box and a gold-tone engraved nameplate was included.
You can see a picture here.
3. Faithful Companions Pet Cemetery & Crematory
Visit the website: http://www.nypetcemetery.com/home.html
“Faithful Companions Pet Cemetery is located on 10 beautiful acres in East Smithfield Pennsylvania. This is the home of our original cemetery, which is the resting place of over 1000 beloved pets.”
Services offered
Burials
Faithful Companions is proud to offer burial options for clients at either of their cemeteries
(Faithful Companions ~or~ Whispering Pines)
Cremations:
Viewable Cremation
Faithful Companions offers viewing rooms where those interested may witness the cremation and take their beloved pets cremains home right away. *Call for appointment*
Private Cremation
Additionally, you may transport your pet to Faithful Companions (East Smithfield, PA or Binghamton, NY facility) directly, or make arrangements through your veterinary service. Your pets’ cremains will be ready for pick-up or returned to your vet, typically within 3 business days.
Communal Cremation
With this option, no ashes will be returned to the owner. The cremains will be buried in Faithful Companions Pet Cemetery.
Along with cremation options, Faithful Companions also offers private pickups for an additional fee.
4. Pet Haven Services Inc. – Pet Cremation, Burial & Supplies
Visit the website: http://www.pethavenservices.com/
- The cemetery is located in the rolling hills of the Poconos.
Services offered:
Private Cremation:
- Includes pick-up (from home or vet hospital), return, and a beautiful- polished cedar-box urn
- Video-recording available (no extra charge) by advanced request
- Owners may attend – call for details
Non-Private Cremation:
- Includes pick-up (from home or vet hospital), cremation, and burial of remains at cemetery
In-home euthanasia by attending veterinarian: $350 – $400 (location & size based)
5. Hamilton Pet Meadow
*IAOPCC Accredited -What does that mean? Click here to learn more!
Visit the website: https://petmeadow.com/
“Pet Meadow strives to provide caring and compassionate pet aftercare services for families in need.”
“Hamilton Pet Meadow is family owned and located on 6 beautiful acres in Hamilton, Mercer County, NJ. It has been a tranquil resting place for pets for over 100 years. Hamilton Pet Meadow is a member of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories, maintaining the highest standards in the profession and following a strict Code of Ethics.”
Services offered:
Private Cremation
Pet Meadow cremates each pet by themselves in their own pet cremation chamber to ensure that owners receive only their pet’s ashes back. They do not offer Individual or Segregated cremation, only private cremation. Pet Meadow uses a state-of-the-art 10 chamber pet crematorium and highly innovative tracking system. Pet’s remains are returned in a standard wooden urn. If you prefer, a permanent personalized pet urn can be selected from their website or you can select one by visiting the urn display at their facility.
Viewing
Pet Meadow offers a private viewing room where your family can gather to say goodbye to your cherished pet.
Attended Cremation
Your presence at the time of cremation is welcome. Schedule by calling their office.
Communal Cremation
This process involves cremating your pet simultaneously along with other pets. Pet Meadow does not return the remains and they are gently scattered at our pet memorial park.
Pet Burials
Formal burial of your pet is available at Pet Meadow including casket and granite marker. Burial is only available at their Hamilton office.
Burial of Cremains
Smaller plots are available to accommodate cremains and a granite marker. This provides a permanent resting place for your pet. Burial of cremains is only available at the Hamilton office.
Transportation
Pet Meadow will transport your pet from your veterinarian’s office or your home to our facility.
Pre-Need Planning
In the event you have a pet with a terminal illness and need to pre-plan final arrangements, you can do so ahead of time. As a result, you can decide on your wishes during a time of calm, rather than crisis. Pet Meadow can assist you. They encourage you to call anytime for pre-planning of pet burial services or pet cremation services.
Conclusion
Those are 5 pet cemeteries for your consideration if you live in the Northeast. For pet parents that live beyond the Northeast use the hyperlink below to find a pet cemetery near you.
Search for a pet cemetery near you here
Share your thoughts
Did you find this list helpful? I did not know Hartsdale Pet Cemetery is the oldest operating pet cemetery in the world. Did you know that?
Let me know how did you handle final arrangements for your pet once they transitioned? Did you choose cremation, burial, or a memorial service?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out my other popular posts below for more resources to help.
10 Pet loss support hotlines to help you in your time of grief
18 Comments
Nancy Cunningham
Dusty’s box is absolutely beautiful!! The wood is a warm color and the name plate just makes it that more personalized. Thank you for sharing.
Admin
Nancy,
Thank you and you are welcome! Abbey Glen did a beautiful job. Very tasteful. I was pleased with their service.
Marjorie Dawson
I did not know there are real working pet cemeteries, how wonderful is this. A pet parent has somewhere their pet will be safe and well tended.
There is a small pet cemetary in the middle of London’s Hyde Park. You have to look for it but when you find it your heart is so moved by the tiny headstones and the heartfelt messages of love you find there.
Admin
Marjorie,
I’m happy this post enlightened you to something unknown for many. Yes, it’s true. Pet parents have more options for final resting places for their loved ones. Thanks for sharing your insight!
Robin
I’m pretty sure that there are cemetaries near me that have small areas designated for pet burial. I haven’t really checked into it. My angel pets have been cremated. There really should be more places that allow you to pre-plan for your pet’s final transition. It would be nice to be able to take care of all of those plans before crisis hits. It can get expensive!
Admin
Robin,
Well said! Taking care of final expenses and arrangements does help in the process. When in the midst of grief, it’s the last thing you want to think about. Good advice indeed!
Michelle & The Paw Pack
Interesting post! I actually used to live in the NJ/NYC area and have come across a few of these cemeteries before. When we were still in the area, we used Regency Forest (Pet Memorial Park) to take care of a few of our dearly departed rabbits. I so appreciate that pet cemeteries are available to those who would like to utilize them. I’ve always preferred to have my personal pets cremated so I could keep their ashes with me, or scatter them in a meaningful location.
Admin
Michelle,
Thank you and thanks for sharing your experience with Regency Forest Pet Memorial Park. That’s another option! I personally did the same thing and had my furbabies cremated so I could have them with me too.
Terri
This is such a great post! I’ve never thought about pre-planning. What an idea! Heck, we pre-plan for ourselves why not for our furkids even without a terminal illness. Who knows what will happen when? My last kitty I had cremated. I wasn’t sure how it would work. My vet took care of everything. I returned about one week later and there was a box, very much like Dusty’s. Plus, there was a plaque with her name and her paw prints. They actually made paw prints of her. It’s so touching. I’m always worried it will break. I feel like it needs to be in some kind of 20 layer bubble wrap. For now, it’s cushioned in my sock drawer. Thank you for sharing this very valuable post!
Admin
Terri,
Thank you for sharing your own experience. Yes! I never knew about the paw print option until a year after Dusty passed. I wish I knew about that option. It’s a great unique option to memorialize your pet. And yes, we preplan for ourselves but don’t usually think about doing so for our fur kids.
Ruth Epstein
When Baby died I had her cremated and buried her ashes under her favorite tree in one of the dog parks she love and frequented, I knew she would be happy there. As for Layla my dream is to have her ashes buried with me as I want her near me forever.
Admin
Ruth,
I think Baby definitely was happy you spread her ashes around her favorite spot. Having Layla’s ashes with you now and in the afterlife is a tradition in some older cultures way back to Egyptian days!
Beth
I’ve only lived in small towns and the suburbs, so we buried our pets in our yard. However, I realize that a pet cemetery is important for people in a city. New York now allows cremated pet remains to be buried with their humans, which is another good option for some.
Admin
Beth,
Yes! I know many friends that live outside the cities who have done the same thing. I didn’t realize in NY they allow remains to be buried with their owners too. Thanks for sharing!
jana rade
I think I would hate having my dog’s remains too far away from home. After cremation, I believe the ashes should rest where they were the happiest–close by with their family.
This post reminds me of a funny coincidence we always encountered on our trips to the ranch. Going down the road, there were two signs back to back:
animal veterinary clinic, immediately followed by pet cemetery. Should one ever use that clinic? LOL
Admin
Jana,
Oh my! LOL Interesting question for sure! I know personally, I’d think twice about using that vet clinic! I feel the same way. I’d want my furbabies home with me always. Thanks for sharing your insight and funny story.
Sweet Purrfections
When I was growing up, when we lost a pet, my dad would bury it in the backyard. Once I fell in love with cats in my 20s and the older I got, I realized that I wanted a different way to honor my pets. I now prefer cremation for my pets. Thank you for sharing these alternatives you have in your area.
Admin
You’re welcome! Thanks for sharing your own personal insight as well.