Calls for pet cremation rising

South West residents are spending hundreds of dollars to get their beloved animals cremated, sending them to Perth as the service is not available in the South West.

Picture by David Bailey: Dawn Fuge holds the ashes of one of her beloved dogs, Boston.

Lawnswood Pet Cremation is the only business that services the South West region, with a courier driving from Perth every week to pick up the animals.

Within two to three weeks, the ashes of the cremated pets are delivered back to South West vet clinics for collection.

Many people are choosing cremation as it is illegal to bury pets in backyards due to the risk of ground water contamination.

Owners can also send the pet to the mass burial sites.

Dr John Fulton of McGregorVeterinary Clinic said he had noticed an increase in pet owners choosing cremation as an option.

‘‘I have noticed a 30 per cent increase with people choosing pet cremations,’’ Dr Fulton said.

‘‘Owners don’t really have any other options because you can’t bury your animals in the backyard.’’

Rob Hill from Australind Vet said he had also noticed an increase.

‘‘More than 20 per cent of my clients are now taking up cremation as an option,’’ he said.

Dawn Fuge said she has had all three of her dogs cremated.

‘‘I’ve had two great danes and one bull terrier cremated,’’ Mrs Fuge said.

She said her pets were part of the family and the price she paid was worth it.

‘‘The price is based around the weight of the animal but there is no way I wouldn’t do it,’’ she said.