Pet funerals on the rise in NJ

For many pet owners, the loss of a four-legged friend feels like the loss of a family member and many New Jersey residents are now holding viewings, funerals and cremation services to remember and honor their beloved animals.

"There is a special relationship pet owners have with their faithful friends and the relationship they share is unconditional. It's important and it's very hard when they lose them," said Pat McCarrick, manager of Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park. "They want to be there for the last loving act for them whether it's a formal burial or to say goodbye before an individual cremation."

Abbey Glen's location in Lafayette, New Jersey is a 14-acre park with viewing rooms, a state-of-the-art crematory and multiple plots from which pet owners can choose to bury their pet. There is also a location in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

Just like funerals and burials for humans, pet owners can personalize these services for their pets as well.

McCarrick said pet owners are allowed to place whatever they would like with their pet prior to burial services.  In some cases, people chose to bury their pet with a picture, blanket or favorite toy.

"They can bring their family members, view their pet and then go to the grave site for interment. When it comes to cremation, the pet owner can be present in the crematory. We prepare their pet for viewing and they can be with them, place anything they'd like with their beloved family member and even view them as they go into the cremation chamber," McCarrick said.

The cost for a pet funeral varies. It can range from $500 to several thousand dollars based on the individual pet, the plot that is chosen, the type and size of the casket and the type of service the family chooses to have.