Responsible Scattering of Your Pet's Cremated Remains (Ashes)

Once a pet has been cremated, all that is left are bones, teeth and other mineralized remains. These are not what we think of as cremation ashes at this point.

Unprocessed remains

 

The pet crematorium further processes these remains with a machine that reduces these remains to a sand like consistency that most people are familiar with.

Chemically these remains are almost like powdered limestone with an increased sodium content. This means that the ashes are alkaline and salty. When cremated remains are just poured out onto the ground they will clump when exposed to rain, inhibit plant growth or “burn” a grass lawn. This is why so many outdoor sports complexes prohibit the scattering of human remains on their fields.

In order not to inhibit plant growth the ashes should be scattered over a broad area from about 1 square meter for a cat, to 9 square meters for a Giant breed dog, like a Great Dane or Mastiff. Alternatively some people mix the cremated remains into a soil mixture that will help dilute the sodium content and neutralize its alkaline nature.

There are special products designed for the burial or scattering of cremated remains. Tube like scattering urns help spread the ashes more effectively.  

 At least one company makes a soil mixture that properly dilutes and neutralizes the harmful effects of the ashes. Let your Love Grow (http://www.letyourlovegrow.com/) has many helpful tips to improve the plant growth effects of scattering, or burying cremated remains.

Biodegradable Scattering Urns available from VRCS

In Renfrew county many areas have soils are acidic due to the accumulation and breakdown of pine needles over time. In many cases the ashes can often be worked into the soil and have a beneficial effect. If you truly want the plants or grass to thrive, then the soil pH should be tested.

Where

You are allowed to scatter ashes on Ontario Crown land that is unoccupied, including those covered by water. Crown land includes provincial parks, provincial conservation reserves and the Great Lakes. However, you should check for any signs with rules or prohibitions around the scattering of cremated remains. If you wish to scatter cremated remains on municipally-owned lands, you should check municipal by-laws first. The scattering of cremated remains on private land or private land covered by water requires the owner's consent.

National parks prohibit the scattering of cremated remains in water, although you may “cast them to the wind” without obtaining permission.

Please note that there are ecologically sensitive areas where scattering should not be done. High mountain areas have a delicate ecosystem and they should be avoided. Ecological damage due to ash scattering has been reported in Scotland and Wales where such scattering has resulted in marked changes in the mountain trail fauna.

VRCS Scattering Garden

VRCS Gazebo & Scattering Garden - Fall 2012

The VRCS scattering garden is present on the north edge of the property (905 Pembroke St E, Pembroke, ON) overlooking the Ottawa River.  Communally cremated pets (pets cremated together and the remains are not returned to their owners) are scattered on these grounds.  If you wish to scatter the remains of your pet (or relation) around these gardens, then please check in with us and we will show you the best areas to do so.

Wherever you scatter, the process should be done with discretion and downwind from other people. As a guide, you should not scatter ashes within 90 meters of public roads, walks or public trails. Cremation and the scattering ashes may be offensive to some people and cultures.

Veterinary Referral Cremation Services

905 Pembroke St. E

Pembroke, On K8A 3M3

613-732-3845   1-877-332-3845

info@vrcs.ca