Animal cremation in remote Western Australia is on the rise, with some pet owners spending more than $1,000 to have their deceased companions sent to Perth facilities.
Broome vet Dave Morrell has seen a steady increase in business, which he believes is a sign of the changing relationship between people and their pets.
"In the old days, few people wanted to get their pets cremated. I guess people's attitude to animals has changed," he said.
"Once upon a time the dog was your companion, but now they're more of a loving friend, and part of your family."
On average, Dr Morrell will send one pet a week from Broome 2,000 kilometres to Perth for cremation, but the process is both labour-intensive and expensive.
"They get frozen and then they're in a double body bag, and then they're in a water-tight, air-tight box," he said.
"The downside of that is that the cremation is $400-$500 but the airfare for a frozen animal in a box is about $900. So it becomes exorbitant."
Forever in my heart
When Zita passed away at age 11, the golden retriever's owner Martine Gijsbrechts was willing to spend the money on cremation.
"I don't own any land and I don't live in my own house and I couldn't face having to bury her in someone else's property," Ms Gijsbrechts said.
"But I do live on a budget and I knew it was going to be at a very high cost.
"She's in a little cask now, with her ashes, a photo and an engraving. I can take her anywhere with me now."
Ms Gijsbrechts' situation is not unique, according to the owner of Perth-based Lanswood pet crematorium, Lance Stringer.
"We look after pets from all over the state, from Kununurra through to Esperance," Mr Stringer said.
"We find that in the more remote areas, it's the people who don't live there full-time who often chose cremations because it gives them the ability to take their pet with them."
Regional cremations coming
Pet cremation is about to become cheaper for Broome residents after Dr Morrell invested in a cremation facility.
"There was a need. I could see people spending exorbitant prices [so] I've got one coming up from England. It'll probably cost $30,000 all up," he said.
Ms Gijsbrechts believes this is good news for pet owners in remote Western Australia.
"I am very happy to hear that because I know a lot of people who look at their pets the same way I did with Zita," she said.
