Losing a beloved pet is an incredibly difficult experience. For those who have chosen to cremate their pet and keep their ashes in an urn, there may come a time when you need to open the urn. Whether you want to transfer the ashes to a more permanent urn, scatter them in a special place, or divide them among family members, knowing how to open a pet urn safely and respectfully is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of opening a pet urn, focusing on pet remains urns.
Why Open a Pet Urn?
There are several reasons why you might need to open a pet urn:
- Transfer to a Permanent Urn: Many pet owners initially receive their pet’s ashes in a temporary urn and later choose to transfer them to a more decorative or personalized urn.
- Scattering the Ashes: Some people prefer to scatter their pet’s ashes in a meaningful location, such as a favorite park or garden.
- Dividing Among Family Members: If multiple family members want to keep a portion of the ashes, the urn will need to be opened to divide them.
- Creating Keepsakes: You might want to create cremation jewelry or other keepsakes that incorporate your pet’s ashes.
Types of Pet Urns and How to Open Them
Pet urns come in various materials and designs, each requiring a different approach to opening. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of pet remains urns and how to open them:
1. Plastic Urns
Plastic urns are often used as temporary containers for pet ashes. They can be sealed with adhesive or wax. To open a plastic urn:
- Gentle Pressure and Wiggling: Apply gentle pressure and a slight wiggling motion to the lid. Sometimes, this is enough to loosen the seal.
- Solvent Application: If the lid doesn’t budge, use a solvent like acetone-based nail polish remover or an epoxy solvent. Soak a cotton ball in the solvent and apply it to the seal line. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try wiggling and gently prying the lid again.
- Prying with a Flat Tool: If solvents aren’t sufficient, use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry the lid open. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the urn.
- Rubber Mallet (Use Sparingly): As a last resort, use a rubber mallet to gently tap around the lid to help loosen a tight seal. Be cautious to prevent damage to the urn.
2. Metal Urns
Metal urns are often more durable and may have threaded lids or sealed lids:
- Threaded Lids: Simply unscrew the lid by rotating it counter-clockwise.
- Sealed Lids: If the lid is sealed with wax, silicone, or adhesive, use a solvent to weaken the seal. Apply the solvent to the seal line and gently wiggle or pry the lid open using a flathead screwdriver.
3. Wooden Urns
Wooden urns typically have a base that screws off:
- Screwed Bases: Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the screws at the bottom of the urn.
- Sealed Bases: If the base is sealed, apply a solvent to the seal and gently pry it open.
4. Ceramic or Glass Urns
Ceramic or glass urns may have glued lids:
- Glued Lids: Use a solvent to weaken the glue. Apply the solvent to the seal line and gently tap the lid with a rubber mallet to help loosen it.
Important Considerations Before Opening Your Pet Urn
- Prepare Your Workspace: Choose a flat, stable surface to work on and cover it with paper or plastic to make cleanup easier.
- Use the Right Tools: Have the appropriate solvents and tools ready before you start.
- Be Patient: Opening a sealed urn may take time. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the urn or its contents.
- Handle the Ashes with Care: Pet ashes, or cremains, are safe to handle but should be treated with respect. Consider wearing gloves to avoid direct contact.
FAQs About Opening Pet Urns
- Is it legal to open a pet urn? Yes, it is perfectly legal to open a pet urn. Cremated remains are considered sterile, and there are no legal restrictions on handling them respectfully.
- Can a sealed plastic pet urn be opened? Yes, most sealed plastic pet urns can be opened using solvents and gentle prying techniques.
- What if the urn looks like a temporary one? Temporary urns are usually made of plastic and can be opened using similar methods as described above.
- Can I re-seal a plastic pet urn after opening it? Yes, you can reseal a plastic pet urn by applying a small bead of silicone epoxy around the opening and pressing the lid back in place.
Conclusion
Opening a pet urn can seem daunting, but with the right approach and tools, it can be a straightforward process. Whether you’re transferring the ashes to a more permanent urn, scattering them in a special place, or dividing them among family members, handling your pet’s remains with care and respect is paramount. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that the process is both respectful and successful.