All Pets Go to Heaven

West Laurel Hill Cemetery has gone to the dogs! Yappy Hours, special tours & events, and now a new pet center offering a variety of support for pet owners.

Woof, Wag & Walk 2009

Did you know Laurel Hill Cemetery has a sister? West Laurel Hill, right across the river in Bala Cynwyd, is a wider, greener spin on the original. With big event spaces and tons of parking – and a great location off the Cynwyd Heritage trail – West Laurel Hill attracts a lot of city dog owners who come out for the parklike setting. Throughout the year, the cemetery partners with local rescues for various dog-friendly tours and Yappy Hours, and their annual Woof Wag and Walk day is always a big hit with the four-footed crowd.

This summer, the pet-friendly vibe here has kicked up a notch with the Grand Opening of “The Laurels” pet services center and cemetery. The grounds feature three landscaped, wooded acres with a walking trail, plus a restored Victorian cottage and a state-of the-art aquamation facility.

Say what? It’s the new thing: cremation by water, not fire. A more eco-friendly alternative to customary cremation or even burial. Aquamation uses a natural process called “alkaline hydrolysis” that requires just 10% of the energy normally used for a flame cremation with no air emissions. West Laurel Hill is the state’s first pet cemetery to offer this service, which is not currently available for humans yet (legislation is pending in PA).

Photo credit: Brian Vincent Joseph, West Laurel Hill’s Facebook page.

Of course, The Laurels also offers more traditional options. Three different burial packages provide casket, interment, and markesr from $1,0000 – $3,000 (priced by size). For cremation, a scattering garden is available as well as designated plots. Graveside services are included for all packages.

Grief support through Northwest Philadelphia Pet Loss and Grief Support Group, a partnership of West Laurel and Queenie’s Pets, LLC. They’ve also partnered with Dr. Brad VMP from Lap of Love to help with end-of-life decisions and in-home care when it’s time to say goodbye.

Until then, put West Laurel Hill on your “suburban excursion” list – it’s a beautiful place to explore local nature, history, and design.

SATURDAY SEPT 8th: Woof Wag & Walk at West Laurel Hill. Pet-friendly walking tour features favorite pet stories. Treats, raffles, and more. Fun starts at 10am (suggested donation $10). RSVP: events@westlaurelhill.com

The Laurels at West Laurel Hill
225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd
westlaurelhill.com
Gates open 7am – 6pm (May – Oct); 7am – 5pm (Nov- Apr)
Voted Best Cemetery 2017/2018 by Main Line News

 

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