Pet Rest Memorial: Is Eternity Running out of Time?

Abstract

Pet Rest Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery (Tempe, Arizona) resembles other small cemeteries in general lay-out and appearance; the casual observer may have to look twice to determine that it is the final resting place of household pets. Actually, however, Pet Rest and other animal cemeteries may not serve as “final” or even long-term burial grounds. Economic problems, including the side-effects of urban change, have led to suspended operations in some facilities (such as Pet Rest), and to the closing of others. This article briefly explores the needs served by pet cemeteries, the difficulties that confront many of these facilities, and the larger implications for memorialization and the sense of loss. A photographic tour of Pet Rest Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery provides its own form of documentation.