“A true friend leaves paw prints on your heart.”
— Unknown
Services
Cremation Options
Private Cremation
Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, and you shouldn’t have to worry about anything more. With private cremation, your pet is cared for individually from beginning to end. Your companion is the only one placed in the cremation chamber, and only your pet’s cremated remains are returned to you. A careful identification process ensures your pet is never mixed with another, and you will receive a basic wooden urn containing only your beloved pet’s remains.
Communal Cremation
Communal cremation (also known as Group Memorial Cremation) is a procedure where multiple animals are cremated together without any form of separation. These commingled cremated remains are not returned to owners. The cremated remains are scattered by our staff in a peaceful, private wooded area.
Our family knows that losing a pet is like losing a close friend or family member…
We believe that all companions should receive a meaningful and dignified farewell.
We know that the loss of every pet comes with grief and pain. We feel called to serve families during this difficult time. We have had over 35 years of experience serving families who have lost human companions through the Waid family funeral home, and we are committed to continued service to area families as they deal with the loss of their pets.
We will walk alongside you during your grief to ensure that your precious family member will be treated with love and respect.
Your Pets Are
100% Respected in Our Care
Pricing
Small Pet - Hamster, Gerbil, fish, etc
$95
Certificate of Cremation
Wooden box urn with small padlock closure
Personalized hair clipping memorial card
Bookmark featuring the “Rainbow Bridge” poem
Return of cremains within 3 business days
Cats and Small Dogs
$225
Certificate of Cremation
Wooden box urn with small padlock closure
Personalized hair clipping memorial card
Bookmark featuring the “Rainbow Bridge” poem
Return of cremains within 3 business days
Large Pets
$225 + Weight
Certificate of Cremation
Wooden box urn with small padlock closure
Personalized hair clipping memorial card
Bookmark featuring the “Rainbow Bridge” poem
Return of cremains within 3 business days
About the Waids
Alan and Mary Waid are both lifelong residents of Merrill. Alan was owner of and licensed funeral director for Waid Funeral and Cremation Service for more than 35 years. The Waid family was a charter member of the Lincoln County Humane Society. Pets have been special members of their lives since they were children. Mary was a middle school choral music teacher for Merrill Area Public Schools for 33 years. She has a passion for sewing and machine embroidery. She will provide personalization for many items that will uniquely memorialize your pet. These items are available in the downtown Merrill location.
Scott, Alan and Mary’s son, is a “black lab guy”, now spoiling his third black lab. Scott has a deep respect for animals and spends many hours each day with his dogs. He is an outdoorsman and entrepreneur, making and selling both maple syrup and firewood.
The Waids are dedicated to providing a dignified, caring and respectful service for you in your time of need.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
We honestly are so incredibly grateful for finding these wonderful humans who helped us through and navigate this extremely difficult time when you’re traveling and suddenly losing your beloved pet. Allen & Mary Paws At Rest Pet Cremations LLC if we had to choose a place for our beloved Tucker this was it. Their property is so beautiful & peaceful. Allen would call us everyday to check in and give us an update, confirming the littlest details about Tucker and returning him to us so quickly. The little details to the paw print, cremation certificate, sealed card of some of his fur to the beautiful urn was just high class and everything that our boy deserved. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough 😭
I lost my Biggie at a late hour and Alan was kind enough to pick up my call in the middle of the night and was able to help me the following morning bright and early. It’s never easy to lose a special member of the family. Mary did a great job with the paw print and I loved that they also kept some of Biggie’s hair for me to have a memory of. Appreciate everything Alan did for me. Thank you so much. ❤️
Very friendly and kind!! They cremated my daughters bearded dragon and gave us the ashes in a nice box with a lock & key and a certificate with his name. They picked him up even, and dropped him off. So nice. Great people!! Very affordable also. We’re Very grateful. We have 11 pets so we’ll be return customers I’m sure. Thanks for your kindness and service. I’d give ya ten stars if I could.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do upon the death of my pet?
Typically, grooming includes bathing, haircut, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing.
Can I plan ahead for the death of my pet?
Yes. Many times, pet parents find themselves in the most difficult position of having to make the heart wrenching decision to euthanize (put to sleep) their pet. The decision may be made over a long period of time or in just a few moments. Should you be in this situation, please call us with the date, time and location of your appointment and we will make arrangements to care for your pet immediately thereafter. Call Paws At Rest directly at 715-218-0864.
We have developed a simple form for all prospective clients, to print, fill out and give to their veterinarian to be placed in their file. This can be done at your next or any future appointment, and will give you peace of mind that when the time comes, your pet will be cared for by Paws At Rest in a compassionate, timely and professional manner.
What pets will Paws At Rest accept?
Paws At Rest will accept all pets, small and large, but not exceeding 300 pounds.
What is the cost for cremation of my pet?
Prices for cremation are based on the weight of your pet. When arranging through your veterinarian’s office, they will inform you of the price for your pet. When arranging directly through Paws At Rest, call us at 715-218-0864, or email us for the price of your pet.
How long will it be before I receive the cremated remains of my pet?
Paws At Rest will do everything possible to return the cremated remains of your pet to you within three business days. You may pick them up at your veterinarian’s office or at our downtown Merrill office, whichever you prefer. Click here for Paws At Rest form.
How can I pay for goods and services from Paws At Rest?
Paws At Rest accepts payment in cash, by check or major credit card.
What is included in private pet cremation?
A private cremation includes removal of the pet from the place of death, a certificate of cremation, a personalized hair clipping memorial card, a bookmark featuring the “Rainbow Bridge” poem, a wooden box urn with small padlock closure, and return of cremains within 3 business days. A mileage fee may apply in distances over 30 miles. You will also have the assurance that your pet is cared for by highly competent and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to providing a personal and timely service for grieving pet parents.
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