Pet Cremation Guide

What animals can be cremated?

Dogs, cats and horses are the most common, but it's also possible to cremate hamsters, rabbits, birds, reptiles and more.

Those of us who have dogs know what a special bond is established with our canines — we come to think of them as one of our children. Cats may pretend to care less about what we do, but the bond is just as strong. And even though you can't cuddle one, strong bonds are often created with horses; it surprises some people to learn a horse can be cremated at all.

Pet crematoriums: what to expect

At a crematorium you will find much the same as in one for humans — a soothing atmosphere with staff who will treat you with respect and sympathy.

If you want to choose a particular urn, you may be taken into a memorial room where urns, boxes and jewellery are displayed. You can often find a better price for a memorial online.

The cremation process

The body is placed in the cremation chamber and subjected to temperatures of roughly 1,400–1,800°F. The intense heat reduces the organic matter to ashes and bone.

Metal — pins, or a buckle on a collar — is removed by hand or with a magnet. The remaining bone is processed into a gritty, sand-like powder, white or grey in colour. Don't be concerned if you see flecks of colour: a blanket or collar left with your pet accounts for that.

Timing depends on size. A cat or small dog usually takes under two hours; a large dog or a horse can take several.

The three types of service

• Private cremation — your animal is in a chamber separate from other animals, and the crematorium guarantees you receive only your pet's ashes.
• Witnessed cremation — you are present, usually in a viewing area. Many people feel watching helps the healing process.
• Communal cremation — several animals are cremated together and the ashes are not separated. It's often around half the cost, but ashes are not returned.

How much does pet cremation cost?

Like human cremation, prices vary by facility and region. These are typical ranges.

• Domestic pets — $50–$350, depending on the type of cremation and the weight of your pet. The lowest is communal with no return of ashes; the highest is private with return, often including a basic container.
• Horses — $250–$1,500 and up, depending on weight, your area, and whether pick-up is required.
• Pick-up — around $30–$45 for domestic pets outside business hours or beyond about 25 miles. Horse pick-up can reach $1,000.
• Viewing — typically an extra $20–$30.
• Urn — anywhere from $50 to $1,000; an affordable one can be bought online for under $100.

What to do with the ashes

Quite often people are unsure what to do next. These are the options families use most.

• Cremation urns — the most popular and affordable choice, in any number of sizes, styles and prices.
• Cremation boxes — another container frequently displayed at home, made in wood and many other materials.
• A headstone — a simple stone laid in the garden makes a beautiful memorial.
• Jewellery — a pendant holding a small amount of the remains, kept close to your heart.
• Keychain keepsakes — another way of carrying a little of your pet with you.

Choosing the urn

For pets, sizing works the same way as for people: about one cubic inch of capacity per pound of healthy body weight. A 60lb dog needs roughly a 60–75 cubic inch urn.

Stone urns suit families who want something that will last, indoors or in the garden.

Common questions

How long does pet cremation take?

Under two hours for a cat or small dog; a few hours for a large dog or a horse. Ashes are usually returned within one to two weeks.

Will I definitely get my own pet's ashes back?

Only with private or witnessed cremation. Communal cremation processes several animals together and ashes are not returned individually.

What size urn does my pet need?

Roughly one cubic inch per pound of your pet's healthy body weight.