Pets
Pet cremation urns: a size chart and guide for dogs and cats
Choosing an urn for a pet you loved is a personal decision, and there's no wrong choice. This guide covers how to size a pet urn, which materials suit a home, and what to consider if you'd like to keep, share or bury your pet's ashes.
4 min read
Updated
How to size a pet urn
The simplest guide is one cubic inch of urn capacity for every pound of your pet's healthy weight. If you're between sizes, choose the larger urn: a little extra room is better than an urn that's too small. If you'd like to add a collar, tag or small keepsake inside, allow extra space for it.
Pet urn size chart
| Pet | Typical weight | Urn capacity to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Cats, rabbits, toy breeds | Up to 15 lb | 15–20 cubic inches |
| Small dogs | 15–30 lb | 30–40 cubic inches |
| Medium dogs | 30–60 lb | 60–75 cubic inches |
| Large dogs | 60–100 lb | 100–120 cubic inches |
| Giant breeds | Over 100 lb | Weight in pounds plus 10–20 cubic inches |
| A portion of ashes | Any | Keepsake size |
Each product page lists the urn's exact capacity in cubic inches. See small pet urns and medium pet urns.
Marble, wood or keepsake?
- Natural marble is polished by hand and each piece has its own veining. See marble pet urns.
- Wood gives a warm, traditional look for a shelf or mantel. Our wooden urns are full-size, which suits large dogs. See wooden pet urns and our guide to choosing a wooden pet urn.
- Keepsakes hold a portion of ashes, useful when several family members would like to keep part, or for very small pets. See keepsake urns.
Statues and figurative pieces
Some families prefer a sculpted piece — a resting dog or cat form — over a traditional vase shape. These hold the remains in a sealed base compartment and read as an ornament rather than an urn.
Burying a pet at home
Home burial rules vary by state and municipality, and some areas prohibit it. Check locally first; a sealed stone urn placed in a small vault is the usual approach where it is allowed.
Common questions
- What size urn do I need for my dog?
- Allow about one cubic inch per pound of your dog's healthy weight, and choose the next size up if you're unsure.
- What size urn do I need for a cat?
- Most cats need an urn of about 15–20 cubic inches.
- Can I keep my pet's ashes with a family member's urn?
- Yes. Many families choose a pet urn in the same stone as a family urn so they can be displayed together.
- Can I divide my pet's ashes among family?
- Yes. Keepsake urns hold a small portion, so several people can each keep one.
Sources and further reading
- AVMA — Pet loss and aftercare
Guidance on aftercare decisions and grief support for pet owners.
- Cremation Association of North America
Information about cremation and cremated remains.