Companion animals are part of your family — they’ve been by your side through major life changes, and you’ve made many happy memories together. And when they’re gone, you want to celebrate all the joy they brought into your life by giving them a proper memorial. While movies may depict burials in the backyard, this isn’t always possible. Instead, pet cremation has become the most common and affordable end-of-life option for our four-legged friends. Pet cremation is unregulated, meaning, you must do your homework about the company you wish to use. Read the reviews. Get referrals. Do price comparisons. Feel comfortable about the stranger who is about to take your beloved companion animal away.
If you have questions about whether animal cremation is right for you, this guide can tell you everything you need to know.
Which pets can be cremated/aquamated?
Most all domestic and farm animals can be cremated or aquamated.
Is it better to bury or cremate your companion animal?
As with any end-of-life service, what’s right for you will be very personal. You may factor in cost, effort required, and whether pet cremation is available near you.
Burying your beloved pet in your yard isn’t always practical. You’ll need to dig at least three to five feet into the ground and be aware of any gas or water lines, as well as any local regulations that prohibit pet burial. A cold climate can prevent you from burying your pet in the winter. Lastly, if you move to a new house, what becomes of your pet’s grave?
If you live in an area that has a pet cemetery, you can certainly go that route. But with just 100 in the country, you may not live close enough for burial in a pet cemetery to be an option.
Pet cremation is often the most convenient option — as it’s typically more affordable and still allows you to have a memorial for your pet. Many families agree that pet cremation is an excellent choice: according to a survey by the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance, 99% of pet funerals each year involve cremation.
Will you get your pet’s ashes back after cremation?
Whether you get your pet’s ashes back depends on the type of cremation you choose. There are generally three types of cremation available for pets: communal, individual and private.
- Communal: In a communal cremation, your pet is cremated along with other animals. Because there are several animals, it’s not possible to get your pet’s ashes back. These ashes are then scattered at sea in a loving ceremony (that’s what we do). Rose petals are scattered and we chime a gong three times.
- Individual: In this case, your pet is cremated along with other animals, but each animal is partitioned off. You will receive your pet’s ashes back, but the only difference between individual and private is privacy.
- Private: Your pet is cremated alone, and you are able to get the ashes afterward.
The amount of ashes you’ll get back depends on the size of your pet. Experts say you will get back around 3.5% of your pet’s weight before they were cremated.
How much does it cost to cremate a companion animal?
The cost of dog cremation varies based on the size of your pet and the type of cremation you choose. Communal cremation is the least expensive. Private cremation, on the other hand, depends upon the weight and will increase with the size of the pet and it generally includes a nice urn and some keepsake items to take home.
Aquamation or Fire Cremation?
Fire Cremation:
- The animal’s remains are incinerated using high heat, around 1400–1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of time it takes depends on the size of the animal but is usually around two hours.
- The remains are inspected for metal objects; any that are discovered are removed.
- Large pieces of bone that did not incinerate are pulverized to fine dust that resembles ash.
- For animals in a private cremation, the cremains will be placed in your chosen urn, along with your keepsake items like paw prints and fur locks.
- Fire cremation is the only way to provide your pet with a private cremation.
Aquamation:
This water-based process of aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis has been gaining popularity as a more natural and environmentally friendly cremation solution. Water-based pet cremation uses water and a water-soluble alkali solution to decompose the body in a pressurized chamber. At the end of the process, you’ll receive ashes that you can memorialize in whatever way you see fit. There is no such thing as private aquamation. Pets are placed in the container, in the solution, separated by steels sheets. It is individual or communal only. The remaining solution in the machine after the cycle has been run, is sent through that sewer system of that city.
How can I find pet cremation near me?
You could do an internet search for “Pet cremation near me,” but it’s often good to chat to folks who have been through this before. If you have to euthanize your pet with us, we will arrange everything and have your pet transported to the crematorium. However, if your pet dies at home, you can still call us for pet mobile services. We will come to your home day or night to pick up your pet for cremation.
What do I do with my pet’s ashes?
From traditional options to more modern memorials, you have many options for what to do with your pet’s ashes. Also check out our page for ideas: Memorial Items & Aftercare
- Scattering: If your pet enjoyed hiking, swimming, or outdoor adventures, scattering their ashes in a place they loved is a meaningful way to honor them.
- Pet urns: The most popular way to memorialize your pet’s ashes is in a pet urn that you display in your home. They’re available in nearly any style and at any price point. On the outside of the urn, you can place a photograph or hang their tags. We offer a variety of choices and one of our favorites is the pet tree bio urn.
- Cremation jewelry: Cremation jewelry varies from urn necklaces, which are hollowed-out vials that you place ashes in, to cremation beads and glass jewelry, which involve melting down glass and adding ashes.
- Cremation art: You can also turn your pet’s ashes into glass art that you can display in your home. The process is similar to creating glass beads and jewelry.
- Memorial forests: Memorial forests are an environmentally friendly way to honor the life of your pet. Your pet’s ashes are spread under a memorial tree in a protected forest, creating a beautiful place to visit in memory of your pet. You can even choose to be laid to rest in the same place as your pet to create a lasting legacy.
Today’s pet owner has more options than ever for what to do when their beloved dog, cat, or other pet passes. When you choose animal cremation, you can memorialize your pet in a variety of creative ways, and rest assured knowing that their remains will not be disturbed in the future.