In recent years, pet cremation has grown exponentially and continues to do so.

It’s a sorrowful time and handling the arrangements can be extremely distressing. For that reason, many people have begun making those arrangements in advance.

We’ll discuss what animals can be cremated, the process, what services are offered, costs, and what to with your furry friend’s ashes. You’ll have the information to decide if this is the right choice, and what decisions are needed to be made.

What Animals Can Be Cremated?

Dogs, cats, and horses are the most common animals, however it’s also possible to cremate other animals such as hamsters, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and more.

Dog Cremation

Those of us who have dogs know what a special bond is established with our beloved canines. We come to think of them as one of our children.

Dog Cremation Guide

If you’re for information about dogs, our team has compiled a guide dedicated to the dog cremation process.

Cat Cremation

Although they tend to go their own way at times and pretend to care less about what we do, people who have cats know what a loving bond can be established.

Cat Cremation Guide

Losing your cat, it’s a time of great sorrow and you want to choose the best way to keep him or her close to your heart.

For more information, please read our guide about cremating a cat.

Horse Cremation

Even though you can’t cuddle one like a dog or cat, strong bonds are often created with horses. It sometimes takes a bit longer, but once you establish that bond, it’s intense as any other.

It’s surprising for some people to discover that they can cremate their horse.

Pet Crematoriums: What to Expect

At a crematorium, you will find much the same as in one for humans. It typically has a soothing atmosphere with staff that will have respect and sympathy for you.

Memorial Room: If you want to choose a particular urn, you may be taken into a room where they are displayed. They may offer urns, boxes, or  jewelry.

You might also be able to get a better price for a memorial online. We’ll talk about this a bit later in the “What to do with ashes” section.

Memorial Room at Peaceful Paws

Business Office: If making prearrangements, you are likely to meet with a staff member in an office or other area to make all the necessary choices.

Cremation Room: This room is separate from the others and contains the cremation chamber. Some people are surprised and pleased at how clean and sterile this area is in most facilities.

Cremation Room at Badlands

Viewing Room– This is the room where you and other family members will sit or stand during a witnessed cremation.

The Cremation Process For Pets

There are crematoriums for both humans, animals, and some are for both, but regardless the cremation process is the same.

Many people want details of what will happen during the cremation process, such as how they will be treated and what happens.

Of course every crematorium is different however there will be a standard basic process.

Pet Cremation Chamber- Addfield

The Cremation Chamber: 

This is the compartment of where your pet is placed and where the actual cremation takes place. The body is subjected to temperatures ranging from around 1400 – 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Long Does it Take?

The time to complete depends on the size of your animal. For instance, a cat or small dog usually takes less than two hours. A large dog or a horse can take a few hours.

What Happens During a Pet Cremation?

The intense heat vaporizes the organic matter and reduces it down to ashes and bone.

Any type of metal that was in or on the animal such as metal pins or a buckle on the collar is removed by hand or with a magnet.

The rest of the remains are pulverized to a gritty sand-like powder, which is white or gray in color.

Typical Animal Remains

Don’t be surprised or concerned if you see bright colors in the ashes. If they were bundled in a blanket or you left on the collar, this will account for the colours.

What Services Are Offered?

Private Cremation: Your animal is placed in a chamber that is separate from other animals. With private cremation, they guarantee that you receive only your pet’s ashes.

Witnessed Cremation: You are present at the time of the process. There will likely be a viewing area for you and anyone else who wish to witness. Many people feel that watching helps in the progression of the healing process.

Communal Cremation: This type is frequently chosen because the cost is generally lower than the others, sometimes even half the price. Your furry friend is placed into a chamber along with other animals.

All of the animals are cremated simultaneously and the ashes are pulverized together.

How Much Does Pet Cremation Cost?

Just like cremation prices for people, pet provider costs can vary depending on the facility and other factors. Below are some average costs.

Break down of prices:

Domestic Pets– $50 -$350, depending on the type of cremation and the weight of your pet.

The lowest cost would be for communal, with no return of the ashes. The highest is for private, with a return of the ashes. This frequently includes some extras like a basic container for the ashes.

Horses– $250 – $1,500 and up, depending on the weight, the area in which you live, and if pick-up is required. Whether it’s a communal without return of ashes or a private type with return of the ashes will influence the cost as well.

Hartsdale Pet Cemetery

Extras:

Pick-up– If it’s outside business hours or on the weekend, the charge is typically around $30 – $45 for domestic pets. Outside a certain driving distance, usually 25 miles, the charge is also around $30 – $45.

Horse pick-up can cost up to $1,000, depending on the horse’s size and the distance from the crematorium.

Viewing– If you wish to view your pet’s cremation, there is typically an extra charge of approximately $20 – $30.

Urn– If you desire that the ashes are placed in an urn, they run from $50 – $1,000. You can buy an affordable one online for less than $100. (See below)

Frequently Asked Question About Pet Cremation

Burial or cremation: What should I choose for my pet?

Of course the decision of cremation vs burial is a personal preference. With burial, you will have a gravesite that you can visit often. However, you can choose cremating and still bury the ashes. Many people choose it because it is more environmentally friendly and cost effective. In addition, if you move away, you can take your pet’s ashes with you.

What if your pet dies at home?

If they die at home, most pet crematories have a 24-hour pick-up service and will usually return the ashes to you within a few days. If you have not made pre arrangements, you may be able to leave your pet at your veterinarian office for a few days if you need some time.

Have I received the correct cremains?

Most crematories offer private cremation, which guarantees that your pet is placed into a separate chamber alone and then cremated. Furthermore, in order to ensure you receive only your pet’s ashes, some people choose a witnessed cremation in order to view the process.

Do I need a casket for my pet to be cremated?

No, you don’t need to have a casket or other cremation container for the cremation as a rule. At most facilities, you can wrap your pet in his or her favourite blanket if you wish. Nevertheless, if you do desire to have a casket, you can purchase one as long as it’s made with combustible materials.

Can my pet’s items also be cremated?

It depends on the particular crematory. Some do not allow toys to be cremated and some may allow a blanket made with natural fibers. Others do allow your dog’s favourite blanket and even leave on their collar. It depends on the environmental regulations in your area. Check in advance with the facility you choose.

What happens if my pet passes away at my veterinarian?

Although vets do not normally perform this service, they frequently have a relationship with a third-party facility that they can recommend. In most cases, your animal can be picked-up from your veterinary office.

Deciding on Pet Cremation

This guide is intended to relieve some of the pressure of making important decisions during your time of grief.

Losing your beloved pet can be a difficult time in your life. We hope to take some of the time and stress away when that time comes.