How much does pet cremation cost?
How much does pet cremation cost?
$40 – $200 cost for communal cremation
$100 – $450 cost for private cremation
Losing a pet is one of the most difficult experiences you can go through, and one of the most heart-wrenching parts of the process is making the decision about how to handle your beloved pet's remains.
Pet cremation is an affordable alternative to traditional burial and offers a way for pet owners to honor and memorialize their furry companions. Cremation allows you to keep your cherished pet's ashes in an urn or scatter them in a location of significance.
Pet cremation cost
Pet cremation costs $40 to $200 for communal cremation or $100 to $450 for private cremation. The cost to cremate a pet is typically the same regardless of the type of animal, as prices depend mainly on your pet's size and weight. An urn, decorative box, or cremation keepsakes cost extra.
| Pet's weight | Communal cremation* | Private cremation* | Pet examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 3 lbs. | $40 – $50 | $100 – $175 | Guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, parrots, parakeets, small rabbits |
| 4 to 15 lbs. | $40 – $70 | $120 – $200 | Most cats, some small dogs, most rabbits |
| 16 to 30 lbs. | $45 – $80 | $130 – $250 | Small dogs, extra-large cats, extra-large rabbits |
| 31 to 50 lbs. | $50 – $100 | $150 – $275 | Medium-sized dogs |
| 51 to 80 lbs. | $75 – $125 | $200 – $300 | Medium-large dogs |
| 81 to 100 lbs. | $85 – $150 | $220 – $350 | Large dogs |
| Over 100 lbs. | $95 – $200 | $250 – $450 | Extra-large dogs |
*Costs do not include euthanasia services, transportation of the body, or an urn.
What is pet cremation?
During pet cremation, a technician gently and respectfully places your pet's body in an enclosed chamber that is heated to temperatures of 1,800° to 2,000° F. Within a few hours, the intense heat reduces the body to ash and bone fragments, which are then ground into a sand-like consistency.
This process typically occurs in a specialized facility called a pet crematory. Depending on the type of cremation you choose, your pet's body is either cremated alone or together with other pets in the chamber.
Types of pet cremation
There are three methods of pet creation to choose from. Most pet crematories offer communal and private cremation. Individual or "partitioned" cremation is less common, but some crematories offer that option.
Private cremation costs $100 to $450, depending on your pet's size. This is the most expensive method, but your pet is cremated alone, ensuring their ashes don’t mix with those of other pets. You may be allowed to witness the cremation, and your pet's ashes will be returned to you.
Communal cremation is the most affordable option at $40 to $200. This method is also called group cremation because your pet is cremated with other pets in one chamber. You won't get your pet's ashes back, but some crematories spread the ashes in a memorial garden.
Individual cremation costs $75 to $300. With this method—also called partitioned or semi-private cremation—several pets are placed in the same chamber, separated by dividers. Though the bodies are separate, some mixing of ashes occurs. The term "individual" can be misinterpreted because it implies your pet is cremated alone.
The best way to determine which type of cremation is right for your pet is to ask yourself how important it is to get the ashes back and whether you want to observe the cremation. Cremation viewing and the return of your pet's ashes are only available for private cremations.
What impacts the cost of pet cremation?
The type of cremation you select—communal or private—has a major impact on the cost, but these other factors also affect the total amount you'll pay:
Pet's size and weight: Your pet's size and weight are another key factor in the cremation cost. Fees are higher for larger or heavier pets because they require more space and time to cremate.
Type of pet: The cost to cremate a dog, cat, hamster, or other domestic pet is typically the same based on weight. Some companies charge higher fees to cremate exotic pets or wild animals due to the risk of potential exposure to infectious diseases.
Transport fee: Many pet crematories will pick up your pet's remains directly from the veterinarian's office for free, while others charge a $50 to $100 transport fee. Crematories charge $75 to $150 to pick up your pet's remains from your home instead.
Cremation viewing / witnessing: Some crematories allow you to view your pet's private cremation. Many people find this idea too distressing, but some choose to observe the cremation to see how the crematory treats their pet's remains or to get a sense of closure. Viewing fees range from $20 to $75.
Euthanasia: If you're paying separately for euthanasia services, you'll face additional costs of $50 to $450, depending on the type of pet and whether your vet handles the process or you choose in-home euthanasia instead.
Dog euthanasia costs $80 to $250 at a vet's office.
Cat euthanasia costs $50 to $275 at a vet's office.
At-home pet euthanasia costs $250 to $450.
Additional pet cremation costs
The cost of pet cremation typically only covers the service itself. However, many companies sell decorative urns or boxes for your pet's ashes. Other keepsakes like clay paw prints and hair or fur clippings are common options.
Some companies also sell jewelry and other keepsakes either made from or designed to hold a portion of the ashes. These cremation keepsakes offer unique ways to keep your pet close to your heart and cherish their memory.
Urn or memorial box: Pet urns and boxes cost $50 to $350 and come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and materials. Metal urns and decorative wood boxes with engraved paw print designs are a popular choice. Some memorial boxes can also display a printed or digital photo of your pet.
Engraving: Custom engraving on an urn, memorial box, or metal name plate adds $10 to $50. Some companies charge per line of text while others charge a flat fee.
Paw print preserved in clay: Many cremation companies can provide your pet's paw print in clay for $20 to $40, with extra fees if you want the print framed.
Hair or fur clipping: A keepsake clipping of your pet's fur or hair costs $10 to $25. The clipping is typically enclosed in a clear protective sleeve tucked into a memorial card.
Other cremation keepsakes: Many companies offer cremation jewelry, sculptures, and other keepsakes. Your pet's ashes can be mixed in glass or epoxy or even formed into a real diamond. Some companies solidify the ashes into cremation stones for you to keep, scatter in nature, or create an outdoor memorial.
Pet ash scattering or burial cost
You can scatter the ashes on your own private land or in a scattering garden, or you can bury them instead. These methods offer an alternative to keeping your pet's ashes in your home while still allowing you to visit the site of the ashes later if you choose.
Pet ash scattering gardens provide a peaceful outdoor location for you to scatter your pet's ashes. Some scattering gardens are small, designated sections within larger cemeteries. Others are independent memorial gardens specifically for pets. Some cemeteries let you scatter pet ashes for free, while others charge $100 to $500.
Pet burial in a dedicated pet cemetery costs $300 to $1,500 on average, depending on the location. This fee covers only the burial plot and the burial itself. Adding a headstone or grave marker costs $50 to $300+.
Pet cremation FAQs
How long does pet cremation take?
Pet cremation takes 1 to 4 hours, depending on the animal's size. If you select private cremation, you'll receive your pet's ashes within a few days to two weeks.
Do vets cremate pets?
Veterinarians typically don't offer on-site pet cremation services because the cremation process requires specialized equipment and additional permits. However, most veterinarians have relationships with reputable cremation services in their area and can arrange for the company to pick up your pet's remains after euthanasia.
Where can I get my pet cremated?
You can get your pet cremated at local crematories, many of which specialize in cremation for pets and work directly with veterinarians in their area. Nationwide organizations like Lap of Love also offer pet cremation services in addition to in-home pet euthanasia.
Does pet insurance cover cremation costs?
Most pet insurance does not cover cremation costs. Some insurance providers offer coverage for euthanasia and cremation as an add-on policy with a higher premium.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.