Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is the most painful part of pet parenthood. The day you decide to say goodbye to your pet will be filled with emotions, so the last thing you'll want to do is make a major decision about your pet's aftercare.

Being prepared ahead of time can offer you peace in such a difficult moment and allow you to make this decision with a clear mind. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the pet cremation options available to your pet after they have passed.

What Is Pet Cremation?

Pet cremation is a great option for pet parents who are unable to bury their pet's remains. During the process, the body is reduced to bone matter using intense heat and then further processed into ash using a cremulator.

The pet’s remains are placed in a chamber that reaches temperatures of around 1,000 Celsius. It can take 30 minutes to 2 hours for the pet’s remains to reduce to ash, and the cremains are then carefully collected by the crematorium staff. The ashes will either be returned to the pet parent or disposed of by the crematorium. It is entirely up to the pet parent.

Pet Cremation Options: Private, Communal or Aquamation

Let's examine the pet cremation options to help you decide about your pet's remains. 

Private Cremation for Pets

Private cremation is the ideal choice for pet parents who want to have their pet's ashes returned to them or who wish to provide a funeral for their pet. During private cremation, the pet is placed in the cremation chamber alone to ensure that the ashes do not mix with those of other pets. By selecting private cremation, only your pet's ashes will be returned to you.

It can take 2 to 30 days to have your pet's ashes returned to you. Pet parents typically pick up the ashes at the veterinary clinic or the crematorium. However, if your pet was sent to be cremated from your vet's office, your vet will likely hold them for you to pick up at your convenience.

The standard container for pet ashes is usually a small wooden box or urn, with your pet's ashes sealed in a bag inside. However, your vet may offer an urn catalogue with different options if you prefer. You can easily remove your pet's ashes if you would like to spread them or place them in a memorial of your choosing.

Just a friendly reminder: avoid burying or spreading your pet's ashes in an area where you plan to plant a tree. Doing so can affect the soil's acidity and hinder plant growth unless the ashes are mixed with a substrate. Fortunately, some companies offer substrates designed to serve as a growing medium. One that we recommend is called Let Your Love Grow.

Communal Cremation For Pets

Communal cremation is the most common option for pet owners who do not wish to have their pet's ashes returned or prefer the cremains to be handled by the crematorium. Keeping the ashes separate is not required in this process, so your pet will likely be placed in the cremation chamber alongside other pets. After the cremation, the pet crematorium will responsibly dispose of the cremains.

Aquamation For Pets

Aquamation is less common than traditional cremation methods, but it is an excellent choice for pet parents who want to be more environmentally conscious. Research indicates that aquamation uses only 5% of the energy required for standard heat cremation and produces just 10% of the carbon footprint.

Aquamation involves placing the pet's remains in a heated alkaline solution that speeds up the natural decomposition process. The process typically takes about 18 to 24 hours. Once complete, the remains are dried and turned into a fine powder using a cremulator. The powdered ashes are then returned to the pet parent in the same manner as private cremation ashes would be. 

Key Factors to Consider

There are a few factors to consider that will help you choose the right cremation option for your pet.

Memorial Preferences

Your choice of pet cremation depends on how you wish to memorialize your pet. For example, if keeping ashes at home doesn’t bring you comfort, private cremation may not be the ideal choice. First, consider the ways you’d like to honour your pet, and then select the cremation option that best fits your family’s wishes.

Pet ashes can be used in various meaningful keepsakes, such as blown glass, jewelry, and tattoos, and can even be transformed into pebbles or diamonds. These unique options offer personal and lasting ways to cherish your beloved companion.

Cost

Cost can be a factor for some pet parents when selecting the appropriate cremation option. Private cremation and aquamation generally cost between $100 and $300 more than communal cremation because of the additional steps involved in the process.

Emotional Well-Being

When dealing with the euthanasia and cremation process for your pet, it's essential to reflect on your emotional well-being at every step. Will having your pet’s ashes at home bring you comfort? Will it ignite sadness? It is a deeply personal decision, so it's essential to consider your feelings and grieving preferences.

Where to Find Pet Cremation Services

The best way to find a pet crematorium near you is to consult your veterinary team. Most veterinary offices have established relationships with crematoriums, and they can assist in caring for your pet from the moment they leave the clinic until their ashes are returned to you.

If you’d like to explore additional pet cremation services, consider reaching out to your local community. Platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor have local pet forums where you can connect with fellow pet owners. We encourage you to ask your community about pet crematoriums they have used and choose the option that feels right for you.

We are sending you love as you navigate this important decision. If you have questions about the pet cremation process, explore our end-of-life care guide for pets. Our founder and CEO, Dr. Celine Leheurteux, aims to address pet parents' most common questions about end-of-life care and pet cremation.