For pet owners, their beloved animals play a significant role in their lives and are an important part of the family. Just with human family members, you want to ensure they get a proper memorial when they die to pay tribute to the joy they brought to your life. As such, when they die they are worthy of a dignified cremation. If you are considering this option, check out the guide below for everything you need to know about: what is pet cremation.
Cremation is a funerary process in which organic matter in a body is reduced to bone fragments. These fragments are then reduced further to create a coarse powder referred to as cremated remains or ashes. Pet cremation is this process for the body of a pet that has died.
There are two ways a body can be cremated – flame cremation and aquamation.
Flame cremation involves a body being exposed to extremely high temperatures in a cremation chamber. The extreme heat incinerates the body and reduces it to bone fragments, which are then reduced to a fine, coarse, gray powder.
Aquamation uses the process of alkaline hydrolysis to cremate remains. The body is placed in a stainless-steel vessel, where it is exposed to water, alkali (potassium hydroxide), heat and pressure. This creates a reaction that speeds up body decomposition. When finished, it leaves behind bone fragments and a sterile liquid. The bone fragments are reduced to a white or tan powder, and the liquid is disposed of through the sewer system.
Types of Pet Cremation
In addition to the two types of cremation, there are also often three different levels of pet cremation. When this comes to flame cremation, this includes communal, individual/partitioned, and private.
Communal Cremation
Communal cremation means that your pet will be placed in the cremation chamber with other pets. Because of this, no cremated remains are returned to their owners since they would be mixed with other pets. This will often be the cheapest of the options.
Individual/partitioned cremation
Individual/partitioned cremation involves your pet being separated by partitions in the cremation chamber or vessel. Therefore, the ashes will remain relatively isolated from the ashes of other pets and will be returned to the owners afterward. This option is usually more expensive than communal cremation but still relatively affordable.
Private cremation
Private cremation involves your pet being cremated independently in the cremation chamber. Although ashes will often remain separated with individual/partition cremation, private cremation helps ensure that you will only be receiving the ashes of your pet. For this reason, it is the most expensive option. This is the version of cremation that humans receive when they die.
Cost of Pet Cremation
The average cost of pet cremation can range anywhere from as low as $250 to over $500. This can vary greatly depending on many factors. However, the most prominent ones are often the type of cremation chosen and the size and weight of the pet.
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As mentioned above, communal cremation is often the most affordable option. Many animals are being cremated at once, which is quicker and more efficient. Depending on the animal’s size, this will usually cost anywhere from $100 to $200+ per pet.
The cost of individual/partitioned cremation will often range from $200 to $350+ on average plus pick up fees. This option also allows for multiple pets to be cremated simultaneously. However, the partitions have space restrictions, resulting in a higher cost overall.
Private cremation comes with the reassurance that only your pet’s ashes will be returned to you, but this comes at a higher price tag. The cost for this service ranges by provider from $300 to over $500. At Otis, see our private cremation packages.
In general, the larger the animal, the higher the cost for cremation. This is because larger animals take up more space in the cremation chamber or vessel and take longer to cremate. Therefore, cremation for a small animal such as a rabbit or guinea pig may cost around $150, whereas a large dog like a Saint Bernard dog will likely cost over $400.
Another factor that affects the cost is additional services added to the cremation fees. This can include transportation/pick-up, urn cost, delivery of ashes, and more. Some crematoriums may also allow you to witness the cremation, which would likely be an additional fee. In some cases, companies may offer the option of holding a service for your pet or sell keepsakes (e.g., engraved necklace), which will rack up the price.
Cremation vs. Burial
When choosing a service for your pet, the choice is ultimately personal. However, there are important things to consider when deciding—two of the main things being cost and practicality.
One of the main things that affect the cost of a pet burial is where you choose to bury them. For example, if you choose to bury in a cemetery, it will likely be more expensive. The fees may include paying for the burial plot, casket, grave marker, cemetery maintenance fees, and more. Prices will vary depending mainly on those factors and the size of the pet/burial plot. Nonetheless, this can range anywhere from $500 to over $2,000.
Pet cremation can also be pricey but will likely cost you less in the long run as it is often a one-time fee. However, the cost depends mainly on the type of cremation chosen. It is also essential to consider additional fees such as an urn purchase, if you want to keep their ashes instead of scattering them.
Another option that many are more likely to opt for is a burial in a public or private location. The cost for this will likely be free or minimal. However, there are some things to keep in mind while doing this.
First, you must check local laws and regulations. Many areas allow for pet burials, but there may be some restrictions or requirements. Second, it is vital to consider the location. For example, if you choose to scatter in your backyard, you may move in the future. If you choose to bury in a public area such as a forest, the burial may be disturbed, and the site may be sold in the future and redeveloped or changed. These are not concerns with cremation because the ashes are portable and can come with you wherever you go. However, these things may need to be considered if you scatter the ashes. Also, if there are no pet cremation options near you, burial may be the more practical option.
Why choose pet cremation?
One of the main reasons to cremate your pets is that it offers more flexibility. You can choose the type of cremation you would like and find one that fits your budget. You do not need to find a cemetery location and pay additional fees associated with burying in one. And you have more freedom with what you can do after receiving the ashes. You can keep them in the home, scatter them in your pet’s favourite location, turn them into keepsake jewelry, turn them into cremation art, and much more. There are many options. However, in the end, only you can choose what is best for you and your furry friend.
Have a question?
We are here to answer your questions about honouring your pet and pet cremation.
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