For dog owners, one of the hardest things in life is saying goodbye to your companion. Pets are family. When the time comes to say the final goodbye, it is only fitting to show them the same love and care you gave them during their life.
The death of a beloved pet can hit hard. Out of all the options for sending off your dog over the rainbow bridge, cremation is the most affordable one. It is always better to prepare for such an event and understand dog cremation costs.
What is Pet Cremation?
Like human cremation, pet cremation is the process of subjecting the body to extreme heat to reduce both soft tissue and bones to ash. The process can take between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the pet’s size.
Pet crematorium companies place the remains of animals in a special cremation chamber where they incinerate them. Depending on the cremation type, pets might be placed in a chamber by themselves or with other pets.
Types of Pet Cremation
Dog owners who want to cremate their pets can choose from three types of pet cremation. But not all pet crematoriums offer all three.
Private Pet Cremation
Your pet will be alone in the cremation chamber, with minimal or no risk of mixing with other remains. Some crematoriums offer owners the option to attend and observe the process. This is the most expensive option, but it guarantees that you will receive your pet’s ashes.
Communal Pet Cremation
Designed for people trying to keep the cost low, the method involves cremating many animals together without separation. While it is the most affordable option, you will not get your pet’s ashes back. Some crematoriums spread the ashes in a memorial garden or special area you can visit.
Individual Pet Cremation
Also known as semi-private, this method involves cremating several pets at the same time. The difference is the animals are separated by partitions. It is possible to return the ashes to the owner, but there is always a risk of mixing.
How Much Does Pet Cremation Cost?
There is no exact answer to the cost of pet cremation. Factors like size, type of cremation, and extra services can impact the price.
Whether your veterinarian arranges the cremation, or you work directly with a crematorium, both options can affect the cost as well. You may have to pay a transportation fee from the vet’s office to the crematorium. Or you can deliver your pet by yourself.
There is no set standard for pet cremation. The best you can get is a range estimate of the cost.
| Dog Weight | Communal Cremation | Private Cremation |
| 0 – 30 pounds (eg. Chihuahua) | $45 – $75 | $100 – $175 |
| 30 – 50 pounds (eg. Poodle) | $50 – $80 | $150 – $250 |
| 50 – 70 pounds (eg. Golden Retriever) | $60 – $110 | $220 – $320 |
| 70 – 90 pounds (eg. Doberman) | $100 – $150 | $270 – $370 |
| 90 – 120 pounds (eg. Rottweiler) | $150 – $250 | $370 – $470 |
| 120+ pounds (eg Saint Bernard) | $220 – $300 | $500+ |
Do You Get Your Dog’s Ashes Back?
If you choose a private or individual cremation, you can keep the remains. You can then memorialize your pooch during a funeral or do something special with the ashes. For example, you can create a pet memorial garden by scattering the ashes and customizing it with some flowers and a bench.
Some pet parents go as far as mixing them into a painting of their beloved pet or press them into jewelry.
While the price includes return of the remains, some crematoriums may charge you shipping fees.
How Long Does it Take to Cremate a Dog?
The time of the process depends on the size of the dog. Small dogs take no more than 45 minutes. But, for a large breed dog, the process may take up to several hours.
It may take between 1 and 3 weeks between the passing of your dog and the return of the ashes.
Can You Cremate Your Dog’s Favorite Toys?
Most crematoriums do not allow plastic dog toys or blankets to be included in the cremation. Adding toys can put the equipment at risk.
But, you may ask permission to cremate a small scrap of a blanket with your dog, provided it is made from natural fibers.
Are There Any Extra Costs?
Besides cremation, some crematoriums may add other services to the final bill. Here is a summary of possible extra costs:
- Fees for picking up the deceased pet from the veterinarian or your home.
- Fees for delivering the remains after the cremation.
- Charging a fee for witnessing the cremation process.
- Cost of an urn for the remains, especially if it is personalized or engraved.
See also
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cremation Cost?
Major pet insurance providers do not cover the cost of cremation. Some providers may offer a premium policy that covers euthanasia and cremation.
While there are no specific rules that cover cremation, some companies have options to offset the cost. For example, they offer to reimburse you for putting your pet to sleep when deemed medically necessary.
These policies often have exclusions like senior pets or dogs being euthanized due to aggression or nonmedical reasons.
Burying Your Dog
Cremation is the most affordable option for tending to your deceased dog’s body. However, some pet parents may bury their beloved pet in the yard. However, this practice is illegal in most urban places and it is not an option for renters or people without yards.
Where Can You Bury Your Dog?
If you want to bury your dog, your main option is a cemetery. Some cities have designated places for pet burials. Of course, you also have to find one that is in a convenient location so that you can visit your beloved dog often.
Dog Burial Costs
The average price for pet burial can range from $300 to $2,000. The size of your pet, the type of pet casket, and the type of burial influence the price. For example, for a larger dog, you need a greater size burial plot and pet casket.
Pet parents can also choose from wood caskets, metal caskets, and cloth caskets. Like pet cremation, pet cemeteries offer private burial or a communal burial.
When Can You Bury Your Dog?
Most states give pet parents between 24 and 48 hours after the passing of their pet to legally bury or cremate the remains.
Sometimes, local authorities allow owners to wait a little longer to make final arrangements.
Final Words
Grieving dog owners may have a hard time deciding which route to take at the moment of their pet’s passing. It’s best to make the decision beforehand and be aware of the factors that can influence the cost. No matter how sad the day is, your furry companion deserves a proper send-off.
