How much does it cost to cremate a pet
Introduction
Losing a pet is always difficult, and that loss can be especially hard when you’re grieving for your deceased companion. As you try to move on from the passing of your beloved cat or dog, one of the last things you want to think about is how much it’s going to cost to cremate them. You just want to make sure your pet has a dignified funeral and burial or cremation. (Or perhaps you need to know if there are any affordable options.) That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you, examining all the factors that go into cremation costs and even providing some alternatives.
How much does it cost to cremate a pet
In the United States, pet cremation costs between $75 and $200. The price varies by region and type of pet being cremated. In some places, such as New York City, it can cost up to $1,000 for a cremation with services included.
In Canada and Australia it typically costs between C$50 and A$150.
How to decide if you can afford cremation
A cremation can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on where you live and what kind of arrangement you choose. If your pet is a smaller breed, for example, the cremation fee may be lower than it would be for larger dogs or cats. And if you want to keep the ashes in an urn instead of scattering them at sea or burying them in the ground (both popular options), that will also add to the price tag.
To learn how much cremation costs at different locations in your area:
What cremation options are available for pets
The first thing you need to know is that there are a variety of ways to cremate your pet. Some crematories offer more options than others, so it’s important to ask about each option before making a final decision. Here are some common cremation methods for pets:
- Traditional cremation with ashes returning in a container
- Direct or indirect heat-based cremation (a few hours) – no ashes returned
- Cremation using alternative fuel sources such as wood or corn (several days) – no ashes returned
You may want to consider choosing an eco-friendly method if you feel strongly about the environment, but this can be more expensive and time consuming than traditional methods. Also, keep in mind that not all facilities will offer the same options for eco-friendly processes because of local regulations and environmental concerns.
Pet cremation isn’t cheap, but it’s the best option for some pet owners.
If you’re not sure what to do with your pet’s remains, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather remember my pet as they were in life, or how they look now?”
If the answer is the latter, then cremation is probably right for you. If it’s the former? Well, that’s up to you.
Pet cremation isn’t cheap (expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $1,000), but it’s important that your pet be treated with dignity and respect—and sometimes there are only two ways to achieve these goals: bury them in a hole on your property or burn them until they become ash. So if having an urn full of ashes sounds like something that would be comforting for you and your family/housemates/friends/etc., then go for it!
Conclusion
What we can say for sure is that finding the best way to deal with your pet’s remains after they die is a very personal choice, and one you should make based on your own needs. If you’re having trouble deciding whether cremation might be right for you, it can’t hurt to talk things over with friends or family members who have made this difficult decision in the past. In some cases, though, money might be a deciding factor. Because of this, it may help if you also consult a professional who specializes in pet services like cremation or burial. They can give you advice based on their experience and expertise, helping you figure out whether cremation feels like the best choice for your wallet as well as your heart.