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What to Do When a Pet Dies: Cremation, Burials & Memorializing Ideas

By: Claire Beutel • 5 cited sources • Updated Nov 11, 2024

If you have a terminally ill or aging pet, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of preparing for your pet’s final moments and planning aftercare options. The thought of losing a beloved pet is never easy, however making decisions about aftercare in advance allows you to consider meaningful ways to memorialize your pet in a way that feels right to you. From cremation to burials and unique pet memorialization ideas, there are a plethora of ways to keep your pet’s legacy alive.

Key Takeaways

• Pet cremation provides a respectful and affordable way to keep your pet’s ashes close, with various types of services to choose from.
• Whether at home or in a pet cemetery, pet burials offer a tangible way to honor your pet’s memory, with options for eco-friendly practices.
• From creating memory boxes and memorial stones to making donations, there are many heartfelt ways to keep your pet’s legacy alive.

Understanding Pet Cremation Services

Pet cremation is a gentle and respectful way to honor the memory of a pet who has passed away. Most standard pet crematories offer services to dogs, cats, and other small animals, while others cater to larger animals like horses. Pet cremation has become increasingly popular due to its affordability, as the cost of a conventional pet burial service can be expensive^[1].

How Does Pet Cremation Work?

Pet cremation process involves carefully placing your pet’s body in a cremation chamber where it is transformed into ashes through high temperatures. These ashes are then returned to you, often in a special container, allowing you to keep a part of your cherished companion close.

There are three main types of pet cremation services available to pet owners: individual, partitioned, and communal cremation. 

• Individual Cremation: Also known as private cremation, is the solitary cremation of your pet. This ensures the ashes you receive are exclusively from your pet. 
• Partitioned Cremation: Also called semi-private cremation, This type of pet cremation involves the cremation of multiple pets in the same chamber, separated by partitions.
• Communal Cremation: This involves the cremation of your pet with additional animals. The ashes of all of the animals are combined and respectfully scattered in a community memorial area. 

How Long Does Pet Cremation Take?

The duration of pet cremation will depend on the size of your pet and the cremation process you choose. According to Steve Woods, a member of the board of directors for the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories, the pet cremation process can take up to three hours for pets less than 50 pounds, and four hours for pets over 100 pounds^[2].

When Will I Get My Pet’s Ashes Back?

Depending on the crematorium you use, you will likely receive your pet’s ashes within a few days of the service. The ashes of your companion can be delivered to you in a few different ways. Most pet owners choose to pick up the ashes directly from the crematorium or veterinary clinic. Some crematoriums offer delivery services and can bring the ashes directly to your home if preferred.

How Much is Pet Cremation?

The cost of pet cremation services can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of your pet, the type of cremation service you choose, and your location. A private cremation can cost anywhere from $150 to $450, while a communal cremation usually sits around $50 to $200^[3].

Many cremation providers offer extra services such as memorial urns or keepsake jewelry that can also add to the overall cost. It’s always best to shop around and collect quotes from different pet cremation providers so you can find an option that fits your needs and budget.

Understanding Pet Burials

Pet burials are a heartfelt and cost-effective way to say goodbye to your pet. You can choose to host a private memorial service at your home, or invite friends and family to partake in the celebration of your pet’s life. 

At-Home Pet Burials

An at-home pet burial offers a deeply personal and meaningful way to say goodbye to your beloved companion. It provides an intimate and familiar setting, allowing family members and children to grieve and honor their pet in a private space. This approach is also budget-friendly, as it avoids the costs associated with professional burial services. Additionally, having your pet buried at home means you have immediate access to a dedicated memorial spot, which can be comforting and help with the grieving process by offering a place to visit and reflect.

While there are no national laws regarding pet burials, you should always check with local authorities to ensure there aren’t any restrictions in place when it comes to burying animals on private land^[4]. If you are renting or leasing property you will not be allowed to bury an animal on the land unless it has been specifically outlined in a rental or lease agreement^[5]. 

Here are some tips for a successful home burial:

• The burial hole should be deep enough to place your pet in (2 – 5 feet deep), and in an area that wild animals do not have access to (so they can’t dig up the buried pet)^[5].
• Avoid burying your pet near sites with water, including wetlands and reservoirs.
• Place your pet in a pet casket, biodegradable container or wrap them in a cloth before burying them.
• If you’d like to mark the resting place of your pet, invest in a headstone or memorial marker with your pet’s name on it. 

Burials at a Pet Cemetery 

If an at-home burial isn’t possible for you, laying your pet’s remains to rest at a pet cemetery is another meaningful way to say goodbye. While a pet burial can be more costly than a cremation, it offers a permanent memorial home for your furry family member. 

First, you’ll want to research pet cemeteries and consider factors like location, services, cost, and eco-friendly options. Once you’ve found a pet cemetery you’re interested in, you can call the facility to ask questions or schedule a visit to look at the burial plots that are available. Next, you’ll want to decide on the type of burial container for your pet, such as a casket, urn, or biodegradable box.

If you’re interested in marking your pet’s gravesite with a marker or headstone, be sure to ask the pet cemetery if that’s an option. Depending on the pet cemetery, you may be asked to complete paperwork and make an upfront payment before arrangements are finalized. On the day of the burial, you can invite friends and family members to join you in honoring your companion. If you feel up to it, you can say a few words about how this pet touched your life and the joy they brought you. In the future, should you feel the need to visit your pet at the pet cemetery, you will be able to do so during operating hours.

Green Burials for Your Pet 

If you’re seeking eco-friendly ways to honor your pet that won’t harm the environment, there are several things you can do. 

• Biodegradable Pet Urns: Using a biodegradable pet urn offers an eco-friendly way to honor your pet’s memory while allowing their remains to naturally return to the earth.
• Eco-Friendly Pet Cemeteries: If you don’t have space in your yard to bury your beloved pet, you may be able to find a green cemetery in your area. Most eco-friendly pet cemeteries follow sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, ensuring the burial process contributes to the preservation of Mother Earth.
• Plant a Tree: Another special way to honor the life of your pet is to plant a tree in their honor, either on your property or in a public park that gives you permission.

Ideas to Memorialize a Pet

Memorializing a pet is a heartfelt way to honor the love and joy they brought into your life. One meaningful way is through creating a dedicated space in the home or garden, adorned with the pet’s favorite toys, photos, and a plaque with their name and a heartfelt message. Crafting a scrapbook or photo album filled with pictures and stories can serve as a tangible keepsake to revisit fond memories as time goes on. Additionally, commissioning a piece of custom art or jewelry, such as a portrait or necklace, can provide a lasting tribute that you can keep forever. Doing this not only honors your pet but also provides comfort and a way to keep their memory alive.

Keeping Your Pet’s Memory Alive

Losing a beloved pet is never easy, but by thoughtfully planning their aftercare and memorializing their life, you can honor the special bond you shared. Whether you choose cremation, burial, or another form of remembrance, the important thing is to find a way that feels meaningful to you. Through these meaningful gestures, you ensure that their spirit continues to live on, celebrating the profound impact they had on your world. If you find yourself needing further support during this challenging time, there are pet loss support and counseling services available and pet loss resources that may help.