How much does it cost to cremate a dog?
Anyone who has experienced the death of a beloved dog knows how heartbreaking it is to have to say goodbye and decide what to do with their beloved dog’s remains.
Making plans for your dog’s end can be emotional, and although it’s hard to think about, you’ll have more information now that it will be easier for you to make difficult decisions.Learn how to choose between cremating or burying a dog, and learn important details such as the price and process of cremating a dog.Dog burial and cremation: What you need to know
Can you cremate a dog?
Yes, you can cremate a dog and most pets, including horses.
How much does it cost to cremate a dog?
The price for a dog funeral varies depending on the size of the dog, the type of cremation and the location. On average, most dog cremations cost $30 for small dogs for a community cremation and around $250 for large dogs for a private cremation. This makes the price of cremating a dog significantly cheaper than a funeral, although the options depend on your budget.
How are dogs cremated?
The process of cremating dogs is as same as cremating human remains: the body is placed in a cremation chamber and broken down into bone fragments and ash using intense heat. The amount of ash left behind depends on the dog’s size, but the ash makes up about 3 to 4% of its body weight.
There are three different burial methods for dogs to choose from: communal, shared or private.
- Joint dog cremation: In this form of dog cremation, several animals are cremated as a group in a crematorium. In a group cremation for dogs, each animal’s ashes are mixed together, which means that you will not be able to receive your dog’s ashes afterwards. This is best for people who do not plan to keep the ashes as a memorial and is usually the most cost-effective option for dog cremation. The cost depends on the size of the dog and the location, but averages between $30 and $70.
- Shared: The second type of dog cremation is similar to a joint cremation, except that the animals are kept apart by partitions to reduce the chance of the ashes mixing. Since several animals enter the room at the same time, it is not as expensive as a private cremation and is in the middle range of dog cremation prices. The cost depends on the size of the dog and the location, but averages between $50 and $150.
- Private: The last method for dogs is individual cremation. This means that your dog will only be cremated and you are guaranteed to receive only your dog’s ashes. The cost varies depending on the dog’s size and location, but the estimated starting cost is $175.
Is it better to cremate my dog?
When it comes to caring for your dog’s body, your main options are burial or cremation. While people used to often bury their dogs in the garden, this practice is no longer as common today. In most urban areas, this is illegal and not at all an option for renters or people without a yard. There are also negative environmental consequences to consider, such as embalming chemicals that pollute the land and using land that could be used for other purposes. “How much does it cost to cremate a dog?”
Where can I bury my dog?
Some cities allow dog burials in dog cemeteries. If you want to bury your dog, you need to find a dog cemetery in a suitable place that you can visit as often as you like. Ask your vet for recommendations or browse this list of dog cemeteries in the US.
Keep in mind that burying dogs can be expensive, as you have to pay for a dog casket, a funeral service, and even the ground where they will be buried. In fact, the average cost of dog burial in the US starts at $400 and goes up from there depending on the size of the dog and type of casket.
If the high cost or the idea of visiting a dog cemetery to interact with your special pup isn’t appealing, cremation may be your solution.
Can you get your dog’s ashes back?
Another advantage of cremation over burial is that it gives you the opportunity to preserve the remains. If you choose private or shared cremation, the ashes will be returned to you. Remember your pup at a dog funeral and then do something special with his ashes. These days, there are tons of unique things you can do with ashes: mix them into a painting of your beloved dog, press them into jewelry, or, if you really want to go big, use the ashes in a memorial tattoo. If you and your dog often took nature walks together, you might find comfort in spreading your ashes together under a tree in a memorial forest.
How much does it cost to store your dog’s ashes?
Returning your dog’s cremated ashes is usually included in the price of cremation, although some crematoria may charge separate shipping costs. You can choose to store your dog’s ashes in an urn, a box, a piece of jewelry or in his favorite toy. There are separate costs for each option.
How long does it take to cremate a dog?
The time required for a dog funeral depends on the size of your dog. For small puppies and toy dogs, treatment can take 45 minutes or less, while large dog breeds usually require several hours. Depending on the crematorium, it can take 1 to 3 weeks between your dog’s death and you’re receiving the ashes.
Can your favorite dog toy be cremated?
Most crematoria will not burn plastic dog toys or blankets with your dog as this will compromise the equipment.
Can dogs and humans have a common final resting place?
At Better Place Forests, people choose to have their ashes scattered in a tree in one of our memorial forests for a variety of reasons. Some choose to scatter ashes in a protected forest because of their positive impact on the environment and conservation, while others make this decision because of a deep spiritual connection to nature and others simply want to leave a beautiful, lasting legacy for their families to enjoy of. How much does it cost to cremate a dog?
For dog lovers, one of the benefits of choosing a final resting place in our woods is that we can spread your dog’s ashes around your memorial tree and keep you together forever.