When a beloved dog dies, it’s hard to say goodbye and figure out what to do with its body.
Planning for your dog’s death can be hard to think about, but the more you know now, the easier it will be when the time comes to make tough choices.
The suffering caused by a pet’s death is unbearable. Don’t worry if you’re finding it hard to cope with your loss; you’re not alone. If you need to work through your grief a little bit more, you might want to read some of the quotes we’ve collected.
The average cost of a cremation is between $150 and $350. Many considerations come into play here, including the location, the size of your dog, and the kind of cremation you select.
The price of canine cremation rises in proportion to the dog’s size. Cremating an Alaskan Malamute will be a different experience than cremating a Chihuahua.
Find out how to decide whether to cremate or bury your dog, as well as essential details like the price and process of dog cremation. Follow some of the steps we’ve outlined to help you deal with the death of a pet.
Is Dog Cremation Possible?
Pet cremation continues to be the leading choice of families who experience the unfortunate loss of a beloved four-legged family member. Currently, over 90% of people choose to cremate their pet (vs. burial). As the number of pets in the U.S. continues to grow, so does the amount of pet cremations being performed.
What You Need To Know
One of the toughest parts of losing a pet is the aftermath: Not only are you grieving the loss of your best friend, but you also have some time-sensitive decisions to make, including whether to bury your dog or have them cremated.
When deciding whether to bury or cremate your pet, there are many things to consider..
The first question, which is the most obvious but also the most important, is: Which option is best for you?
Many families choose to bury their loved ones, so it makes sense for many pet owners to do the same.
There are some things to think about before you grab the shovel or go to the local pet cemetery.
Should I Cremate My Dog?
Cremation is a popular choice because it is convenient and can be more affordable than having your dog buried in a pet cemetery. Understanding the costs of cremating a dog can help you make your decision when the time comes.
If you can’t bury your dog, you might want to cremate them instead.
Cremation has been a way to get rid of dead people for hundreds of years. But in modern times, dogs are also being cremated more and more often.
If you have a large dog or live in an apartment with little or no yard space for burial, cremation may be a better option for you. Some people may choose dog cremation because the thought of touching the body of their furry child is too upsetting.
When a dog dies and is cremated, the owner has a few choices about what to do with the ashes.
You can keep the ashes close by and show them off in an urn or keepsake box. It also lets you move later on and take your pet with you. You could also choose to spread your furry friend’s ashes somewhere special.
Ashes from a cremation can also be buried. Some people like to keep the ashes of their dogs so that they can be buried with them when they die.
Can I Bury My Dog at Home?
Whether a dog is cremated or buried is usually a matter of personal choice and circumstances. Owners usually think about things like how much a dog cremation will cost, if they have room in their yard for a grave, and if they plan to move in the near future.
Every pet owner has to decide for himself how to bury a pet. Many people find it comforting to bury their dog at home in the yard, but there are important things to think about before you bury your dog.
Burying your dog in the backyard ensures they remain close and allows you to conveniently visit their final resting place. This option also allows you to personalise your pet’s grave with a plaque or some other marker.
A backyard dog burial may not be a viable option if you are living in an apartment or simply don’t have the space. Another disadvantage is if you think you may move house in the future and don’t want to leave your beloved pet behind.
If a backyard burial is not an option but you would still like to bury your dog, you could also consider a dog burial at a pet cemetery.
What Does Dog Cremation Cost?
Dog cremation prices change depending on the breed, age, and size of the animal being cremated.
It’s also important to include in the price of a witness to the cremation and any fees associated with an after-hours pick-up. An urn is also required and might cost anything from $75 to $1,000 or more.
When deciding whether or not to cremate a pet, there are three options to consider:
- Communal,
- Individual,
- Private.
We will help you to settle on a solution that works for your financial situation. Read on to learn about the differences between cremation services for individuals and for the whole community.
Community Cremation
In a community cremation, your pet is placed in the cremation chamber with other pets and you will receive the ashes of your pet co-mingled with those of other pets.
Communal cremation is an option for pet body disposition that is used when an owner does not want the ashes back.
If you want the cheapest option, a communal cremation may be the best choice. A communal cremation usually costs between $30 and $70.
Individual Cremation
Individual cremation is a semi-private means of disposing of pets. However, many pets are still cremated at the same time.
But they are kept separate so that each pet’s ashes can be collected if the owners ask for them to be. There is a chance that the cremains may still mix to some degree. The average cost of a cremation for a single person is between $50 and $150.
Private Cremation
Your pet will be the only one in the cremation chamber during a private cremation. This guarantees you will be the only person to receive your pet’s ashes.
The majority of pet owners choose private cremation because they don’t feel comfortable receiving their own ashes along with those of other animals. In this way, people have the option to scatter their ashes in a special location or preserve them at home in an urn.
The most private cremation method is also the most expensive – the price tag starts around $175 and can get as high as $250 on average.
How Do They Cremate Dogs?
When an animal is cremated, its body is placed in a small container and subjected to extreme heat. Your pet can be cremated in a matter of hours with temperatures reaching up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ashes and bone shards are all that will be left. Plates and screws, for example, that were implanted in your pet during surgery will be exposed at this time and can be returned to you if you so want.
After the cremation process is complete, the ashes of your pet will be finely ground into a grey ash and safely stored in a plastic bag.
Many crematoriums include memorial lawns where these remains can be respectfully scattered.
A third option is to keep the ashes in a decorative urn, bury them, or scatter them.
Do Vets Arrange Cremation?
Veterinary hospitals in many areas can make arrangements with local pet crematoriums. It’s likely that the cremation in your tiny town handles both human and animal remains, with distinct facilities for each.
Searching “Pet cremation near me” online is one option, but it’s always best to consult with your vet first. If you decide to have your pet cremated after euthanasia, your veterinarian will usually make the necessary arrangements.
Whether your pet passes away at home, you can still contact your vet to find out if they have mobile services, where they will come and collect the body to be cremated.
Home euthanasia is a popular option for those who want a gentle death for their pet.
Veterinary specialists who travel to your home may also be able to assist with the cremation of your pet. They will come and take your pet’s body, cremate it, and return the ashes in a simple urn.
Presently, there are more than a hundred pet cemeteries around the United States, each one a special place to remember our cherished canine, feline, avian, and reptilian companions. Some are pet-only, others accept dogs and cats, and others are open to people with pets.
In Conclusion
Talking about your pet’s death and the cremation options available might be unpleasant, but it’s crucial you understand your options so that you can make the best decision for your family both financially and emotionally.
There are certain crematoriums that will let you and your loved ones see the cremation unfold. Your vet can advise you on reliable service providers and help you make an informed decision after considering all of your available alternatives.
Thanks for reading!
