Pet cremation costs in the US range from roughly $50 to $600 or more, depending on a few different factors, including the kind of service you choose, the size of your pet, and where you live.
Saying goodbye to a four-legged family member can be deeply painful, and considering cremation arrangements might seem overwhelming at such a sensitive time.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the factors that impact pet cremation pricing, plus consider some tips for navigating this tough process.
TL;DR
- Pet cremation costs can range from $50 to $600, depending on your pet’s size, where you live, the type of cremation you select, and what additional services you opt for.
- Communal cremation is the most affordable option but, unlike private cremation, it doesn’t allow you to take home your pet’s ashes.
- If you opt for Lemonade Pet’s end-of-life and remembrance add-on, you can get coverage for costs related to cremation and so much more.
Here’s what we’ll discuss:
- What factors affect the cost of pet cremation?
- Types of pet cremation
- What’s included in the cost of pet cremation?
- Where can I get my pet cremated?
- What can I do with my pet’s ashes?
- Creative ways to honor your pet post-cremation
- Does pet insurance cover pet cremation costs?
- FAQs about pet cremation
What factors affect the cost of pet cremation?
The costs of pet cremation can depend on the following factors:
- Your pet’s size: Larger pets are generally more expensive to cremate than smaller pets. Cremating a cat or small dog will generally be cheaper than cremating, say, a Saint Bernard.
- Your location: If you live in an urban area, cremations costs will probably be a bit steeper than if you live in a more rural area.
- The type of cremation: Communal cremation is the most budget-friendly option while private cremation costs can be a little steeper. (We’ll break down the costs in the next section.)
- Additional products or services: Special services like viewing ceremonies and expedited cremations are likely to drive up costs. Purchasing urns or other keepsakes can also add to the overall expense of cremation.
Types of pet cremation
The cost of pet cremation largely depends on the kind of service you select.
Let’s take a look at each type of cremation and how much it costs:
- Communal cremation: In communal cremations multiple animals are cremated at once, and your pet’s ashes aren’t returned to you. This is the most budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $50 to $200.
- Private cremation: Your pet is cremated alone, ensuring that you receive their ashes back. Private pet cremations usually come with a variety of pet urn options at different price points. This selection is more personal but comes with a heftier price tag. Since private options involve a lot of customization, costs can run anywhere from $200 to $600 or more for especially large pets.
- Individual cremation: Unlike in private cremations, other pet’s bodies are present during individual cremations—but you still get your pet’s individual ashes back. Individual cremation is more expensive than communal cremation but more affordable than private, with prices ranging from $100 to $300. However, this option isn’t super widely available.
What’s included in the cost of pet cremation?
A basic cremation service typically includes the cremation itself and occasionally the transportation of your animal’s remains to the crematory. However, many crematories also offer add-ons, such as a special urn for your pet’s ashes or even personalized keepsakes like your pet’s paw prints in clay.
Depending on where you go and which type of cremation you select, your package may also include a memorial service or the opportunity to witness the cremation.
Where can I get my pet cremated?
When you’re ready to explore cremation services for your pet, a good first step is to consult your veterinarian or reach out to friends who may have gone through a similar experience. They can offer trusted recommendations and support to help you find the right service in your area.
Keep in mind, though, that most vets already have a relationship with a cremation vendor and don’t usually provide options. Should you choose to go with a different vendor, you’ll most likely be responsible for the transportation of the remains.
When deciding which crematory is right for you, you should consider factors like:
- How your pet’s ashes will be returned to you
- What options are available for memorializing your pet
- Whether or not you’ll be permitted to witness the cremation
What can I do with my pet’s ashes?
Your pet’s ashes can be put to use in so many different ways—it just comes down to which way feels the most meaningful to you.
Many pet parents choose to keep the remains in an urn at home, or to scatter the ashes on one of your pet’s favorite walks. You could even wear them in a piece of commemorative jewelry, to keep a little bit of your departed friend with you all the time.
And, if you’d like to use your dog or cat’s remains to nurture new life, consider planting a tree with a biodegradable urn containing their ashes.
Creative ways to honor your pet post-cremation
Honoring your deceased pet doesn’t have to stop at preserving their physical remains—there are plenty of additional ways to cherish their memory.
Some families create dedicated memorial spaces for their departed fur fam in their homes or backyards, while others plant trees in their pet’s memory. Or, if you want to remember your pet as the king or queen they truly were, you can always commission a regal portrait of their likeness.
If you’re looking for a more permanent tribute to your beloved pet, a tattoo can also be a heartfelt way to keep their memory close.
Does pet insurance cover pet cremation costs?
Yes, depending on the coverages you include in your policy. Lemonade pet insurance offers five add-ons, including the end-of-life and remembrance add-on. This add-on helps cover the costs of vet-recommended euthanasia (even if as the result of a pre-existing condition), cremation, and commemorative items like an urn, framed pictures of paw prints, or even a tattoo to help you memorialize and remember your pet.
Lemonade’s end-of-life and remembrance add-on is not subject to your base policy’s co-insurance and annual deductible, offering coverage up to a $500 limit.
Before we go…
Pet cremation can be an onerous and emotionally fraught process, but it can also be a meaningful and rewarding way to honor all the good times you had with your furry friend.
Plus, you don’t have to navigate this process alone—there are resources available to help you mourn and celebrate your pet’s life.
FAQs about pet cremation
Can I attend my pet's cremation?
Many crematories offer the option for pet owners to attend the cremation. It’s best to inquire directly with the service provider about their policies regarding attendance.
How long does the pet cremation process take?
The cremation process itself can take several hours, but the total time from when you leave your pet with the crematory until you receive the ashes can vary from a few days to a week, depending on which service you select.
Are there eco-friendly pet cremation options?
Yes, some crematories offer bio-cremation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis), which uses water instead of flame to reduce carbon emissions.
What should I do if I can't afford pet cremation?
If you’re facing financial challenges with pet cremation, consider reaching out to local animal shelters or veterinary schools, as they often offer lower-cost services. Additionally, some communities have organizations that provide financial assistance for pet end-of-life care. Your city may also offer a disposal service, which might come with a fee.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
