Ways to Afford the Cost of Pet Cremation
Losing a beloved pet can be a soul-crushing experience. For most pet owners it’s like losing a family member, and dealing with time-sensitive issues may feel a bit too much. But when deciding how to best honor a pet after they have passed and where to bury their body, many pet parents now choose cremation.
Cremation can be a convenient and often affordable option, and some services include useful extras in their pet cremation service to make your parting with a cat, dog, or any other pet easier.
In this article, we’ll guide you through animal cremations costs and processes so you decide if it’s the right option for you.
Understanding how the pet cremation process works
The process of pet cremation is relatively new and many owners are still hesitant about it, preferring more traditional options such as a burial in a pet cemetery simply because they aren’t familiar with all the details of the process.
It’s important to understand the steps to cremation before you make the decision. While some details may differ between various service providers, pet cremation usually involves these steps:
- Start by contacting a trusted local pet crematory to discuss its cremation options. It’s not unusual to make the call once your pet passes away, but if your furry friend suffers from severe illnesses or is receiving end-of-life care you may want to make the arrangements in advance to save you from planning their farewell while grieving.
- Once you have discussed cremation prices and chosen a plan the service staff will take care of your pet and place them in the cremation unit. Depending on whether you have chosen an individua or communal cremation your pet will either be placed in the unit alone or with other pets.
- The staff will then remove any inorganic materials from your pet’s body before they are cremated. These items may include objects like microchip implants, collars, or surgical pins, and will be returned to you.
- When your pet is cremated their bones will be ground down to create a fine texture of ash. The cremains will then be placed in a special urn or a container of your choosing.
- The entire process is usually over within a couple of hours and you will be able pick up your pet’s ashes on the same day.
How to choose the best pet cremation method for you
If you want to know how much pet cremation costs, you must first decide what type of cremation you want. There are three options:
Communal cremation
People looking for affordable cremation for their pets usually choose communal cremation. It’s the cheapest method as it involves cremating several pets at the same time, all in the same cremation chamber. This means it is not possible to collect a single pet’s remains to be given to their owners. Usually, the crematories scatter your pet’s ashes in a garden or a field dedicated to this purpose when you choose this option.
Individual cremation
Individual cremation is a semi-private method where several pets are placed in separate chambers and cremated at the same time. It means there is a very slight possibility of the cremains becoming mixed together. Pet crematoriums can use varying methods for individual cremation, which means cost of cremation for your dog, cat or any other animal can vary too.
Private cremation
If you are less concerned about pet cremation costs and only want to focus on giving your beloved best friend the final farewell that they deserve, going with private pet cremation may be the best option. You will be able to have a private moment with your pet before they are cremated alone. The crematory will then deliver your pet’s ashes in an urn of your choosing.
How much does it cost to cremate a pet?
Your pet insurance may cover the cost of cremation, burial or memorials, but many do not. If you’re paying for the service yourself, the average cost of cremation will depend on a range of factors and usually stands anywhere between $50 and $150. However, just as with any other service, pet cremation costs can vary and some crematories will charge more than others.
For dog owners trying to calculate how much they need to set aside, the general rule is that the larger the pet, the higher the crematory costs will be. This is because big animals take up more space in the cremation chambers than small dogs or small pets, and take longer to cremate.
Many crematories offer additional services you can choose from for an additional fee. These can include:
- Transfer fees from the vet’s office to the crematorium
- Viewing fees that allow owners to be present during the cremation process
- Special urns that may differ in size, shape and material
- Special services such as a pet memorial, specialized mausoleum niches for scattering the ashes, or a keepsake such as a paw print
Depending on the type of service you choose and any extras you want for your pet, the overall cost could run to several hundred dollars.
If you don’t have the funds to prepare a proper goodbye for your dog, GoFundMe pet fundraising is a way to involve friends, family, and even strangers who want to help you give your beloved animal the send off they deserve. There will also be many pet owners out there who have gone through the same pain you’re experiencing who would love to help you cope with your loss.
Cremation alternatives
If you aren’t thrilled with pet cremation costs in your area, or you feel it is not the best way to say goodbye to your cat or dog, you may consider other options such as burial or taxidermy.
Burial
If cremation doesn’t feel appropriate, you can always bury your pet. However, you need to research the laws in your county to ensure it is legal.
While it’s possible to bury your pet on your own property in many rural areas, it’s rarely legal in urban places. In many cases, you will have to find a pet cemetery and bury your animal there. Pet cemeteries charge for their plot spaces, so you may need to make some calls to find a cemetery that fits your budget.
Taxidermy
Some owners decide to keep their pets close to them for many years to come by having their pet taxidermied. Although it’s a method most commonly used for displaying hunter’s trophies, taxidermy is also a popular way to preserve and honor a pet for many owners.
Getting financial help
Pet, animal, or dog cremation costs are the last thing you should worry about when your furry friend passes away. Sadly, it’s still a matter you need to settle. If you don’t feel you can afford the cremation or burial for your pet, or at least not the type of goodbye you want to give them, consider starting a GoFundMe today. Browse fundraising ideas to learn more about ways to collect funds for your pet’s cremation.