The grief of losing a pet dog is so indescribable it’s almost mind-numbing. But as a pet owner, you have to be strong enough to see your beloved furry friend through until the end. As it can’t bury itself, your dog is at the mercy of your choices.
If you want to keep a memento of your dog that has passed away, one of the aftercare methods you may opt for is cremation. Of course, you have to be ready for the costs. Speaking of cost, how much is it to cremate a dog?
Average Cost of Dog Cremation
The average cost of dog cremation generally starts at US$75 to US$150. The exact price will vary depending on your pet dog’s weight and size, type of cremation, and additional services or memorial products you might want to request.
For the cremation methods, you have three options. One is the communal cremation which typically costs US$50 to US$65. The said method involves the cremation of your dog along with other pets without using any barriers or partitions. Thus, your dog’s ashes will likely mix with the others.
Another method is the partitioned cremation which cost starts at US$160. This type, although it involves the cremation of several pets, makes use of physical barriers like bricks and trays for each pet. Thus, mixing of ashes would not be a problem.
Lastly, there is the private cremation which costs US$125 to US$275. This method allows exclusivity as the remains of your dog would be alone in the cremation chamber.
Additional Services
The cremation price of a dog could be higher if you choose to have the crematory pick the remains at your home. Typically, home pick-up will cost about US$50 to US$75.
Veterinarian clinics often have a contract with crematories. If the clinic you frequent to is the same and your dog dies there, your vet could contact the crematory to pick up the remains directly from the clinic. This setup might be free of charge.
Most cremation services also offer memorial products for your dog such as urns. If you choose to purchase one or some, the total cremation price of dog may get higher.
So, how much is it to cremate a dog? Considering the figures we mentioned, your total cost will still fall within the average. Of course, as crematories have different pricing for their services, it is easier to compute the exact price after you decided what company would cremate your pet.
Crematory Prices
To give you a better idea of how much crematories charge for their services, let’s take a look at the pricing of Paws, Whiskers, and Wags Pet Crematory.
The said crematory offers both communal and private cremation services. The price list for the communal type is as follows:
- For pets under 50 lbs. US$75
- For pets over 50 lbs. US$150
- House call Minimum of US$75
The Paws, Whiskers, and Wags Company is available for assistance through phone 24 hours a day. However, they charge US$150 if the pet owner wishes to meet at the facility beyond business hours. Furthermore, transportation fees may apply in relation to home pick-ups.
As for private cremation, the following prices apply:
- For pets 0-34 lbs -US$169
- For pets 35 lbs. to 64 lbs – US$199
- For pets 65 lbs. to 84 lbs – US$239
- For pets 86 lbs. to 99 lbs – US$259
- For pets 100 lbs. and over – US$279
The crematory also sells urns and chests with costs ranging from US$65 to less than US$400 depending on the material and size. For instance, a small-sized cloisonné pet urn costs US$65, the medium-sized costs US$170, and the large one costs US$389. A solid pine memorial chest, on the other hand, costs US$150.
Now let’s estimate the cost. If you want a private cremation for your 33-pound Dutch Shepherd Dog, you would have to pay US$169 for the service. If you want to keep your pet’s ashes in a wooden chest, you will have to add another US$150. All in all, your total expense will be US$319.
Another company, Caring Pet Crematory, offers only private cremation services. Their prices are as follows:
- For pets 0 to 1 lb – US$105
- For pets 1 to 20 lbs – US$140
- 21 to 50 lbs – US$165
- 51 to 100 lbs – US$195
- 101 to 159 lbs – US$225
- 151 to 200 lbs – US$275
A temporary urn is included for each private cremation service.
The company also charges additional fees for the following:
- Family witnessing of cremation – US$75
- Rush cremation Add US$50 to the service fee
- Home pick-up -US$50 for places within a 25-mile radius of the facility
-US$100 if pick-up takes place beyond business hours or during weekends
- Urn delivery to pet owner’s home – $50
- Scattering of ashes (by airplane) – $150
Pet Burial As Another Option
If you don’t want to turn your dog into ashes, you may opt for a pet burial. According to The Spruce, you can choose between burying your furry friend’s remains at your home or a pet cemetery.
If you like the idea of a burial within your own property, make sure that your local government allows it. Some areas prohibit or may have certain conditions for a home burial. Thus, check with your authorities first if it’s legal so you could avoid future problems.
For a burial at the cemetery, you may first check with the crematory if it is affiliated with one for easier processing. Deciding to bury your dog in a cemetery would give you a specific place to visit despite the possibility of you moving away from home. This option will also save you the hassle of legal issues related to home burial.
For a list of crematories and pet cemeteries in your area, you may visit the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC) website. The site has an online member directory where you can search for companies by state and by name.
Losing a pet dog is indeed a sad affair for a loving pet owner. However, death is part of a dog’s life. The only thing you can do after your pet reaches that stage of life is to give it a dignified end. How that end will take place, though, depends on your personal choice.