It can be heartbreaking to say goodbye to a pet that always waited by the door for you to come home. Nonetheless, dog cremation can provide you with some comfort during this difficult time.
Planning a cremation can give you closure as well as help you process your emotions. Plus, it will ensure the process goes smoothly and cost-effectively. So, how much does it cost to have a dog cremated?
On average, it can cost anywhere between 50 dollars to 250 dollars, depending on the crematorium and the size of your dog. It can cost more than 300 dollars if you want a private cremation.
This article will help you with the aftermath of losing your pet. Read on to find out the costs, options for cremation, and more.
What Is Dog Cremation?
When a dog passes away, you can dispose of them respectfully by cremating its body by incineration. At the crematorium, the staff will keep your dog’s body in a small and enclosed chamber. Then, they will heat it to 1,000 to 2,000 degrees.
The high temperatures will burn the body, and only some microchips will remain. The amount of remains depends on the dog’s size, roughly 3% to 5% of their body weight.
The crematorium staff will remove the microchips and grind them into fine grey ash. Then, you will receive the remains of your dog in your hands upon request.
How Much Does It Cost to Cremate a Dog?
The price greatly varies depending on various factors, such as the size of the dog and the type of cremation. Plus, it can vary based on your location.
On average, the cost can range between 30 to 50 dollars at the least. It can go up to 250 to 300 dollars for a private cremation. The price can go up to 500 dollars for large dogs.
The cost of cremation is, however, way less than the cost of burial. Hence, if you are on a budget, you choose to cremate your dog.
Cremation Cost by Method
Although dog cremation is not very different from cremating human remains, it can vary in methods. The cost of cremation varies depending on the three methods. They are: communal, divided, and private.
Let’s take a closer look at how they can affect the cost of cremation in this section:
Communal
The communal dog cremation option is the most affordable option since it costs as little as 30 to 60 dollars. In this method, the crematorium will burn many animals at once.
On the downside, you can not request your pet’s remains separately. Nonetheless, this is one of the most preferred options for many pet parents.
Individual
The individual method or partitioned cremation is a semi-private cremation of pets. In this process, they burn many pets together like the communal method. However, they keep it separate to identify each pet to give the pet parents their pet’s ashes.
There is a possibility of some degree of mixing of ashes in this method. Nonetheless, many pet parents prefer this since they will get their beloved pet’s ashes, and it is not expensive. The average cost for this method can range between 60 to 160 dollars.
Private
If you do not have any budget constraints and want to keep your dog’s ashes for remembrance, you can arrange a private cremation. In this process, they cremate your pet separately in a private chamber, as the name suggests.
You do not have to worry about the ashes mixing in this method since it is unlikely. This method is also the most expensive type of cremation. The average price is about 175 to 250 dollars. However, some crematoriums can charge over 400 to 500 dollars.
Dog Cremation Cost as Per Other Important Factors
Like most services, many factors go into deciding the cost of cremation service. Let’s discuss the two of the most important factors below. They are the location and the size of your dog.
Cremation Cost by Location
The cost of cremating your dog varies hugely depending on the location, similar to most services. For instance, a private cremation for your pet starts at 300 dollars in New York City. On the other hand, the same service will cost about 50 dollars in a small town.
Hence, do a little research about the location and the cost in your area and neighboring areas. You can save a lot of money by simply traveling a few kilometers for your funeral.
Cremation Cost by Size
The cost also varies widely with respect to the size of your dog. The larger the dog, the more it will cost since it will take longer to cremate it completely. Plus, it will take more room.
For instance, it will cost less than 200 dollars for a private cremation for a small dog like a Chihuahua or a Maltipoo. At the same time, it will cost more than 200 dollars for a medium-sized dog like a poodle, corgi, or collie.
Similarly, it will cost over 300 dollars for a large dog like a Great Dane or Golden Retriever. Also, many crematorium staff will record your dog’s breed and weight before giving you a quote.
Additional Fees
In addition to the cost you pay for the cremation process, you will have to pay for additional charges. It can be transfer fees or viewing fees. Although these are small costs, they can add up to a lot.
Transfer Fees
Generally, crematoriums charge separately for transferring the dog from your home or veterinary clinic to the crematory. This is called a transfer fee, and it can cost you about 50 to 80 dollars, depending on the distance between the crematorium and the pickup location.
Viewing Fees
You may have to pay more money if you want to be present during the process. Witnessing the cremation can help you heal, but it is not for everyone. So, you can choose to pay for it if your budget and sentiments allow you to do so.
Cremations Urns and Other Memorial Options
Most pet parents choose to have the ashes in an urn or a wooden box. You can purchase it separately or request the cremation service provider for an urn at an added price.
Final Takeaway
Now that you are aware that the average cost of dog cremation can vary significantly, it is important to analyze the factors before deciding anything.
Research about the crematorium costs and practices before taking your dog’s remains there. It can help you a lot, especially if you are on a small budget.
Remember that it is okay to choose the cremation process based on how much it costs to have a dog cremated. As always, your dog will be happy for what you can provide for them, even if it is not something fancy or expensive.