Pet cremation: a complete guide to saying goodbye

Whether you’ve recently lost your pet, or you’re planning ahead for a difficult day in the near future, the option of cremation may be on your mind. 

Pet cremation is now the most commonly chosen option among UK pet owners. Research has shown that around one in four people have either arranged a funeral or memorial for a pet, or would consider doing so. 

Reflecting this shift, there are now more than 130 specialist pet crematoriums and cemeteries operating across England, offering dedicated services for those wishing to say goodbye in a more personal way.

Before we discuss the pet cremation process, it’s important to note that if you’re struggling with the loss of your pet, or the thought of losing your pet, we have resources available for you:

• Coping with the loss of your pet
• Helping children deal with the loss of a pet
• Pet loss and bereavement support

If your pet has passed away, we’re so sorry for your loss and as many of us are pet owners ourselves, we understand how hard it is to say goodbye. We hope that the happy memories you have shared with your pet help to bring you some comfort during this difficult time. 

In this guide:

• What is pet cremation?
• Types of pet cremation
• How does the pet cremation process work?
• How long does pet cremation take?
• Dog cremation process
• Cat cremation process
• Horse cremation process
• Pet cremation costs
• Does pet insurance cover cremation?
• Do I get to say goodbye to my pet before they're cremated?
• What happens after my pet is cremated?
• Pet cremation FAQs

What is pet cremation?

Pet cremation involves the respectful treatment of animals who have passed away by following the same process that is used for human cremation. However, pet cremation usually takes place in chambers that have been specifically designed for the purpose.

It’ll be your choice if you want to store your pet’s ashes in a casket or urn. There are alternative options in place in case you’d prefer to scatter their ashes or have your pet’s ashes buried in a tranquil cemetery designed for pets.

Sometimes, vets can recommend suitable pet cremation services; though there’s ample information online if you’d prefer to choose a local venue yourself. You can also search for pet crematoriums accredited by the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC), which adhere to a strict code of conduct ensuring high standards of service.

Your vet and the pet cremation service you choose should provide advice on how best to transport your beloved pet, as well as offer support throughout the pet cremation process. If this information isn’t offered, do not be afraid to ask.  

Types of pet cremation

When arranging cremation for your pet, there are several options to consider. Understanding these choices can help you decide what feels right for you and your family.

Individual (private) cremation

With an individual cremation, your pet is cremated alone in the chamber. This guarantees that the ashes you receive are solely those of your pet. Many pet owners choose this option so they can keep their companion's ashes in an urn at home or scatter them somewhere meaningful.

Communal cremation

During a communal cremation, multiple pets are cremated together. With this option, individual ashes are not returned to owners. Instead, the ashes are typically scattered in a dedicated memorial garden or garden of remembrance by the crematorium. This is often a more affordable choice for families who don't wish to keep their pet's ashes.

Witnessed cremation

Some pet crematoriums offer the option to witness your pet being placed into the cremation chamber. For some people, this provides an additional sense of closure and reassurance that their pet has been handled with dignity and care throughout the process.

How does pet cremation work?

Understanding how pet cremation works can help ease some of the uncertainty during this difficult time. Here's a step by step overview of what typically happens:

1. Collection and transport

If your pet passes away at home or at the vet, arrangements will be made to transport them to the crematorium. Many crematoriums offer collection services from your home or veterinary practice, while others may require you to bring your pet to them.

2. Identification and preparation

Upon arrival at the crematorium, your pet will be carefully identified and logged to ensure accurate tracking throughout the process. Any collars or tags may be removed and kept aside for you, unless you prefer them to remain with your pet.

3. The cremation

Your pet is placed into a cremation chamber, where the process takes place over a period of time. This typically lasts between 45 minutes and three hours, depending on your pet’s size.

4. Processing the ashes

After cremation, any metal objects (such as microchips or surgical pins) are removed using magnets. Any remaining fragments are then gently refined to form a soft, fine ash.

5. Returning the ashes

If you've chosen an individual cremation, your pet's ashes will be carefully placed in your chosen urn, casket, or scatter tube. You can typically collect them from the crematorium or arrange for them to be delivered to your home. This usually takes between a few days to two weeks.

How long does pet cremation take?

The length of a pet cremation depends largely on your pet's size. For smaller animals such as cats, rabbits, and small dogs, the cremation itself typically takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. For larger dogs, the process can take two to three hours or more.

The entire process (from collection to receiving your pet's ashes) usually takes between 3 to 14 days, depending on the crematorium's schedule and whether you've chosen individual or communal cremation. If you have any specific timeline requirements, it's worth discussing these with your chosen crematorium in advance.

Dog cremation process

The dog cremation process follows the same general steps outlined above. However, because dogs vary so much in size – from tiny Chihuahuas to large German Shepherds – the cremation time and costs can vary significantly.

For smaller dogs (under 10kg), cremation typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Medium-sized dogs (10-25kg) usually require one to two hours, while larger breeds (over 25kg) may take two to three hours or longer.

Many dog owners choose individual cremation so they can keep their loyal companion's ashes in a special place at home, or scatter them somewhere meaningful like a favourite walking spot or a peaceful corner of the garden.

Cat cremation process

The cat cremation process is straightforward and gentle. Because cats are smaller than most dogs, the cremation itself typically takes between 20 minutes to an hour.

As with dogs, you can choose between individual and communal cremation. Individual cremation ensures you receive only your cat's ashes, while communal cremation is often more affordable if you don't wish to keep the ashes.

Horse cremation process

The horse cremation process requires specialised facilities due to the size of equines. Not all pet crematoriums can accommodate horses, so you'll need to find a specialist equine crematorium.

These crematoriums use larger chambers that can handle even the biggest horses, ensuring your companion is cremated whole and with dignity. The process typically takes several hours to complete.

Many equine crematoriums offer additional services such as removing and cleaning horseshoes (which can be mounted as a keepsake), plaiting mane or tail hair, and providing beautifully crafted oak caskets with engraved nameplates.

Pet cremation costs

The cost of cremating a pet varies depending on several factors, including your pet's size, the type of cremation you choose, and your location within the UK.

As a general guide:

• Communal cremation for cats: approximately £100 to £170
• Individual cremation for cats: approximately £180 to £225
• Communal cremation for dogs: approximately £100 to £300
• Individual cremation for dogs: approximately £295 to £340+ (depending on size)
• Communal cremation for horses: approximately £460 to £690+ (higher than for smaller pets due to the specialised equipment and time required)
• Individual cremation for horses: approximately £500-£1,300

Additional costs may apply for collection services, urns, caskets, and memorial keepsakes. Many crematoriums offer payment plans to help spread the cost over time.

For more detailed information about end-of-life expenses, see our guide on costs to consider before the passing of your pet.

Does pet insurance cover cremation?

Whether your pet insurance covers cremation depends on your specific policy. Some insurers include 'farewell cover' or 'death of pet' cover as standard, while others offer it as an optional add-on.

Typically, policies that do cover cremation will reimburse you up to a set limit (often between £100 and £200). This may not cover the full cost of an individual cremation, particularly for larger pets, but it can help towards expenses during a difficult time.

It's worth checking your policy documents carefully to understand what's included. Some policies only cover cremation if your pet was put to sleep due to illness or injury, and may not cover natural death or pre-existing conditions.

Our Animal Friends Lifetime policies offer farewell cover, which may help with cremation or burial costs if your pet needs to be put to sleep.

If and when you feel ready, you can find more information about what your policy includes, or learn about available cover options, on our dog insurance, cat insurance, or horse insurance pages.

Do I get to say goodbye to my pet before they’re cremated?

Yes, many pet cremation services have special rooms set aside for you to say goodbye in a peaceful setting.

Some crematoriums also offer the option to be present when your pet is placed into the cremation chamber, or to watch the cremation process via CCTV. This isn't for everyone, but for some pet owners, it provides a sense of closure and reassurance that their companion has been treated with dignity throughout.

What happens after my pet is cremated?

Depending on your preferences, you’ll either receive your pet’s ashes to take home in a casket/urn or you can visit your pet’s plot in a garden of remembrance.

Often, pet cremation services offer additional products as a lasting tribute to your pet, e.g. memorial jewellery containing strands of your pet’s fur.

Other popular memorial options include:

• Scattering ashes at a meaningful location – perhaps your pet's favourite park or beach
• Keeping ashes in a decorative urn displayed at home
• Having a small portion of ashes incorporated into memorial jewellery
• Burying ashes in your garden with a memorial marker
• Creating a paw print impression or fur clipping keepsake

To learn more about what to expect, read our guide on what happens after your pet has been put to sleep.

Please know that if you are grieving the loss of your beloved pet, you are not alone. Here are some services set up to help you through this difficult time:

• Blue Cross’ Pet Loss Support is available via phone, email, and live chat
• Cats Protection’s Paws to Listen is available by phone or contact form
• Samaritans are available to contact at any time through phone, email, live chat, by letter, or face-to-face

Related resources:

• How to give your pet the best last day
• When is the right time to say goodbye to your pet?
• Understanding the different stages of pet loss grief