Is Cremation the Right Choice for My Pet?
Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the hardest experiences any animal lover will face. Whether the end is sudden or expected, the moment brings deep pain and an urgent need to decide how to honour your beloved companion.
Pet cremation is one of the most commonly chosen aftercare options. For many, it offers peace of mind, flexibility, and the opportunity to keep their pet close — in spirit and in memory.
When a Pet Passes Away
The passing of a pet can happen in different ways:
Through sudden illness or accident
After a visit to the vet
At home, peacefully in old age
Or following a long-term illness
Whatever the circumstances, the grief is real. It’s during this emotional time that many pet owners begin to consider pet cremation.
What is Pet Cremation?
Pet cremation is the process of carefully and respectfully turning your pet’s remains into ashes using high heat in a specialist cremator. These ashes can then be:
Scattered in a favourite park or garden
Buried in a biodegradable urn at home or in a pet cemetery
Kept in a decorative urn or memorial keepsake
Used to create personalised remembrance items like jewellery or artwork
For many pet owners, cremation brings comfort by giving them a physical way to honour their pet’s memory.
What Happens During Cremation?
While the specifics may vary slightly between providers, the typical cremation process includes:
Initial preparation: The cremator is pre-heated to over 850°C to ensure a respectful and clean process.
The cremation: The pet is carefully placed into the cremator. The process takes between 30 and 180 minutes, depending on the size and weight of the pet.
Cremulation: Once cooled, the dehydrated bone remains are ground into a fine ash.
Return of ashes: The ashes are placed in an urn or container of choice and returned to the owner.
Choosing a Pet Crematorium
If you’re considering pet cremation, it’s important to choose a provider who offers care, dignity, and transparency. When selecting a pet crematorium, consider the following:
Do they offer individual cremation, ensuring only your pet is present?
Is their pricing clear and upfront, including details of any additional costs (e.g., collection, delivery, custom urns)?
Can you visit or speak to them before making a decision?
Are they accredited or members of professional associations?
Do they offer an option to say goodbye in a peaceful setting?
Always check for reviews, view their website, and ask questions — your pet deserves nothing less than gentle, respectful handling.
What About the Timing?
Some crematoriums may offer:
Same-day cremation (for an additional fee)
Return of ashes within 48–72 hours, depending on availability
Turnaround time can be an important factor, especially if you’re planning a ceremony or farewell event. Don’t hesitate to discuss this with the provider you choose.
Alternatives to Cremation
Cremation isn’t the only option — some pet owners choose burial at home or in a pet cemetery. Others create digital tributes or memorial spaces online.
At Pet Divine, we don’t carry out cremations ourselves, but we support pet owners by:
Offering a platform to create beautiful online tributes
Hosting a directory of trusted crematoriums who advertise their services
Providing guidance on what to expect when choosing pet aftercare
We believe every pet deserves a meaningful farewell — and every pet owner deserves the space and support to grieve.
Final Thoughts
Pet cremation is a deeply personal choice. For many, it’s a way to honour their pet with love, dignity, and intention. Whether you’re considering cremation, planning ahead, or simply exploring your options, you’re not alone.
You can visit our tribute pages to see how other pet owners have remembered their companions — or create one of your own to help preserve the memory of your faithful friend.
