Pet cremation: Everything you need to know about saying goodbye

This guide will help explain how pet cremation works, the options available, and how to care for your pet’s ashes in a way that feels meaningful to you.

This guide will help explain how pet cremation works, the options available, and how to care for your pet’s ashes in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Contents:

• About pet cremation
• How to prepare your pet for cremation
• What to do with your pet’s ashes
• Find a pet crematorium in Australia
• Pet cremation FAQ

What is pet cremation?

Pet cremation, like human cremation, is the process of transforming remains into ashes through exposure to intense heat. Your pet’s body is placed in a specially designed cremation chamber and exposed to extremely high temperatures until only ashes remain.

Most pet crematoriums offer two main types of cremation:

• Individual cremation: your pet is cremated on their own, and only their ashes are returned to you.
• Communal cremation: several pets are cremated together, for a more affordable option, however ashes are not separated.‍

Why choose pet cremation over burial?

Ultimately, the decision between cremation and burial should be based on what feels right for you and your family. Many pet parents choose cremation because it offers flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind. You may prefer cremation if:

• You live in a rental property and can’t bury your pet at home or leave your pet behind if you move
• You don’t have a backyard or suitable garden space for burial
• You want to keep your pet’s ashes with you, no matter where life takes you
• You’d like to scatter their ashes in one of their favourite places
• You want to use your pet’s ashes to create a keepsake

Is pet cremation only for dogs and cats?

No, pet cremation is available for many animals including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, and more.

If you are considering cremating a larger animal such as horses or livestock, some crematoriums have specialised facilities to accommodate them. In these instances, it’s best to contact the crematorium directly to inquire about their facilities.

How much does pet cremation cost?

The cost of pet cremation varies depending on several factors, including:

• Type of cremation: individual, communal, or alternative methods like water cremation
• The size of your pet
• The type of urn or container selected
• Additional memorial options such as paw print impressions, jewellery, or engraved plaques

If cost is a concern, speak with your veterinarian or local pet crematorium who can help you find the best option.

How to prepare your pet for cremation

In most cases, you shouldn’t need to do much preparation yourself. Once you’ve chosen a cremation service, they should guide you through each step with care and sensitivity.

If your pet passes away at the vet

Your veterinary clinic will typically take care of all arrangements, including safe storage and coordinating pickup with your chosen crematorium. You won’t need to handle any logistics during this difficult time.

If your pet passes away at home

If your pet passes at home, contact a pet crematorium or your veterinarian as soon as possible to organise collection and/or drop off of your pet’s remains. If you are transporting your deceased pet, it’s recommended to gently wrap them in a blanket for transport to the vet or crematorium.

Can my pet be cremated with their favourite toy or blanket?

The suitability will depend on the material of the item in question. Natural fabrics such as cotton blankets may be permitted, but synthetic materials, collars, or toys with metal or plastic are usually not allowed. Always check with your crematorium beforehand to avoid disappointment.

What can you do with your pet’s ashes?

Once your pet’s ashes are returned to you, you’ll have several options to commemorate your pet and keep their memory alive.

• Display the urn somewhere meaningful to remember your pet
• Scatter their ashes in one of their favourite spots
• Commission an artist to create a memorial keepsake incorporating your pet’s ashes such as jewellery, artwork, or glass ornaments
• Bury their ashes under a tree, in a flower bed, or at a pet cemetery

Some families also choose to hold a small memorial ceremony when scattering or burying ashes, a touching way to celebrate their pet’s life.

Find a Pet Crematorium near you

Most veterinary clinics have established connections with pet crematoriums and will help you organise the initial logistics. If your pet passes at home and/or you are organising a private cremation, you can contact one of the below pet crematoriums directly.

Location	Pet Crematorium Details
ACT Canberra	Edenhills Ph: (02) 5134 5970 Email: canberra@edenhills.com.au
NSW Albury/ Wodonga	Edenhills Phone: (03) 4310 0135 Email: country@edenhills.com.au
NSW Illawarra	Patch & Purr Phone: 1300 112 711
NSW Morisset	Patch & Purr Phone: 1300 112 711
NSW Orange	Pets at Peace Central West Phone: (02) 6361 1001 Email: care@petsatpeacecw.com.au
NSW South Windsor – Hawkesbury	Patch & Purr Phone: 1300 112 711
NSW Sydney	Petrest Ph: 1800 673 373 Ph: 0409 365 192 Email: enquiry@petrest.com.au
QLD Clontarf	Pets in Peace Phone: (07) 3801 4518 Email: care@petsinpeace.com.au
QLD Brisbane & Gold Coast	Pets Eternal Ph: (07) 3200 0121 Email: admin@petseternalpeace.com.au
QLD Ipswich	Pets in Peace Phone: (07) 3801 4518 Email: care@petsinpeace.com.au
QLD Loganholme	Pets in Peace Phone: (07) 3801 4518 Email: care@petsinpeace.com.au
QLD Toowoomba	Pets in Peace Phone: (07) 4599 9600 Email: care@petsinpeace.com.au
VIC Melbourne	Edenhills Phone: (03) 5367 0556 Email: care@edenhills.com.au
VIC Scoresby	Edenhills Phone: (03) 8288 1808 Email: service@edenhills.com.au
SA Adelaide	Edenhills Phone: (08) 8186 6362 Email: support@edenhills.com.au
WA Perth	Lawnswood Phone: (08) 9248 6464 Email: care@lawnswood.com.au

If you’re unsure where to start, ask your vet who should be able to recommend a trusted cremation provider in your area.

Cremation gives you the freedom to remember your pet in a way that feels right for you — whether that’s keeping their ashes nearby, scattering them in a special place, or creating a keepsake that honours their memory.

Whatever you choose, remember that grief takes time. Allow yourself to feel it fully and to celebrate the life you shared with your beloved companion.

Frequently asked questions about pet cremation

Can I cremate my pet at home?

No, home cremation can be unsafe and is not recommended. Proper cremation requires prolonged, extremely high, controlled temperatures that can only be achieved in a licensed facility.

Do pet crematoriums really perform individual cremation?

Yes, many reputable crematoriums offer both individual cremation, where your pet is cremated on their own, or communal cremation, where several beloved pets are cremated together.

Will I definitely get my pet’s ashes back?

If you request an individual cremation service from a pet crematorium, the crematorium will carefully keep track of your pet’s remains from the moment of pick up to the day their ashes are returned to you, so you can be sure you received your pets’ ashes.

In the case of a more affordable communal cremation, while the crematorium will try their best to keep all ashes separate, it is possible you may receive some other beloved pets’ ashes in addition to your own pet’s.

How long after death is cremation performed?

Most pets are transported to the crematorium within days of passing and cremated as soon as possible. Some crematoriums, like Pets Eternal, also offer exhumation and cremation of pets that were previously buried.

Will my vet cremate my pet if they died at home?

While vets don’t perform cremations themselves, they often have connections with local crematoriums and can arrange the collection of your pet from your home or clinic. It is best to call your vet and/or nearest pet crematorium to discuss your options.