Pet cremation is an increasingly popular way to memorialize our furry friends. The process involves using high temperatures to reduce the body to ashes, which are then returned to the owner in an urn. While the cremation process itself is not particularly expensive, there are a number of other factors that can impact the pet cremation cost.
In this article, we will discuss the 5 main factors that affect the cost of pet cremation so that you can be better prepared when making this important decision.
1. Location:
The first factor that affects pet cremation costs is where you live. There are many different places where you can take your pet for cremation, but some locations may be more expensive than others due to their proximity to major cities with higher labour costs and/or transportation costs associated with transporting bodies across state lines (if necessary).
2. Weight:
The weight of your pet will also affect the cost of cremation. Larger animals require more energy to process, so they are often charged more for this service than smaller animals.:
3. Private or Communal Cremation:
Private cremations are more expensive than communal cremations because they take longer to perform. In a private cremation, the family is present during the entire process and must wait until the cremation is complete before they can claim their pet’s ashes. This means that the family must wait outside while their pet is being put in an oven and burned at high temperatures.
Communal cremations occur in a shared space with multiple pets being cremated at once, so there are no wait times between pets being cremated.
4. Options for the Cremains:
The type of urn you choose can have a big impact on the cost of pet cremation. The most basic option is to receive just the ashes back from the pet crematorium, which is known as “direct return.” This is often the least expensive option, but some people may want more than just ashes to remember their pet by.
5. Memorialization Options:
Some crematories offer additional options for memorialization, including:
- A keepsake urn that you can keep at home or display in your home (these are usually made of ceramic or wood).
- A pendant or locket that you can wear around your neck.
- An engraved plaque with a picture frame that you can hang on your wall (this is especially popular among dog owners).
There are many factors that affect the pet cremation cost. Understanding these factors can help you find an affordable cremation provider that still meets your needs.