The Average Costs of Pet Cremation in 2022

For many of us a pet is a member of the family, and cremation has become the most common way to give them a gentle, dignified send-off. This guide explains how pet cremation works, the difference between communal and individual cremation, and what it typically costs in the UK.

Quick answer: In the UK, individual pet cremation typically costs from around £95 for a small pet up to £200 or more for a large dog, usually priced by the animal's size or weight and often including a simple casket or scatter tube. Communal cremation, where pets are cremated together and you do not keep specific ashes, is cheaper, from around £50 to £125. Optional extras like paw prints, attended services and collection of ashes add to the total.

How does pet cremation work?

The crematorium receives your pet either by collection or delivery, depending on what you arrange. Many have a quiet room for owners to say a final goodbye, and some have counselors on site. You are usually not present during the cremation itself, though some offer an attended service or a viewing by camera for an extra fee. Afterwards the ashes are placed in a sealed bag and a simple container, and many crematoriums let you choose a pet urn, scatter tube or memorial jewellery, or you can supply your own.

Communal vs individual cremation

Communal cremation is when several pets are cremated together and the ashes scattered collectively, often in a memorial garden. It is the more affordable option, but you cannot keep ashes that are guaranteed to be only your pet's. It suits families who planned to scatter at a memorial garden anyway.

Individual cremation is when your pet is cremated alone, so the ashes returned are theirs alone. It costs more, but it is the choice for anyone who wants to keep their own pet's ashes.

How much does pet cremation cost?

Most crematoriums price by size or weight, as dogs in particular vary so much. As a general guide for individual cremation, often including a basic casket or scatter cylinder:

Pet	Typical cost
Small pet (bird, reptile, small mammal)	£85 to £95
Cat or rabbit	£125 to £165
Small dog	£125 to £190
Medium dog	£165 to £200
Large dog	£185 to £235
Extra large dog	£205 to £310

These are typical UK ranges and vary by crematorium and region, so always check directly. Communal cremation is usually cheaper, in the region of £50 to £125.

Additional services

Crematoriums often offer extras, each adding to the cost. Rough average estimates:

• Attended cremation service: around £60
• Same-day cremation: around £40
• Out-of-hours cremation: around £50
• Paw-print impression: around £35
• Fur keepsake clipping: around £5
• Collection or delivery of ashes: around £1.20 per mile
• Ashes burial in a cemetery or crematorium: £150 to £350

A paw print or fur clipping can become a lasting memento, or be used to create memorial artwork or jewellery. Services vary by crematorium, so check what each offers beforehand.

Choosing a pet urn

You do not have to use the urn the crematorium offers. If none feels right for your pet, you can choose your own. We make a range of pet urns in metal, wood, ceramic and biodegradable materials, including designs shaped for cats and dogs and smaller keepsakes. For ideas, see our guide on things to do with your pet's ashes.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to cremate a pet in the UK?

Individual cremation typically costs from around £95 for a small pet to £200 or more for a large dog, usually priced by size or weight. Communal cremation is cheaper, around £50 to £125, but does not return ashes that are only your pet's.

What is the difference between communal and individual pet cremation?

In a communal cremation several pets are cremated together and the ashes scattered collectively, so you cannot keep ashes guaranteed to be only your pet's. In an individual cremation your pet is cremated alone, so the ashes returned are theirs alone.

Can I keep my pet's ashes after cremation?

Yes, with an individual cremation. The ashes are returned in a sealed bag and a simple container, and you can transfer them into a pet urn, scatter tube or keepsake of your choice.

Why does pet cremation cost vary so much?

Mainly because of the animal's size or weight, the type of cremation (communal or individual), and any extras such as an attended service, paw prints or collection of the ashes. Prices also differ between crematoriums and regions.