Wondering is it better to cremate or bury your pet? Your beloved pet passing away is one of the hardest things that can happen in your life. And then deciding how to move forward with your pet’s remains makes matters even harder.
Overall, choosing between the two can be difficult since you want to honor your pet the best way possible. This guide is created to help you navigate the pros and cons of both cremating your pet and burying your pet.
There are a large number of benefits for cremating your pet for monetary and practical reasons. Below are more details of those pros:
The price of cremating your dog, cat, or any pet you may have can be relatively low. Depending on the type of cremation and pet size, cremating your pet can cost anywhere between $60 (hamster) to $750. (large breed dogs)
You don’t have to feel like you’re breaking too much into your bank to have your pet’s funeral.
There are a few different methods on how to cremate your pet. You can do a private cremation where your pet will be the only pet cremated at the time. There can be a partitioned cremation, where your pet will be cremated with a few other pets.
And there is a communal cremation where your pet will be cremated with other pets, and then the ashes will be scattered by the crematory. You can pick the option that best fits your budget and your preferences.
Getting your pet cremated is a relatively simple process. Get your pet to the crematory, cremate your pet, and then get your pet’s ashes back or have them scatter them for you. There are very few steps in getting your pet cremated, which can definitely alleviate your stress.
The great part about having your pet’s ashes is that you can take your pet’s remains when you move. Instead of leaving your pet’s remains in a burial site miles away, you can have the convenience of taking your pet. You will remember your pet always as you always have its ashes.
Although there are many upsides to cremating your pet, there are some downsides that may deter you from cremating your pet. Below are the cons of cremating your pet:
Unfortunately, with cremated remains, you will not be able to go to a specific burial site. It can be nice to walk to the cemetery and see your pet resting in peace at a burial plot. You can’t quite get that experience with cremation.
There are definitely those that don’t agree with creating the remains of both humans and pets. Whether that be for religious reasons or some other justifications, cremation may not be in your books. This may not be a good choice for some pet owners.
Although low cost, cremations are not free. There may be additional fees associated that you have to watch out for cremations fees on top of cremations fees. These can include individuals picking up your pet as well as delivering your pet’s ashes to you.
You may end up paying more than what you expected.
Burials for deceased pets are very common and are popular for a reason. Let’s check out the pros of a burial:
Having a burial plot and site for your pet can be reassuring. Visiting your pet on special occasions at the same burial spot can give you and your family a nostalgic feeling. Your pet resting in a quaint resting spot can be very relaxing for you overall.
Having the burial site allows you to feel like you are properly memorializing your pet. The fact that you can get a coffin, customize a headstone, and be able to rest your pet at peace can make the memorial process more meaningful for pet-owners. Overall, a burial helps you and your family put your pet to rest well.
Burying your pet can be economical, in a sense. When it comes to personalizing your pet’s burial, you can choose cheaper options for a coffin and headstone. And if by law you are allowed to bury your pet in your backyard, that can be extremely economical since you don’t have to pay for cemetery services.
Burying your pet can still be a relatively stress-free process, especially if you hire a pet cemetery to do the work. The most you’d need to do is give your ideas regarding customization, which can be an enjoyable experience. The cemetery will do the rest for you.
Although burying a pet is the most preferred way of doing a funeral, there are several downsides to burying. Below are the cons of burying a pet, whether it be burying your pet in a cemetery or on your own:
If you intend on burying your pet at a cemetery, you should know that the burial can be quite expensive. Burying your pet can cost between $1,500 to $2,000. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to steer away from doing a burial.
If you intend on burying your pet on your property, be sure that you are allowed by law to bury your pet. Some states and municipalities prohibit burying pets on residential private property. You don’t want to be fined or imprisoned for merely burying your pet in your backyard.
If the law allows you to bury your pet in your backyard, be sure to bury them deep enough. Burying your pet deep enough will prevent wildlife from coming onto your property and digging your pet’s remains. The last thing you want is your pet’s burial site being disturbed.
Unfortunately, you may end up moving a far distance from where your pet is buried. Not being able to visit your pet’s burial spot can be very disheartening. You may not be able to see them again if you live hundreds of miles away and can’t make the trip.
There are several pros and cons to both burying your pet versus cremating your pet. We’ll wrap up by giving you our overall analysis of the best options:
If you are on a budget with your pet’s funeral, doing a cremation may be best. Burying your pet in your backyard is also a good option for budgeters, but you’ll need to make sure the law allows for that, and you bury them the proper way.
Cremations can be good overall because there is much versatility with the ashes. You can choose how to cremate your pet. You can scatter your pet’s ashes. You can take your pet’s ashes as you move.
Burying your pet in a cemetery is a good option if you want the burial and memorialization experience; however, it is very costly. If you don’t mind spending the money to have your pet resting in peace in the same burial plot, then burial is a great option.
Whatever your preferences are and whatever your needs, cremation, or burials are excellent options for remembering and honoring your pet.