Dog Cremation: What Dog Owners Need to Know
A straightforward guide to dog cremation covering costs, options, and practical decisions you'll need to make.
My golden retriever Max was 13 when his back legs finally gave out. The vet came to our house on a Tuesday morning, and by Tuesday afternoon I was making decisions about cremation that I had never thought about before. This guide is what I wish someone had handed me that day.
How Is Dog Cremation Different From Other Pets?
The main difference is size, and size affects everything: price, timeline, and logistics. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane are both dogs, but cremating them is very different.
Small dogs (under 30 lbs) are similar to cats in terms of cremation. Private cremation runs $150-250, and the process takes 1-2 hours.
Medium dogs (30-60 lbs) cost more, typically $200-350 for private cremation. The process takes 2-3 hours.
Large dogs (60-100 lbs) run $300-450 and take 3-4 hours.
Giant breeds (over 100 lbs) can cost $400-600+ and may require special equipment. Not every crematorium handles very large dogs, so call ahead.
What Are Your Options?
Private cremation means your dog is cremated alone. You receive all their ashes back. This costs more but guarantees you have only your dog's remains.
Communal cremation means your dog is cremated with other pets. Ashes are not returned—they're typically scattered in a memorial garden. This is the most affordable option at $50-150.
Some facilities offer partitioned cremation, where dogs are in the same chamber but separated. You receive ashes, but slight mixing is possible. This middle option runs $150-250.
If you want your dog's ashes back, you need private or partitioned cremation. Be explicit when you call—ask 'Will my dog be alone in the cremation chamber?'
What Happens to Large Dogs?
Transportation becomes a real consideration with big dogs. If your 90-pound Lab passes at home, you may not be able to transport them yourself. Most cremation services offer home pickup for $50-100, and this is often worth it for large breeds.
Some crematories have weight limits on their equipment. If you have a giant breed—Mastiff, Great Dane, Saint Bernard—call ahead to confirm they can accommodate your dog.
The amount of ashes you receive varies by size. A small dog yields about 1-2 cups of remains. A large dog can yield 4-6 cups or more. Make sure you select an appropriately sized urn.
What About Timing?
If your dog passes at home, you generally have 24-48 hours before you need to arrange transport, depending on temperature. Keep your dog in a cool location—a tile floor, a garage, or air-conditioned room.
If your dog passes at the vet, they can typically hold your dog for 1-3 days while you make decisions. Ask about any associated fees.
Once cremation happens, expect 1-2 weeks to receive ashes back. Rush processing (24-48 hours) is available at most facilities for an extra $50-150.