Exotic Pet Cremation Guide

When my bearded dragon died after eight years, I was devastated. But when I called cremation services, several said they only handled cats and dogs. It took four calls to find someone who would cremate a reptile. If you have an exotic pet, here's what you need to know.

What counts as an "exotic" pet?

For cremation purposes, exotic pets typically include:

**Birds:** Parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, finches, canaries, doves

**Reptiles:** Snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, geckos

**Small mammals:** Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, rats, mice, chinchillas, hedgehogs

**Amphibians:** Frogs, toads, salamanders, axolotls

**Fish:** Yes, some people do cremate fish (usually larger ones like koi)

**Others:** Sugar gliders, hermit crabs (rarely), tarantulas (rarely)

Can exotic pets be cremated?

Yes, but not every cremation service handles them. The main considerations:

**Size:** Very small animals (hamsters, fish, small birds) produce minimal remains—sometimes just a teaspoon of ash. Some facilities have minimum size requirements.

**Equipment:** Standard cremation chambers are designed for cats and dogs. Some facilities have smaller chambers for tiny pets; others don't.

**Experience:** Handling exotic remains requires care. Birds have hollow bones. Reptile shells behave differently. Not all technicians are trained for this.

Finding a cremation service for exotic pets

**Start with your exotic vet:** They likely know local services that handle non-traditional pets.

**Call ahead and ask specifically:**

**Consider specialty services:** Some pet cremation services specialize in exotic animals or small pets. They're worth seeking out.

What to expect by animal type

Birds

Reptiles

Rabbits

Guinea pigs, hamsters, and small rodents

Ferrets

Fish

The very small animal challenge

For animals under 1-2 pounds, be aware:

An honest facility will tell you upfront if they can't guarantee remains.

Alternatives for very small pets

If cremation isn't practical for your tiny pet:

**Home burial:** Often legal for small animals; check local regulations

**Garden burial:** With a small marker or plant

**Memorial without remains:** Photo display, shadow box, or memory book

**Taxidermy:** Some people choose this for birds or reptiles

**Natural decomposition:** Some people bury in a biodegradable container

Keepsakes to collect before cremation

For exotic pets, consider saving:

These must be collected before cremation—they can't be retrieved afterward.

Cost comparison

Exotic pet cremation often costs less than dogs due to size:

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