History of Pet Cremation
How we went from backyard burials to modern pet aftercare—and why it matters.
When my grandmother's dog passed in 1965, they buried him under the apple tree. No questions asked, no permits, no options beyond the backyard. When my dog passed last year, I had a dozen choices and felt overwhelmed by all of them.
Understanding how we got here actually helped me make peace with my decision.
When did pet cremation become a thing?
Pet cremation started becoming available in the United States in the 1970s, but it didn't go mainstream until the 1990s. Before that, most pets were either buried at home, left with the vet for disposal, or taken to a pet cemetery (which have existed since the late 1800s—Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in New York opened in 1896).
The shift happened for practical reasons: more people lived in apartments and suburbs where backyard burial wasn't possible or legal. Veterinarians started partnering with cremation services, making it a convenient option offered right at the moment of loss.
Why do we have so many options now?
The pet industry realized something important: people grieve their pets deeply and want choices that feel meaningful. By 2020, Americans were spending over $1 billion annually on pet end-of-life services.
This created competition, which brought:
The downside? More options means more decisions at a moment when you're least equipped to make them.
Does the history actually matter for my decision?
Honestly, only a little. But here's what's useful to know:
**If your family has burial traditions:** Home burial is still legal in many rural areas. Check your local regulations—you might be able to honor that apple-tree tradition.
**If you feel weird about cremation:** It's been the most common choice for pets since the early 2000s. You're not doing anything unusual.
**If you want the newest option:** Aquamation was first used for pets around 2010 and is still expanding to new states. It's not experimental—it's just newer.
What hasn't changed
The love behind these choices hasn't changed. Whether your great-grandmother wrapped her cat in a blanket and buried it by the fence, or you choose private aquamation with a custom urn—the intention is the same. You're honoring a life that mattered.