Small Pet Guide: Hamsters, Rabbits, Birds, and Reptiles
Your hamster died and the crematory said 'we don't do hamsters.' Now what? Here are your realistic options.
Your hamster died. You called the local pet crematory and they said, "We don't do hamsters."
Now what?
The Problem with Small Pets
Most pet crematories are set up for cats and dogs. Their equipment, pricing, and processes assume a 10-100 lb animal. A 50-gram hamster gets lost in that system.
Your Realistic Options
Option 1: Home Burial (Often the best choice)
Small pets are why backyard burial laws usually have an exception. A hamster buried 12 inches deep in a shoebox poses no environmental risk.
Option 2: Find a Specialty Crematory
Some pet crematories *do* serve small animals, but you have to ask. Search for "exotic pet cremation [city]" or "small animal cremation."
Option 3: Vet Disposal (Communal)
Your vet can handle the body—they send small pets along with others to a communal cremation. You won't get ashes back, but the body is treated respectfully.