The loss of your pet, in any case or situation, is an understandable factor. Granted that this article is meant to extol the financial aspects of pet cremation, we won’t be talking about alternative means (at least not that much). Though, burial, in many people’s opinion, has always been a decent and straightforward choice, but cremation matters a lot to some ex pet owners as well.
Having said that, you have to realize that pet cremation is not an easy Peasy task. An average crematorium would cost you more than $100 for cremating your dead mouse! It is probably safe to say that the poor fellow didn’t cost you that much when he was alive, so you’re maybe thinking of cremating him on your own.
The Biggest Disadvantage of Cremating Your Pet on a Do It Yourself Basis:
Okay, you’ve thought of cremating your pet at your place – “good” idea, but Definitely it’s not recommended. We understand that you wanted to cut down on the expense or the loosey goosey amount of money that the crematorium guys would charge you… But beware of certain factors:
• Fire and Temperature: Fire that’s produced on domestic level is certainly way below the degree of temperature that a crematorium is known for.
o Even though you’ll be burning your pet yourself, while having a chance to say sweet words all the way to the end, the smell is going to be awful.
o Your neighbors will raise a ruckus against you. Someone will call the authorities and “someone” will show up to disrupt the entire cremation process.
o Chances are that your pet will turn out to be a charcoal black BBQ dish
Hence, a proper cremation service provider is always recommended. Now, let’s move to the cost factor.
Cremation is a loosely defined process when we talk about it in the context of money. Some cremation service providers will cost you more as compared to the others. On top of that, when you’re thinking of burying the urn at a pet cemetery; it’ll cost you an extra amount, which you probably didn’t know of.
Following are some of the ongoing rates that are generally cycling around these days:
• Small Birds and Animals:
o In this category, you can include Ferrets, Parrots, Cats, Poodles and Monitor Lizards. This sort of cremation antic will cost you somewhere between $50 – $100+. If you’re thinking of weighing your options in terms of the dead animal’s overall body weight, consider this fact:
§ If your puppy or kitten weighs somewhere below 50 Pounds, you’re going to have to pay $50 – $100. Once again, this price is equivalent to that of the “small animal” category.
So if your crematorium team is asking for $150 or $200 for a pet that only weighs 50 Pounds, it means that they’re probably digging your pockets for more money. And you know what; people normally pay them the asking price because they’re emotionally vulnerable at such a sensitive time.
• Medium Category Birds and Animals:
o This category covers Parakeets, Giant Myanna Birds, Huge Cats n’ Dogs. These animals and birds will weigh somewhere between 50 Lbs. to 120+ Lbs. In this case, expect to pay a flat fee of $150 – $300, which is of course sometimes mutually EXCLUSIVE of the urn price.
§ Sometimes your crematorium won’t reveal the fact that they’re going to charge you extra for the Urn. Hence, as per the “ Let the Buyer Beware ” business formula, it is your obligation to ask them whether the $300 sum includes the Pet Urn cost whether it doesn’t.
§ In any case, a crematorium encourages you to buy the urn from an outside source, if you want to.
• Traits of an Ideal Pet Crematorium:
For the said amount of hefty cost, the ideal crematorium is expected to perform the following duties:
- 24/7 Availability: No breaks, no weekends, and immediate response from the representatives through phone calls or whatever medium of communication.
- Pick and Drop Service: This service covers the pick and drop facility. The crematorium normally sends out its technical service guy to you; he’ll be happy to take off with your pet’s body and the Urn (if you have one). From then on, the service provider will send back the ashes in a few days or a matter of few hours.
- No Added Fee: Some crematoriums don’t ask for additional fee whenever they have to send someone to you, for a pick and drop protocol. Those providers who actually do charge something; their fee lies between $45 – $100+. Sometimes it depends on the distance of the facility from your residence.
o It is a naturally understood fact that you want to be present at the time of cremation. Sometimes service providers take it as an advantage and charge another $30 – $50 for that cause. Once again, it’s a sham and you don’t have to go with whatever that’s being asked of you.
A Common Case of Discount Offer
There have been a number of crematories that claim to offer discount. Their slogans are quite attractive but you have to look through them. It is reportedly noticed that such crematories, cremate your pet alongside other dead animals. The ashes get mixed up in the end, which means that you may be getting away with a hamster’s remains in your Urn! – Beware of This sort of discount offer –
In the end, whenever you’re in dire need of cremating your beloved friend, do a little bit of research. You don’t have to fall for the nearest local crematory, as there’re tons of other service providers available within a couple of miles radius.
Above all, your vet may be willing to offer you the cremation service free of charge! Did you check in with him/her? If not, then now is the right time to inquire your veterinary expert about cremation services, or general guidelines to seeking an affordable package. Sometimes these clinics don’t like to advertise, which is why most of the people accidentally overlook the “cremation” part of their services.