Benefits and Disadvantages of Communal And Individual Cremation Services

When a pet passes away, pet parents are faced with the difficult decision of how to say their final goodbye. Some struggle with the idea of losing their pet’s ashes, while others desperately need something tangible for closure. Learn the difference between communal vs. individual pet cremation services to honor your pet’s life and taking care of their remains.

Communal vs. Individual Pet Cremation Options

When a pet dies, you can decide between individual pet cremation, where your pet is cremated separately from other pets, or communal pet cremation, where multiple pets are cremated together in the same chamber. Individual cremation allows your pet’s ashes to be returned to you. Meanwhile, communal cremation is oftentimes more affordable, but you won’t receive your pet’s ashes back. Instead, in our case, they are respectfully scattered at sea.A woman receiving a gift bag with light blue tissue paper from another person.

Weighing the pros and cons of each option — including cost, emotional needs, and memorial item preferences — can help you choose how you want to honor your pet’s memory and process your grief.

1. Communal Cremation

Communal cremation means that more than one pet is cremated at the same time, in the same machine, without any physical barriers, such as metal grates, to keep the remains separate. Because the ashes cannot be distinguished afterward, they are not returned to the family.

This is a more affordable option compared to individual cremation. At Paws into Grace, communal cremation starts at $175 and is based on the weight of the pet. It’s a great choice if you do not want to bury your pet or keep their remains.

Pros

  • Cost-effective: Because multiple pets are cremated alongside each other in the same cremation chamber, communal pet cremation tends to be a more affordable option for pet owners.
  • A beautiful goodbye: Although your pet’s ashes will not be returned to you, they will still receive a loving goodbye. With the help of our partner organization Oceans of Love, your pet’s ashes will be respectfully scattered at sea. Fresh flowers will be scattered with them as well. The coordinates, date, and time will be provided to families afterward, offering a sense of where their pet was laid to rest off the coast of Southern California.

Cons

  • No ashes returned: Pet owners won’t get to keep their pet’s ashes.
  • No option for future memorialization: Families won’t be able to purchase memorial items later or create keepsakes using their pet’s remains.

2. Individual Cremation

Individual pet cremation means your beloved fur baby will have their own separate area within the cremation machine. You will receive their ashes back in an urn, along with a clay paw print and fur clipping. At Paws into Grace, individual cremation starts at $275 and is based on the weight of the pet.

Two people holding a decorative urn together, inspecting its design.

Your pet will be ready to pick up at our office in two to three weeks, returned in your choice of acacia wood, cedar wood, mango wood, or biodegradable urns. Once you receive your pet’s remains, you will be able to keep the them in your home, bury them, or scatter them at your pet’s favorite place.

Pros

  • Personal keepsake: With individual cremation, pet parents are guaranteed to receive only their pet’s ashes, allowing for personal memorial items then and in the future.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your pet’s ashes will be returned can bring peace of mind, offering comfort to families that their beloved companion will come home once again.

Cons

  • Higher cost: Individual pet cremation is a bit more expensive than communal cremation.

Which Pet Cremation Process Is Right for Your Pet?

If you’re deciding between individual and communal cremation, the choice often comes down to cost and whether you want your pet’s ashes returned. If there’s a chance you may regret choosing communal cremation later, you may want to consider individual instead, once the cremation is complete, the decision cannot be reversed.

1. Communal Cremation

Choose communal cremation when cost is a primary concern and you don’t wish to receive the remains of your pet. This type of cremation service is typically the most affordable choice for pet cremation.

Select this cremation if you find comfort in knowing your pet joins other beloved animals in a shared final journey. It’s suitable for pet owners who prefer a community-centered approach.

2. Individual Cremation

Opt for individual cremation when you want to receive only your pet’s ashes and plan to keep them, scatter them in a meaningful location, or create a memorial items.

Choose individual pet cremation if having your pet’s ashes brings you a sense of emotional closure and comfort. This allows you to create personalized tributes and maintain a physical connection to your beloved companion, even after they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge.

A man standing outside a van, holding a gift bag with light blue tissue paper in front of the 'Paws into Grace' logo.Related Questions

Do Pet Crematoriums Really Do Individual Cremations?

Reputable pet crematoriums do offer individual cremation, where your pet is cremated separately from others. Metal dividers are used to ensure separation within the chamber, and the ashes returned are only those of your pet.

What Do Vets Do With Communal Ashes, and Can I Get My Pet’s Ashes Back?

When multiple pets are cremated together in a communal cremation, you won’t receive the ashes of your cat or dog. The ashes from these cremations are typically scattered at sea or in a designated area or memorial garden. In our cases, the cremated remains are scattered at sea.

How Much Does Communal Pet Cremation Cost?

Communal pet cremation is generally less expensive than individual cremation because multiple pets are cremated together.. The cost for communal pet cremation can vary, and our communal cremation services start at $175, making it an affordable option.

What Are Aftercare and Support Options for Pet Owners?

After providing cremation services for your pet, we also extend aftercare and support options for pet owners, encompassing grief counseling, support groups, and various memorial items. 

What Are Memorial Options for Cremated Pets?

Many memorial options exist for cremated pets, allowing pet parents to honor their pet’s life. You can decide to keep the ashes in an urn at home, scatter them in a special place, or bury them in a pet cemetery or memorial garden. We can also hold a private memorial service and provide you with memorial items such as jewelry and ornaments.

Conclusion

Whether you choose individual pet cremation for personalized memorialization or communal pet cremation for a more affordable option, having clarity about these pet cremation options helps you focus on celebrating your pet’s life rather than second-guessing your choices. Contact Paws into Grace today to discuss which option feels right for honoring your faithful friend.

Dr. Benson started Paws into Grace in 2007. She wanted to give pets and their parents a beautiful last encounter that didn't have to be in an unfamiliar office where pets were often frightened. The empathy she shows each family creates a lasting impression on them. In her free time, Dr. Benson enjoys running and spending time with her family, dogs, cats, and chickens.

  

Testimonials

I can't recommend them enough. I had to say goodbye to my 21 year old cat companion. I read the reviews here on Yelp and chose Paws Into Grace and they made an unbearable situation not worse - from the people on the phone to the amazing doctor who... read more

Renee C.

My absolute love Dante had heart failure three months ago. After having him on many medications to help him, his enthusiasm and appetite declined last couple of days. He was in pain and we decided to help him go to heaven rather than torturing him... read more

Diane C.

I wanted to thank you for sending Dr. Brown to euthanize our beloved Myleigh on March 4, 2021. She was compassionate and accommodating, she explained every step of the procedure, and gave us some alone time with Myleigh after she sedated her, but... read more

Terry A.

Renee C.

I can't recommend them enough. I had to say goodbye to my 21 year old cat companion. I read the reviews here on Yelp and chose Paws Into Grace and they made an unbearable situation not worse - from the people on the phone to the amazing doctor who came out to the house. She was so understanding and supportive. They were all so helpful, understanding and nice. My girl got to stay at home and say goodbye in the backyard (a hummingbird flew over and it seemed like a good sign too). So glad I didn't have to take her to a cold vet office.

Diane C.

My absolute love Dante had heart failure three months ago. After having him on many medications to help him, his enthusiasm and appetite declined last couple of days. He was in pain and we decided to help him go to heaven rather than torturing him with more medications which would make him even more miserable. I called and spoke to a very kind lady who was patient as I cried through making an appointment. We made an appointment for 1:30pm. Dr. Toni arrived. She was very kind, explained everything to us and gave us the time to be with our boy after the first shot. He wasn't relaxing enough so she gave him a second shot. We stayed with him throughout the entire process and I carried him to her car in the end. It was a very difficult decision but knowing that our boy is not in pain, gives us some peace. We are thankful to Dr. Toni for her kindness and compassion. They will arrange the cremation for us. Since we are in a pandemic, we had our masks on and said goodbye to our boy in our garden.

Terry A.

I wanted to thank you for sending Dr. Brown to euthanize our beloved Myleigh on March 4, 2021. She was compassionate and accommodating, she explained every step of the procedure, and gave us some alone time with Myleigh after she sedated her, but before she attached the IV. We were relieved that we made the decision to let her go to doggy heaven at home. It was a tranquil and serene passing for her, and it very much aids us in the grieving and healing process knowing that she passed away so peacefully. Based on the grace and compassion Dr. Brown demonstrated on one of the most awful days of our lives we would not hesitate to recommend Paws Into Grace for others facing this very painful time.
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