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There’s no doubt: the worst part of having a pet is that their lives are just so short compared to ours. You’ll watch them grow up and grow old… then one day you’ll have to say goodbye.
It’s absolutely heartbreaking, but it can be comforting to take charge and make those important end-of-life decisions for your dog or cat.
We’ve taken a look at those important farewell options, from euthanasia to cremation. Both are sometimes covered by pet insurance, but there are limits. We’ve taken stock of the costs involved in your pet’s final days, so you can plan and feel prepared for their passing.
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How much does dog cremation cost?
The cost of dog cremation can vary quite a lot depending on:
Your dog’s size and weight
Whether you choose individual or communal cremation
We surveyed 26 vets and pet crematoriums in January 2025 to find out how much you can expect to pay for euthanasia and cremation services.
The average cost of individual cremation for small dogs was £225.55. Large dogs cremations are £336.64 on average.
These costs typically include a pouch or cardboard tube for the ashes, which will be returned to you.
What is communal cremation?
Communal cremation is far less expensive than individual. This is when your dog is cremated alongside other pets.
You won’t get their ashes returned to you but you can ask what’s done with them. The crematorium may have a memorial garden or pet cemetery where they scatter them, for example.
Our research found that the average cost of communal cremation was £104.59 for a small dog and went up to £137.34 for large dogs.
How much is cremation for cats?
The cost of cremation varies with weight. This means that while most pet crematoriums give a price range or brackets for dogs, they have a single fixed price for cats as they’re all about the same weight.
Our research found that the average cost of individual cremation for cats is £193.24. The average cost of a communal cremation for cats is considerably less, at £89.29.
Urns, caskets and memorials for pets
Most crematoria will return your pet’s ashes in a standard container. But for an extra cost they will provide a wide range of caskets, urns, tubes, pouches or even statuettes. Some even offer clay impressions of your pet's paws with the ashes within.
Pet urn prices can vary but most crematoria’s prices range from around £50 to £200.
Don’t feel pressured to choose a higher-end urn or box as a mark of respect. It’s a very personal choice and a lot depends on what you plan to do with the ashes. A simple cardboard tube or wicker pouch is perfect to scatter on their favourite beach. A small ornament, urn or statue might be more appropriate if you want to always keep them in a favourite spot at home.
How does dog cremation work?
The crematorium will collect the body from the veterinary surgery or your home, depending on where it is. Some will let you bring the body in yourself if you prefer.
A lot of crematoria have rooms for the owners to say their final farewell before cremation. Some even have bereavement counsellors on site.
The body is transported to the crematorium and cremated via your chosen method – individual or communal.
Crematoria generally don’t allow owners to be in the room during cremation but some might let you watch over CCTV or invite you in after you've collected the ashes.
The ashes can be collected in person or delivered to your address. This can take up to two weeks.
How much is euthanasia for dogs and cats?
Euthanasia can be an incredibly hard choice but you should take comfort that you’re doing the ultimate service for your loved pet by gently and painlessly helping them to pass when the time comes.
Euthanasia is performed by a vet and they set their own prices. A lot depends on:
Whether they visit your home. At-home euthanasia costs more than taking your pet to the vet.
For dogs, their size and weight - though lots of vets charge a standard set price.
Our research found that the average cost of euthanasia for dogs is £141.37. The average cost of euthanasia for cats is £118.94.
Some vets will offer euthanasia and cremation together for a single price and it might work out a little cheaper than arranging cremation for yourself. You might also prefer this option if you don’t feel up to it.
Just make sure you understand whether individual or communal cremation is being offered and that you’re happy with the choice.
Help with grieving for pets
If you have recently lost a pet or are facing the difficult choice of putting one down, you can contact the Blue Cross pet bereavement line if you need someone to talk to. For bereaved cat owners there’s also the Cats Protection Paws to Listen service.
For financial help, pet insurance often covers the costs of euthanasia, and cremation or burial.
All our policies have Farewell Cover. If your pet needs to be put to sleep due to injury or illness you can budget up to £300 for euthanasia with a vet and burial or cremation afterwards. There’s no excess or co-payment on Farewell Cover, so your pet can get the send off you both deserve.
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