If you are reading this, you are probably holding something that feels heavier than it looks: a small container of cremated remains, and a decision you did not ask to make. Sometimes the question is practical—how do I get my pet’s ashes to a family member across the country, to a memorial artist, or to a new home after a move?—and sometimes it is emotional—how do I do this with care, without something going wrong?
A compliance-first approach can feel clinical when you are grieving, but it is actually a form of tenderness. Following the rules is how you protect your pet’s remains, the people handling the package, and your own peace of mind. The good news is that the process is clear when you use the right service and the right packaging, and in 2026 the rules are more standardized than they used to be.
It also helps to know you are not alone in having to figure out what to do with ashes. In the U.S., cremation continues to be the majority choice. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate is projected to reach 63.4% in 2025, with cremation continuing to rise in the decades ahead. The Cremation Association of North America likewise reports continued growth, including a U.S. cremation rate of 61.8% in 2024. More cremations mean more families navigating logistics like keeping ashes at home, sharing small portions with loved ones, or shipping remains for a ceremony.
USPS Is the Compliance Baseline for Mailing Pet Ashes
For families trying to ship cremated remains in the United States, the U.S. Postal Service has the clearest, most explicit consumer-facing process. As of 2026, the USPS rules are strict: cremated remains (including pet ashes, and even ashes incorporated into items like keepsakes or cremation jewelry) must be mailed using USPS and must follow specific preparation and packaging requirements.
USPS formalized a major change that took effect March 1, 2025: customers can no longer use their own packaging, and cremated remains must be shipped using USPS-produced “BOX-CRE” packaging, sent by Priority Mail Express (or Priority Mail Express International). USPS summarized this policy in its own update, stating that “customers no longer have the option of using their own packaging” and that cremated remains must be sent by Priority Mail Express (or Priority Mail Express International for international mail). See USPS for the policy overview, and Publication 52 for the mailability rules that govern cremated remains.
This matters for real families because it removes guesswork. You do not need to invent a shipping system in the middle of grief. You use the official kit, you follow the checklist, and you get tracking and a documented chain of custody.
Publication 139 in Plain Language: What “Sift-Proof” and “BOX-CRE” Really Mean
USPS’s step-by-step pamphlet is USPS Publication 139, and it is the best starting point for anyone mailing pet ashes or planning to ship pet ashes USPS. Publication 139 explains the core concept that drives every other rule: the inner container must be sealed and sift-proof, and the outer package must be the USPS Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box.
“Sift-proof” is exactly what it sounds like: loose powder cannot leak out. USPS defines it clearly in its packaging instructions: a sift-proof container “does not allow loose powder to leak or sift out during transit.” That definition appears in USPS Packaging Instruction 10C, which is the controlling packaging standard referenced by USPS for both domestic and international cremated remains shipments.
In practice, most families will be working with an inner container from a crematory (often a plastic bag inside a temporary container). Sometimes you are shipping the temporary container; other times you have already chosen a permanent memorial, like pet urns for ashes that feel like your companion. Either way, USPS wants an inner primary receptacle that is sealed and sift-proof, and then a second layer of protection before the outer shipping box.
What Happened to Label 139 (and Why You Still See It Mentioned)
If you have been searching online for “Label 139 cremated remains,” you are not imagining things. Label 139 was a bright orange label used to increase visibility and appropriate handling of cremated remains shipments. In 2019, USPS instructions required Label 139 to be affixed to all sides of the shipping container (including top and bottom) when customers used their own boxes, and it was also paired with BOX-CRE packaging as an option. That older process is documented in USPS Postal Bulletin guidance: see USPS.
In 2026, the practical takeaway is simpler: you are required to use the USPS-produced Cremated Remains packaging (BOX-CRE). That requirement replaced the “any box with Label 139” approach. CANA summarizes it plainly: the BOX-CRE requirement “replaces the use of any box affixed with Label 139.” See CANA. So if your goal is compliance, your focus should be the correct USPS kit and Priority Mail Express service—not hunting for labels or improvising markings.
The Service Requirement: Priority Mail Express (Domestic) and Priority Mail Express International
USPS does not treat cremated remains like an ordinary parcel. Domestic shipments of cremated remains may only be mailed using Priority Mail Express, and they must use USPS-produced BOX-CRE packaging. This is stated directly in Publication 52 and reiterated by USPS in its 2025 rule update for customers shipping cremated remains. See USPS.
For international mailing, the same structure applies, with one additional layer of complexity: you can only ship via Priority Mail Express International when it is available and when the destination country permits cremated remains. USPS addresses this in Publication 139 and in the International Mail Manual section on cremated remains: IMM 139. Verifying country acceptance is not optional—you are expected to confirm restrictions using USPS’s country listings, such as the Index of Countries and Localities, and then review the specific country entry before you ship.
How to Get the Free USPS Cremated Remains Kits
One of the most reassuring parts of the process is that the outer packaging is not something you have to purchase or guess at. USPS provides free cremated remains kits through its Postal Store, and USPS directs customers to order these kits for proper shipping. See USPS for the policy note and the Postal Store link.
For most families shipping a standard temporary container or a small urn, these kits are the most relevant starting points:
- Cremated Remains Kit 1 (box and Priority Mail Express tape)
- Cremated Remains Kit 2 (box, tape, bubble cushioning, a self-sealing plastic bag, and a copy of Publication 139)
If you are shipping a smaller item that contains cremated remains—such as cremation necklaces, a keepsake made with ashes, or a small memorial object—USPS introduced a smaller box option in 2025. USPS described the smaller box as suitable for “jewelry and keepsakes,” with kits available through the Postal Store and Click-N-Ship. See USPS. The consumer order page for the small kit is Small Cremated Remains Kit 1.
A Simple Packing List That Meets USPS Publication 139 and Packaging Instruction 10C
In grief, it helps when the next right step is concrete. The requirements in USPS Publication 139 and Packaging Instruction 10C can be translated into a straightforward packing list.
- A strong, sealed, sift-proof inner container (for international shipping, a sealed funeral urn is required as the primary receptacle)
- A sealed plastic bag that the primary receptacle goes inside
- Cushioning material to prevent movement and absorb shock
- The USPS-produced Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains outer box (BOX-CRE) from a USPS kit
- A slip of paper with both addresses and the words “Cremated Remains” placed inside as a backup identifier
That last detail—the “paper backup”—sounds small, but it is one of those gentle, practical safeguards that can keep a situation from turning into a panic. USPS explicitly recommends attaching a slip of paper with return and delivery addresses to the sealed plastic bag, so the shipment can still be identified if the outer label is damaged or detached. See Packaging Instruction 10C and Publication 139.
Step-by-Step: How to Package Pet Ashes Safely
Once you have the kit, the process usually takes less time than people expect. The emotional weight is real, but the mechanics are manageable.
- Confirm what you are shipping. If you are mailing a temporary container of ashes, keep it sealed. If you are mailing a small urn, verify the closure is secure. For international shipments, USPS requires a funeral urn as the primary receptacle. See Packaging Instruction 10C.
- Seal for sift-proof protection. “Sift-proof” means no loose powder can leak. If the ashes are in a plastic bag, keep that bag sealed and protected within a durable inner container. See Packaging Instruction 10C.
- Place the primary receptacle in a sealed plastic bag. This is required in USPS’s packaging instruction and is included in Kit 2. See USPS and Packaging Instruction 10C.
- Add cushioning on all sides. The goal is stability. No shifting, no rattling, and enough padding to absorb shock. See Publication 139.
- Add the backup address slip. Include both addresses and the phrase “Cremated Remains” as USPS recommends. See Packaging Instruction 10C.
- Close and seal the BOX-CRE outer package. Use the USPS-provided tape if included, and make sure seams are fully sealed.
- Purchase postage and create the shipping label for Priority Mail Express. USPS allows labels to be printed at a Post Office or generated through Click-N-Ship or USPS-approved methods, and cremated remains shipments must be mailed via Priority Mail Express domestically. See Publication 52.
If you want a second, Funeral.com-specific walkthrough that stays focused on family-friendly language (without losing compliance), you can also read Mailing Cremated Remains: USPS Rules, Required Kits, and How to Ship Ashes Safely.
Costs in 2026: What You’re Paying For (and How to Estimate It)
When families ask about cost, they are often really asking, “Do I need to budget for another surprise?” The most important cost fact is that domestic cremated remains shipments must be sent via Priority Mail Express, and that is a premium service. USPS describes Priority Mail Express as a 1–3 day service with tracking and included insurance, and notes that prices start at $32.50 at a Post Office (pricing changes over time, so treat any number as a starting point, not a promise). See USPS.
Rather than guessing a number, the most reliable way to estimate cost for your exact ZIP Codes is the USPS calculator at USPS Retail Postage Price Calculator. That tool reflects current rates and will account for zone-based pricing.
Two other cost-related details can help you plan without spiraling:
- Priority Mail Express includes tracking and (for many shipments) includes up to $100 of insurance. See USPS and USPS.
- If you need more coverage, USPS allows additional insurance purchases (up to certain limits), but for cremated remains, only certain extra services are permitted. See Publication 52.
In other words: the cost is mostly the Priority Mail Express postage, plus any optional insurance coverage you choose within USPS’s permitted service options. If you are building a broader plan and trying to understand overall expenses, Funeral.com’s guide to how much does cremation cost can help you place shipping alongside cremation, urn selection, and memorial choices in a clearer budget picture.
Extra Services, Signatures, and What to Expect in Transit
One of the most comforting aspects of Priority Mail Express is visibility. Families want to know where the package is, and they want evidence of delivery. USPS includes tracking with Priority Mail Express, and it notes that a signature record is available if requested at the time of purchase. See USPS.
It is also important to understand limits. USPS’s current mailability rules state that “additional insurance and Return Receipt are the only extra services permitted for cremated remains.” See Publication 52. That language is why a compliance-first plan generally looks like this: track the package, consider Return Receipt if you need documentation, and add insurance if the contents include valuable memorial items or artisan work.
What should you expect once it is mailed? Usually, the emotional anxiety lasts longer than the shipping time. Priority Mail Express is designed for fast delivery windows, and most shipments move quickly through the system. Still, if the package is time-sensitive for a memorial, it is wise to ship earlier than you think you need to, and to keep your receipt and tracking number in a place you can find without digging.
International Mailing: The Hardest Part Is the “Yes/No” Question
Families often ask, “can you mail pet ashes internationally?” The answer is: sometimes, but you must verify. USPS allows international mailing of cremated remains only when two conditions are met: Priority Mail Express International service is available for that destination, and the destination country permits cremated remains. This is spelled out in Publication 139 and in IMM 139.
In practical terms, international shipping has three common friction points:
- Country prohibitions and restrictions (you must check the relevant country listing). Start with the Index of Countries and Localities, then open the destination country entry and look for cremated remains guidance.
- Customs declaration requirements (you must identify the contents as “Cremated Remains” on the applicable form). See Publication 139 and Packaging Instruction 10C.
- Documentation that some countries require (for example, a cremation certificate or permits). USPS notes that certificates should be attached or made easily accessible when required by the destination post. See Packaging Instruction 10C.
If international mailing feels complicated, it can be a sign to slow down and build your larger funeral planning or memorial plan in stages. Many families choose to keep ashes safely at home while they confirm country rules and timing, especially when travel, ceremonies, or family coordination are involved. Funeral.com’s guidance on keeping ashes at home is a gentle place to start when you need a “safe holding pattern” that still feels respectful.
How Shipping Fits Into Memorial Choices: Urns, Keepsakes, and Jewelry
Shipping is not separate from memorialization; it is part of it. The container you choose, the portion you ship, and the way you share remains can be a meaningful act of love. Some families ship all of the ashes to a single destination, especially when the cremation occurred far from home. Others send a portion to a sibling or a child who is grieving in their own way. That is where keepsake urns and small cremation urns become practical, not just symbolic.
If you are dividing ashes, a common approach is to choose a primary urn for the home and then smaller pieces for sharing. Funeral.com has collections that align naturally with this “main and keepsakes” plan, including cremation urns for ashes, small cremation urns for ashes, and keepsake urns. For pets specifically, families often start with pet cremation urns and, when sharing feels right, add pet urns and pet urns for ashes in keepsake sizes. If your pet had a look or personality that you want reflected in the memorial, pet figurine cremation urns can feel more like “them” than a generic container.
Some families also choose cremation jewelry, especially when grief is ongoing and the comfort of closeness matters in daily life. If you are exploring that path, Funeral.com’s cremation jewelry collection and the cremation necklaces collection are practical starting points, and Cremation Jewelry 101 answers the questions families are often afraid to ask out loud—how much it holds, how it seals, and what “normal” looks like when you are filling or wearing it.
Common Questions Families Ask (and the Calm Answers)
Is it okay to keep ashes at home before shipping? For many families, yes. It is often the most emotionally stable choice while you wait for a kit, verify an address, or confirm international requirements. If you want practical safety guidance, read Keeping Ashes at Home: How to Do It Safely, Respectfully, and Legally.
Do I need Label 139 in 2026? In most cases, no. Because USPS requires USPS-produced BOX-CRE packaging and customers may no longer use their own packaging for cremated remains shipments, the older Label 139 workflow is largely a legacy reference. The compliance requirement you can rely on is BOX-CRE plus Priority Mail Express. See USPS, Publication 52, and CANA.
What if I’m planning a scattering or a different kind of ceremony? Shipping can be a bridge, not the final decision. Some families ship ashes so everyone can gather, then decide later between scattering, keeping an urn, or a nature-based option like water burial. If a water ceremony is part of your plan, Funeral.com’s guide to water burial can help you picture the practical and emotional details with less uncertainty.
The Quiet Goal: Make the Process Feel Steady
When you strip away the acronyms—USPS Publication 139 cremated remains, USPS cremated remains packaging requirements, BOX-CRE, Priority Mail Express—the purpose is simple. The Postal Service is trying to make sure that what matters to you arrives safely, is handled appropriately, and can be tracked along the way. For a family grieving a pet, that steadiness is not just “logistics.” It is a small form of care.
If you need help deciding what comes after shipping—whether you want a primary memorial at home, shared keepsakes, or a wearable tribute—you can explore Funeral.com’s broader guidance on choosing a plan that fits your life, including how to choose a cremation urn and the collections for cremation urns, pet cremation urns, and cremation jewelry. When the practical steps are clear, the emotional ones become a little easier to carry.
