Pet Cremation in Georgia: A Compassionate Guide for Families

 


 

Overview of Pet Cremation in Georgia

 


When a beloved dog, cat, or small companion animal dies, many Georgia families turn to pet cremation in Georgia as a way to say goodbye and keep their pet’s memory close. Across the state, from metro Atlanta to coastal and rural communities, you’ll find dedicated pet cremation providers, some operating standalone pet crematories and others working in partnership with local veterinarians and animal hospitals.


Cremation gives families options. Some choose a simple, no-ashes-returned service; others prefer a fully private pet cremation with their pet’s ashes returned in a pet urn or keepsake. Many Georgia providers also offer clay paw prints, fur clippings, memorial certificates, and a selection of pet urns and memorial products.


After cremation, you might keep your pet’s ashes at home in a beautiful pet cremation urn, place them in a garden memorial, divide them among family members, or scatter them in a meaningful place where local rules allow. Georgia law is relatively flexible about where ashes can be kept and, for human cremated remains, where they can be scattered; in practice, families often follow similar guidelines for pet ashes.


If you’re starting to think about memorial options, Funeral.com offers a broad range of pet urns for ashes, including small and keepsake urns and personalized engraved urns, along with an in-depth guide that explains urn sizes and how to choose the right one for your pet’s remains.

 

 

 

Average Pet Cremation Costs in Georgia

 


Families understandably want to know what pet cremation costs look like before making decisions. Prices vary based on your pet’s size, the type of cremation, where you live in Georgia, and the level of service (for example, home pickup or a memorial viewing). The ranges below are approximate and based on published prices from multiple Georgia providers; actual costs change over time and differ by provider.


Remember that all prices are approximate USD ranges, and costs vary by provider, pet size, and over time.


 

Communal pet cremation (no ashes returned)

 


For communal pet cremation, your pet is cremated with other animals, and ashes are not returned to the family. In Georgia, published communal prices typically fall around:

 

  • Very small pets and cats: roughly $50–$100

  • Medium to large dogs: roughly $75–$150

 


Some providers list communal options as low as about $30 for very small animals and as high as $150 for larger pets, especially when transportation is included.


 

Private / individual pet cremation (ashes returned)

 


With private pet cremation, your pet is cremated individually, and the ashes are returned to you, often in a basic urn or container:

 

  • Small pets and cats: commonly around $150–$225

  • Medium dogs (20–60 lbs): around $190–$275

  • Large and extra-large dogs: often $250–$350+

 


Some Georgia companies show a range from about $175 up to $300 for pets up to 200 pounds, and others list tiered pricing for private cremation that can reach $400–$450 for very large dogs.


 

Private pet cremation with memorial or viewing

 


A more customized option is private pet cremation with a simple memorial or viewing. This might include time in a viewing room, a short goodbye service, or same-day private cremation with the family waiting nearby:

 

  • Smaller pets: often start around $250–$350

  • Larger dogs or extended appointments: can range from $350–$500+

 


Providers that offer same-day or attended private cremation usually charge more than standard private services because of the extra time and staffing involved.


On top of the base cremation fee, you may see additional charges for pickup from your home or veterinarian, after-hours service, upgraded pet urns, cremation jewelry, or extra memorial keepsakes such as paw prints. Some Georgia providers list a separate trip fee (for example, a set fee plus a per-mile charge), so it’s always wise to ask for a complete cost breakdown in advance.

 

 

 

Pet Cremation Laws and Legal Requirements in Georgia

 


It’s important to understand that this section is informational only and not legal advice. Laws change, and local ordinances can add extra rules, so always confirm current requirements with official state or local sources.


 

Licensing and regulation of crematories

 


In Georgia, human crematories and funeral establishments must operate under a valid license issued through the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service and follow specific rules covering the operation of crematories, recordkeeping, and facility standards.


Animal-related businesses such as kennels, pet dealers, and some animal facilities are licensed and overseen by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which also maintains licensing programs for animal-related operations and provides a way to verify licensed businesses.


Many pet cremation providers in Georgia operate as specialized animal crematories, veterinary partners, or as divisions of licensed funeral establishments. The exact licensing pathway can depend on how the business is structured and whether it also handles human remains. When you speak with a provider, you can ask:

 

  • How their facility is licensed and inspected

  • Whether they follow written procedures for tracking each pet

  • What documentation you’ll receive when the cremation is complete

 


 

Home pet burial and aftercare

 


Georgia law allows the burial of animals on private property, but there are health and environmental guidelines. Public guidance has emphasized requirements such as burying animals at least a few feet below the surface with sufficient soil on top, using a biodegradable container, and completing the burial within a short timeframe (often within 24–48 hours) to protect groundwater and prevent scavenging.


Because specifics can vary by county or city, you should always check local ordinances or ask your county animal control or sanitation department before planning a backyard burial. Some local governments treat certain animal remains as solid waste and provide guidance or services for pickup or disposal.


 

Scattering ashes in Georgia

 


Georgia law for human cremated remains allows scattering on private property (with the owner’s permission), in certain public places consistent with local rules, and at sea under specific conditions. For burial at sea, cremated remains must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore, within 50 days of cremation, and a statement must be filed with the local registrar of vital records.


For land-based scattering, recent guides note that Georgia generally permits scattering on private land with consent and in some uninhabited public areas, but local policies and federal rules (for example, in national parks) may also apply.


Georgia’s laws are written for human cremated remains, but families often follow the same respectful practices when scattering pet ashes. Before scattering your pet’s ashes:

 

  • Confirm that the property owner or agency allows it

  • Follow any posted rules for parks, lakes, and public spaces

  • Choose biodegradable containers or scattering urns

 


 

Pets’ cremated remains with human burials

 


A 2016 Georgia law made it possible, under certain circumstances, for a person’s human remains to be buried with their pet’s cremated remains if the cemetery’s policies allow it. This does not mean every cemetery will permit it; many have their own rules.


If you hope to have your pet’s ashes interred with you someday, it’s best to discuss this in advance with your chosen cemetery and put any approval in writing.

 

 

 

Types of Pet Cremation and Service Options in Georgia

 


When you explore pet cremation in Georgia, you’ll usually be offered several service types.


 

Communal cremation

 


In communal pet cremation, your pet is placed in the cremation chamber with other animals. Ashes are not separated afterward, and no individual ashes are returned to families. Many Georgia providers scatter communal ashes in a memorial garden or at another designated site. Communal cremation is typically the most affordable option.


 

Private or individual cremation

 


With private pet cremation (sometimes called individual cremation), your pet is cremated alone, or with physical partitions used so that ashes can be kept separate. The provider then returns ashes to you, usually in a temporary container or a basic pet urn, with the option to upgrade to a more decorative urn or keepsake.


Funeral.com’s collections of pet cremation urns for ashes, small pet urns, and engravable pet urns can help you choose a more permanent memorial that fits your décor and your pet’s personality, from simple wood boxes with photo frames to detailed figurine urns.


 

Private cremation with viewing or memorial

 


Some Georgia pet cremation providers offer appointments where you can spend time in a viewing room, say a final goodbye, or hold a brief ceremony before or during the cremation. These services might be called attended cremation, witnessed cremation, or same-day private cremation. They are more personalized and usually come with higher pet cremation costs because they reserve time and staff exclusively for your family.


 

Aquamation (water-based cremation)

 


In metro Atlanta and surrounding areas, a few providers offer aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) for pets, sometimes described as a gentler, more eco-focused alternative to flame cremation. Businesses such as Heavenly Paws and Soothing Streams describe aquamation as using water, alkali, and time to break down remains, with ashes returned to the family afterward.


 

Additional memorial options

 


Many Georgia providers can help with:

 

  • Paw prints, fur clippings, or memorial certificates

  • Home pickup of your pet or coordination with your veterinarian

  • Guidance on pet urns, keepsake jewelry, and scattering options

 


If you’d like to keep a small portion of ashes close, consider cremation jewelry such as pendants, charms, or bracelets, which are available through Funeral.com’s cremation jewelry collections and can complement a larger pet urn at home.

 

 

 

Cultural Norms and Local Practices Around Pet Cremation in Georgia

 


Georgia is a state where many people see pets as full-fledged family members. In metro areas like Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah, it’s common for families to choose pet cremation and then keep ashes in a special place at home, place them in a garden memorial, or scatter them in a favorite spot, following local rules.


Backyard pet burial is still practiced in some communities, especially in more rural areas, as long as health guidelines and local ordinances are followed. Families often pair burial or cremation with small at-home ceremonies, photos, candles, or favorite toys.


Georgia also has a history of increased attention to cremation oversight due in part to the widely publicized Tri-State Crematory scandal in the early 2000s, which involved human remains and led to heightened awareness about licensing and inspections.


Overall, the norm in Georgia today is to handle both human and pet deaths with a focus on dignity, accountability, and transparent pet cremation laws and practices.

 

 

 

How to Choose a Pet Cremation Provider in Georgia

 


Choosing among the many pet cremation providers in Georgia can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving. These questions can help you evaluate your options:

 

  • Ask how they track your pet from pickup through cremation (for example, metal ID tags, barcodes, or written logs).

  • Confirm whether the service is communal, individual, or truly private, and how they define each term.

  • Request a written price list that clearly explains pet cremation costs, pickup fees, after-hours charges, and optional memorial items.

  • Ask how and when ashes will be returned, and what kind of container or pet urn is included.

  • Check whether the crematory has any affiliations or certifications and whether it has been inspected by state or local authorities.

 


You may wish to select a basic private cremation through a local provider, then choose a more personalized pet urn or memorial item from Funeral.com afterward, using their guides and collections to pick the right size, material, and style for your home.

 

 

 

Notable Pet Cremation Providers in Georgia

 


The following businesses are examples of pet cremation providers in Georgia. This list is not a recommendation or endorsement, just a neutral starting point for your own research. Always contact providers directly to confirm services, coverage areas, and current pricing.


Pet Angel Memorial Center – Chamblee and statewide partnerships

Based in Chamblee and partnered with funeral and veterinary providers across Georgia, Pet Angel Memorial Center offers communal and private pet cremation, equine cremation, memorial products, and grief resources for pet families.


Paws, Whiskers & Wags – Atlanta

Paws, Whiskers & Wags operates as a dedicated pet crematory, providing private and communal pet cremation, transportation, and memorial options for families in Atlanta and surrounding communities.


North Georgia Pet Cremations – Gainesville

Serving Gainesville and nearby areas, North Georgia Pet Cremations focuses on individual and private pet cremation with ashes returned, as well as pickup from veterinary clinics and homes.


Sweet Dreams – Metro Atlanta

Sweet Dreams offers in-home euthanasia and aftercare, including private individual pet cremation, communal cremation, and guidance on at-home burial options for families in the Atlanta region.


Rainbow Bridge of Georgia Pet Cremations – North Metro Atlanta

Rainbow Bridge of Georgia Pet Cremations provides tiered pet cremation pricing based on weight, returning ashes in a basic urn or paw-print tin, and offers 24-hour phone support to families.


The Rainbow Connection – Cumming

Located in Cumming, The Rainbow Connection offers communal and private pet cremation with weight-based pricing, along with transportation services and a variety of memorial options.


Heavenly Paws Pet Aquamation – Atlanta area

Heavenly Paws specializes in aquamation, a water-based alternative to traditional cremation, providing private services and returning ashes to families who prefer an eco-conscious option.


Soothing Streams Pet Services – Lawrenceville

Soothing Streams offers pet aquamation and in-home euthanasia services in the Lawrenceville area, with an emphasis on gentle, environmentally friendly aftercare for companion animals.

 

 

 

FAQs About Pet Cremation in Georgia

 


 

Is pet cremation in Georgia legal?

 


Yes. Pet cremation in Georgia is a widely available and accepted form of pet aftercare. Providers operate under a combination of state licensing, local regulations, and professional standards that cover crematory operations and animal-related facilities.


 

What is the difference between communal and private pet cremation?

 


In communal pet cremation, multiple pets are cremated together and ashes are not separated, so they cannot be returned to individual families. In private or individual pet cremation, your pet is cremated alone (or separately with partitions), and the ashes returned to you are intended to be your pet’s remains only.


 

How much does pet cremation typically cost in Georgia?

 


Typical pet cremation costs in Georgia for communal services often fall around $50–$150, while private cremation commonly ranges from about $150–$300 for small to medium pets and can reach $350–$450+ for very large dogs or attended services. Prices vary by provider, pet size, and over time, so always request a current quote.


 

Can I keep my pet’s ashes at home in a pet urn?

 


Yes. There are no statewide rules that forbid keeping pet ashes at home. Many families choose a decorative pet urn for display on a shelf or mantel, while others place the urn in a bedroom or memorial corner. Funeral.com’s collections of pet urns for ashes and engravable pet urns offer a wide variety of styles and sizes to suit your home and your pet’s memory.


 

Where can I scatter pet ashes in Georgia?

 


Georgia’s scattering laws are written for human cremated remains, but they generally allow scattering on private property with the owner’s consent, in some uninhabited public areas, and at sea under specific conditions (for example, at least three nautical miles from shore and within 50 days of cremation, with a statement filed with the local registrar). Families often follow similar guidelines for pet ashes, but you should always check local ordinances or park rules before scattering. turn2search3turn2search5