Pet Cremation in Ohio: A Practical Guide for Families

 


Losing a pet is incredibly hard, and trying to understand pet cremation in Ohio at the same time can feel overwhelming. This guide is meant to walk you through the basics—how services work, what they typically cost, what pet cremation laws touch this area, and how to find and compare pet cremation providers—so you can make calm, informed choices.


Along the way, you’ll see gentle mentions of options like pet urns, keepsakes, and cremation jewelry that can help you create a memorial that feels right for your family.

 

 

 

Overview of Pet Cremation in Ohio

 


Across Ohio, more families are choosing pet cremation in Ohio instead of burial—both because many people live in cities or suburbs, and because they want to keep their pet’s ashes with them if they move.


Most Ohio families encounter pet cremation in one of three ways:

 

  • Through their veterinary clinic, which partners with a local pet cremation provider

  • Directly with a dedicated pet crematory or pet cemetery

  • Through a funeral home that also operates a pet crematory or partners with one

 


The Ohio Funeral Directors Association notes that pet crematories can now be found in many cities, and that they commonly work with veterinary clinics or directly with families. 


Once cremation is complete, you’ll usually have choices for memorialization: keeping ashes at home in a pet urn, dividing them among family members, placing them in a pet cemetery, or scattering them in a meaningful place (within the rules—more on that below).


If you’d like to create a home memorial, Funeral.com offers a wide range of pet urns for ashes in different sizes and styles that can fit on a bookshelf, mantel, or a small memorial table. 

 

 

 

Average Pet Cremation Costs in Ohio

 


Pet cremation costs in Ohio vary based on your pet’s size, the type of cremation, where you live, and whether you add services like viewing, paw prints, or home pickup.


Looking at price lists from multiple Ohio providers, here are typical approximate ranges (USD). Exact numbers change over time, so always confirm with the provider directly. 


 

Communal pet cremation (no ashes returned)

 


With communal pet cremation, multiple pets are cremated together and ashes are not returned to families. This is usually the lowest-cost option.


In Ohio, communal or “no-return” cremation for a typical dog or cat often falls roughly in the $70–$160+ range, depending on weight and provider. Smaller pets (under 30 lbs) tend to be at the low end, while large dogs are toward the higher end.


 

Private / individual pet cremation (ashes returned)

 


With private or individual pet cremation, your pet’s ashes are returned to you. Some providers use the word “private” to mean your pet is the only one in the chamber; others say “individual” or “partitioned” when pets are separated but still in the same chamber.


Across Ohio, private or individual cremation for small to medium pets commonly falls in the $130–$300 range, with large or giant-breed dogs sometimes reaching $350–$400+, especially when extra services (pick-up, special urns, prints) are added.


 

Private pet cremation with memorial or viewing

 


Some Ohio providers offer options like:

 

  • Time in a viewing room to say goodbye

  • Witnessing the start of the cremation

  • Small ceremonies or use of a chapel space

 


For example, one Ohio provider lists a specific fee for a “last goodbye and cremation witness” on top of the base private cremation cost. 


When you combine private pet cremation with viewing or ceremony time, total costs often fall somewhere between $250 and $450+, depending on your pet’s size, location, and the level of ceremony involved.


Remember: costs vary by provider, pet size, and over time. Always ask for a written price list and be clear about what is and isn’t included.

 

 

 

Pet Cremation Laws and Legal Requirements in Ohio

 


This section is informational only and not legal advice. For specific questions about your situation, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian, local authorities, or an attorney familiar with Ohio law.


 

Disposal of pet remains and home burial

 


Ohio law addresses how animal remains must be handled, especially when disease is involved. Under Ohio Revised Code section 941.14, the body of an animal that has died of, or been destroyed because of, a dangerously infectious or contagious disease must be disposed of promptly—by burning, burial at least four feet deep, alkaline hydrolysis, rendering, or other approved methods—within 24 hours. 


While this section is focused on disease control, many families and local authorities reference it when thinking about home burial and safe handling. A common interpretation is that if you bury your pet at home, you should:

 

  • Bury at an adequate depth (often cited as around four feet)

  • Choose a location away from wells, waterways, and drainage

  • Avoid creating odors or attracting scavengers

 


Some municipalities also have their own ordinances about animal remains and crematories—for example, requiring disposal to avoid nuisance or contamination and allowing use of an appropriate crematory. 


Because rules can differ by city, township, or county, it’s wise to check with your local health department or zoning office before planning home burial or unusual memorial options.


 

Pet cemeteries in Ohio

 


Ohio has a specific chapter of law governing pet cemeteries (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 961). Among other things, these laws:

 

  • Define a “pet cemetery” as land used for the individual interment of pet remains (with possible communal sections). 

  • Require the land owner to record a declaration restricting the land to pet cemetery use. 

  • Require most pet cemeteries to be at least three acres in size (with exceptions for older cemeteries). 

  • Require an endowment care fund to help ensure long-term maintenance of the cemetery. 

 


These rules apply to cemetery operators, not to individual families choosing pet cremation in Ohio, but they’re helpful to know if you’re considering burying ashes in a commercial pet cemetery.


 

Scattering pet ashes in Ohio

 


Cremated remains (ashes) are generally treated differently from whole remains. An Ohio resource on pet cremation and scattering notes that, with the property owner’s permission, you can scatter your pet’s ashes on private property, such as your own yard or a friend’s land. 


For public parks, lakes, rivers, or state and federal lands, separate rules may apply. Always check with the relevant park service or agency before scattering ashes in those areas.

 

 

 

Types of Pet Cremation and Service Options in Ohio

 


Most pet cremation providers in Ohio offer similar core options, with slightly different terminology.


 

Communal pet cremation

 

 

  • Multiple pets are cremated together.

  • No ashes are returned to individual families.

  • Ashes may be scattered in a dedicated memorial area, cemetery property, or on private land chosen by the provider. 

 


This is usually the most economical option and can be meaningful for families who don’t feel a strong need to keep ashes.


 

Individual or partitioned pet cremation

 

 

  • Several pets may be in the chamber at the same time, but they are separated by barriers.

  • Providers use tracking systems or ID tags to keep remains distinct.

  • Ashes are returned to you, usually in a basic urn or container, with the option to upgrade. 

 


Some Ohio providers use “individual cremation” to describe this style of service.


 

Private pet cremation

 

 

  • Your pet is the only pet in the cremation chamber.

  • Families choose this option when they want the highest level of assurance that the ashes they receive are solely their pet’s. 

 


Many pet cremation providers in Ohio emphasize chain-of-custody procedures—ID tags, documentation, and structured handling—to give families peace of mind.


 

Memorial, viewing, and keepsake options

 


Across Ohio, you’ll find add-on services such as:

 

  • Use of a viewing room or chapel for a short goodbye

  • The option to witness the beginning of the cremation

  • Clay paw prints, nose prints, fur clippings, or memorial certificates

  • Help selecting pet urns or pet cremation jewelry

 


If you already know you’d like a special urn or keepsake, you can also shop directly at Funeral.com, where you’ll find:

 

  • A main collection of pet cremation urns for ashes in wood, metal, ceramic, and glass

  • Small pet urns for cats, tiny dogs, and pocket pets

  • Extra-large pet urns for big dogs and other large companions

  • Dedicated pet cremation jewelry to hold a small portion of ashes close to your heart 

 


Funeral.com’s guides to pet urns and cremation jewelry can also help you sort out sizing, materials, and personalization options if you’re feeling unsure. 

 

 

 

Cultural Norms and Local Practices Around Pet Cremation in Ohio

 


In practice, pet cremation in Ohio reflects Midwestern values of practicality, family closeness, and respect for animals:

 

  • Many families work through their vet clinic, especially in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. The vet often handles logistics with the cremation provider.

  • In rural or suburban areas, some families still choose home burial, especially where there’s land and local rules allow it, sometimes combined with a small garden or memorial stone. 

  • Dedicated pet cremation providers often emphasize grief support, memorial products, and gentle communication. Some offer pre-planning so decisions aren’t made in a rush during a crisis. 

 


Across the state, it’s very common to display a small pet urn or photo urn on a shelf or table at home, or to divide ashes among family members with pet cremation jewelry or keepsake urns.

 

 

 

How to Choose a Pet Cremation Provider in Ohio

 


When you’re comparing pet cremation providers in Ohio, it can help to focus on a few key questions:

 

  1. What type of cremation do you offer?

    Ask whether they provide communal, individual, and/or private cremation—and how they define those terms.

  2. How do you track my pet?

    Look for clear chain-of-custody steps: ID tags, labels, paperwork, and how they keep pets separate.

  3. Is the cremation done locally?

    Some vet clinics use a nearby independent crematory; others may ship remains farther away. It’s okay to ask where the crematory is located and whether you can contact them directly. 

  4. Can I visit or see the facility?

    Some providers allow tours or viewing of the equipment; others do not, but should still be able to explain their process clearly.

  5. What’s included in the price?

    Clarify whether pick-up, a basic urn, paw prints, or expedited services are included—or billed separately.

  6. What memorial options are available?

    You may choose a basic container from the provider and later select a more personalized pet urn or pet memorial from an online store like Funeral.com, especially if you want a specific style, size, or engraving.

 


Ultimately, the “right” provider is one that answers questions with patience, respects your budget, and makes you feel that your pet will be treated like family.

 

 

 

Notable Pet Cremation Providers in Ohio

 


The following are examples of businesses that offer pet cremation in Ohio, spread across different regions. This list is not a recommendation or endorsement—just a research starting point. Please contact each provider directly to confirm services, coverage areas, and current pricing.


Pet Cremation Services (PCS) – Columbus

Based in Columbus, PCS provides pet and equine cremation services, working with both veterinarians and individual families throughout central Ohio. 


Groff Pet Loss Services – Huron

Serving northern Ohio from Huron, Groff offers communal and private pet cremation, viewing options, and memorial products through a dedicated pet loss facility. 


Angel’s Paws – Blue Ash / Greater Cincinnati

Angel’s Paws focuses on home hospice, in-home euthanasia, and private cremation, with services centered on emotional support and grief care for pet families in the greater Cincinnati area. 


The Pines Pet Cemetery and Cremation Center – Lebanon

Located in Lebanon, this 35-acre pet cemetery and cremation center offers pet cremation, private burial, and memorial options in a park-like setting. 


Forever Friends – Columbus

Forever Friends in Columbus provides private pet cremation, pre-planning, and a range of memorial products such as urns and custom keepsakes. 


Rutherford Pet Cremation Services – Worthington

Serving the greater Columbus area, Rutherford offers private pet cremation with ashes returned in a basic container, plus optional urns and memorial items. 


A Gentle Farewell / A Gentle Pet Cremation – Wellington & Elyria

This practice combines in-home veterinary care with both communal and private cremation options performed at their own pet cremation facility in Elyria. 


Becker Angel’s Rest Pet Cremation – Struthers

Located near Youngstown, Becker Angel’s Rest offers pet cremation services and emphasizes compassionate support for families saying goodbye. 


Halls Rome Pet Cremation / E. Hall Funeral Home – Proctorville

Serving the tri-state area near Proctorville (southern Ohio), this provider offers private and communal cremation options and related pet services. 


Hillis Combs Funeral Home – Zanesville (Pet Services)

Hillis Combs offers communal and private pet cremation, with staff handling cremation and optional scattering of communal ashes on private land. 

 

 

 

FAQs About Pet Cremation in Ohio

 


 

1. Is pet cremation in Ohio legal?

 


Yes. Pet cremation in Ohio is widely available and commonly provided by licensed crematories, funeral homes, and veterinary partners. State laws focus more on safe disposal of animal remains and regulation of pet cemeteries than on restricting cremation itself. 


 

2. What’s the difference between communal and private pet cremation?

 


With communal pet cremation, several pets are cremated together and ashes are not returned. With private pet cremation, your pet is cremated alone (or individually with clear separation), and the ashes are returned to you in a container or pet urn.


 

3. How much does pet cremation typically cost in Ohio?

 


Costs vary, but Ohio price lists suggest rough ranges of about $70–$160+ for communal cremation and about $130–$300+ for private cremation, with larger pets and added services sometimes pushing totals into the $350–$450+ range. 


 

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

 


Yes. Many families in Ohio keep ashes at home in a pet urn, a photo urn, or small keepsake urns. You can use the basic container from your cremation provider or select a personalized urn from a retailer like Funeral.com, which offers dog, cat, and other pet urns in many styles and sizes. 


 

5. Where can I scatter pet ashes in Ohio?

 


On private property, scattering is generally allowed if you have the property owner’s permission (including your own yard).    For parks, rivers, lakes, or public lands, you should check with the relevant city, county, state, or federal agency, since each may have its own rules.


 

6. How long does pet cremation usually take?

 


The cremation process itself typically takes under a few hours, depending on your pet’s size, but you may receive ashes back within a few days to a week depending on the provider’s schedule, paperwork, and any extras like engraving or paw prints.


 

7. Are there price differences for dogs vs. cats vs. small pets?

 


Yes—pet cremation costs almost always scale with weight, not species. A small cat, rabbit, or toy-breed dog will usually fall in the lowest price tier, while large-breed or giant-breed dogs are in the highest tier.


 

8. How do I know I’m getting back my own pet’s ashes?

 


Reputable pet cremation providers in Ohio use numbered tags, labels, and logs to track each pet, and many explain their procedure in detail. If you’re concerned, ask about their identification process, whether they offer private cremation, and if you can tour or see the facility.


 

9. What kinds of pet urns or pet memorials are available?

 


You can choose from traditional box urns, figurine urns, photo frame urns, outdoor-safe urns, and tiny keepsake urns that hold just a portion of ashes. Funeral.com’s pet urn collections and guides walk through sizing by weight, materials (wood, metal, ceramic, resin), and display ideas, and you can pair them with pet cremation jewelry if you’d like to carry a small amount of ashes with you. 


 

10. Can I plan ahead for my pet’s aftercare?

 


Yes. Many providers in Ohio offer pre-planning for pet cremation, and some vet clinics keep your preferences on file. You can also browse pet urns and cremation jewelry in advance so that, when the time comes, you’re not making every decision under stress. 

 

 

Laws, prices, and provider offerings change over time, and local ordinances can differ across Ohio. Before making final decisions, it’s a good idea to confirm details directly with your chosen provider, your veterinarian, and local or state authorities to be sure you’re following the most current rules and options.