Overview of 

Pet Cremation in Pennsylvania

 

When a beloved dog, cat, or other companion animal dies, many families in Pennsylvania are turning to pet cremation as a way to say goodbye and keep their pet’s memory close. Across the state, services are offered through dedicated pet crematories, funeral homes, humane societies, and veterinary partners, from small rural towns to larger metro areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has clear rules about how dead animals must be disposed of, including requirements that domestic animals be buried, incinerated, or otherwise handled in an approved, sanitary way within a set time frame. However, lawmakers and animal-law experts have pointed out that there is currently no detailed statewide regulatory framework that specifically governs how cremated pet remains are handled by pet cremation providers, which has become a focus of proposed legislation after a highly publicized pet cremation scandal in the state.

At the same time, any facility that burns animal remains must still follow Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection rules for crematories and incinerators, including plan approvals and operating standards aimed at controlling emissions.

For families, what this all means is that pet cremation in Pennsylvania is widely available and completely legal, but it is important to choose a reputable, transparent provider and to ask questions about how your pet will be cared for.

Throughout this guide, you’ll see key phrases like pet cremation in Pennsylvania, pet cremation costs, pet cremation laws, pet cremation providers, and pet urns highlighted so you can quickly find the details that matter most.

 

---

 

 

Average 

Pet Cremation Costs

 in Pennsylvania

 

The cost of pet cremation in Pennsylvania varies based on your pet’s size, where in the state you live, whether you choose communal or private pet cremation, and whether you add services like a memorial, viewing, or special pet urn or jewelry.

Several Pennsylvania providers and humane societies publish their prices online, which helps give a realistic picture of local ranges:

 

• One Pennsylvania resource notes that small pets such as birds may cost roughly $30–$50 for a non-private cremation, and $100–$150 if you want ashes returned. Cats and most dogs commonly range around $100–$150 for communal cremation and $150–$300 for private cremation, with very large dogs sometimes reaching $400 or more for private services.

• Humane societies in Pennsylvania often offer lower-cost communal options; sample price lists show communal cremation for small pets starting around $10–$40, rising with weight, with private options for dogs and cats typically under $200.

• A dedicated pet cremation center in Franklin, PA lists private cremation starting around $145 for very small pets, with higher tiers for medium and large pets.

 

Based on these and other sources, families in Pennsylvania can expect approximate price ranges like these (all in USD, and for guidance only):

 

• Communal pet cremation (no ashes returned):

  Often around $40–$150 for most cats and dogs, with smaller pets sometimes closer to $30–$50 and very large dogs occasionally up to around $200.

• Private/individual pet cremation (ashes returned):

  Commonly $150–$300 for average-size dogs and cats, with very small animals somewhat less and very large breeds (over 100 lbs) sometimes $300–$400+.

• Private pet cremation with a simple memorial or viewing:

  When you add time in a viewing room, a brief farewell ceremony, or other on-site memorial options, families might see total costs in the $250–$500+ range, depending on the facility, the length of the gathering, and any added keepsakes or upgraded pet urns or jewelry.

 

These numbers are approximate and can change over time. Each provider sets their own pricing, and costs may be higher in major metro areas or for very large pets. Always ask for a written price list, including transportation fees and the cost of any pet urns, memorials, or cremation jewelry you might choose.

 

---

 

 

Pet Cremation Laws

 and Legal Requirements in Pennsylvania

 

 

General rules for handling a pet’s body

 

Under Pennsylvania law, dead domestic animals must be disposed of within a set time frame—usually within 24–48 hours—using approved methods such as burial, incineration (cremation), composting, rendering, or landfill, depending on the specific law and context.

Key points for families to understand (in plain language, not legal advice):

 

• The animal’s body should not be left where it is visible to the public or accessible to other animals.

• If you bury a pet on your property, state rules and many local ordinances require that the grave be a certain distance from water sources and that the body is covered sufficiently with soil to prevent odor and scavenging animals.

• Open-air burning of animal remains is not legal; cremation must be performed in an appropriate incinerator/cremation unit.

 

Many families find it simpler and more comforting to use a pet cremation provider or a veterinarian who works with a crematory, because these professionals are already set up to meet disposal and environmental requirements.

 

Environmental and crematory regulations

 

Any crematory—whether serving humans, pets, or both—must comply with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection air-quality and equipment rules. These include plan approvals, technical standards, and operating limits, including rules about maximum load weights and emissions.

This is mostly “behind the scenes” from a pet parent’s perspective, but you can always ask a provider whether their equipment is properly permitted and inspected.

 

Current gap and proposed rules for 

pet cremation providers

 

In response to a widely reported case in which a Pennsylvania funeral director allegedly took payment for private pet cremation but dumped animals in a landfill and returned fake ashes, state legislators have introduced bills that would specifically regulate pet cremation service providers, including funeral homes offering pet cremation.

Legislative memos and news reports emphasize that, as of now, Pennsylvania law does not yet provide a clear, specific regulatory framework for how cremated pet remains must be handled by providers, which is what these bills aim to change.

Because these proposals may change over time, families should keep in mind:

 

• This guide is informational and not legal advice.

• Laws and regulations can be updated—especially after high-profile cases—so it’s wise to check the most recent information through official state sources or trusted local attorneys if you have detailed legal questions.

 

 

---

 

 

Types of 

Pet Cremation

 and Service Options in Pennsylvania

 

Across Pennsylvania, families typically see three main categories of pet cremation services:

 

Communal pet cremation

 

In communal pet cremation, your pet is cremated along with other animals, and no individual ashes are returned. This is usually the most affordable option and is commonly offered through humane societies and low-cost clinics. Sample price lists from Pennsylvania humane societies show communal options starting as low as $10–$40 for small pets and increasing based on weight.

Providers may scatter the communal ashes in a designated area, bury them, or manage them through other lawful methods.

 

Private or individual pet cremation

 

In private pet cremation, your pet is cremated alone, and the ashes returned to you. Many Pennsylvania providers advertise strictly private or individual cremations, especially dedicated pet crematories and specialty centers.

Private services usually include:

 

• Ashes returned in a basic container or pet urn

• A certificate of cremation

• Optional keepsakes such as paw prints or a lock of fur

 

This is the most common choice for families who want to keep ashes at home in a pet urn, scatter them, or incorporate them into cremation jewelry.

 

Private cremation with viewing or memorial

 

Some Pennsylvania facilities offer private pet cremation with a simple memorial or viewing, where your family has time in a visitation or reflection room to say goodbye before or after cremation. Providers like Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Services and Eternal Life Cremation Services describe options that include viewing rooms, on-site memorials, or personalized keepsakes.

These services often cost more but can be very meaningful, especially for children or other family members who need a concrete way to say goodbye.

 

Urns, jewelry, and other memorial products

 

Many Pennsylvania providers sell basic urns and keepsakes, but families often choose to browse a wider selection online as well. On Funeral.com, you can explore:

 

• A large collection of pet cremation urns for ashes in wood, metal, ceramic, and glass, sized for dogs, cats, and other pets.

• Engravable pet urns for ashes that can be personalized with names, dates, and paw prints.

• Large pet cremation urns specifically designed for medium and big dogs.

• A practical, plain-language guide to choosing pet urns for dogs and cats, including how to estimate the right urn size by pet weight and how to compare materials and styles.

 

These kinds of pet urns and memorials let you keep your pet’s memory close in a way that fits your home and your family’s style.

 

---

 

 

Cultural Norms and Local Practices Around 

Pet Cremation in Pennsylvania

 

Pennsylvania has a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities, and families handle pet loss in many different ways:

 

• In cities and suburbs, zoning rules and limited yard space often make pet cremation more practical than home burial.

• In rural areas, some families still choose home burial (where allowed), but many are shifting to cremation for portability—especially if they might move in the future or want to divide ashes between family members.

• Humane societies across the state, such as those in Beaver County and Lebanon County, offer pet cremation services that are both affordable and compassionate, making aftercare accessible even when budgets are tight.

 

Many families keep their pet’s ashes in a pet urn on a shelf or mantle, alongside a framed photo and perhaps a favorite toy or collar. Others create small garden memorials, plant trees, or set up online tribute pages. National observances like National Pet Memorial Day (held each September) have also grown in popularity, with families lighting candles, posting tributes, or spending time at their pet’s favorite park or lake.

There is no “right” way—pet cremation in Pennsylvania is flexible enough to support many different traditions and beliefs.

 

---

 

 

How to Choose a 

Pet Cremation Provider in Pennsylvania

 

Because there is not yet a detailed statewide framework specifically regulating pet cremation providers, choosing a trustworthy provider is especially important in Pennsylvania. Here are practical questions to ask, in plain language:

 

• What type of cremation will my pet receive?

  Make sure you clearly understand the difference between communal and private pet cremation, and confirm which option you are paying for.

• Can you explain your identification and tracking process?

  Ask how your pet is tagged or labeled from pick-up through cremation and how the facility ensures you receive the correct ashes.

• Are you able to show or describe your facility?

  Some providers allow visits or offer photos and detailed written explanations of their equipment and procedures.

• Do you publish a full, transparent price list?

  Look for clear pricing on communal vs. private cremation, transportation fees, urn upgrades, memorial services, and extras like paw prints or locks of fur.

• How quickly will my pet’s ashes be returned?

  Many Pennsylvania providers return ashes within a few days to a week; some dedicated centers emphasize prompt returns.

• What do online reviews and local veterinarians say?

  Ask your vet who they work with and what their experience has been. Online reviews can be helpful, but look for patterns rather than single opinions.

 

Given the recent high-profile case involving mishandled pet cremations in the state, it’s reasonable—and wise—for families to ask providers to walk them through exactly how pet cremation in Pennsylvania will work in their specific situation.

 

---

 

 

Notable 

Pet Cremation Providers in Pennsylvania

 

The following list is not a recommendation or endorsement, just a starting point for your own research into pet cremation providers in Pennsylvania. Always contact providers directly to confirm current services, coverage areas, and pricing.

 

• Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Services – Quakertown, PA

  Provides pet cremation and memorial services for veterinarians and pet owners, with facilities in Quakertown and a memorial park in nearby New Jersey serving Pennsylvania families.

• Allied Veterinary Cremation – Manheim, PA

  A locally owned provider offering communal and private small-animal cremation primarily through veterinary practices, but also directly to pet owners in central Pennsylvania.

• Eternal Life Cremation Services, LLC – Mount Pleasant, PA

  Offers both human and pet cremation services, including emergency transportation, private and communal cremation, and memorial keepsakes such as pet urns and cremation jewelry.

• Paw Prints Forever Pet Crematory – Chadds Ford & Malvern, PA

  A private pet funeral home and crematory in southeastern Pennsylvania that focuses on individual, private cremation and offers urns, jewelry, and other memorial products.

• FurEver Friends, LLC – Franklin, PA

  A pet cremation center in northwest Pennsylvania providing communal and private cremation, burial options, and pet memorials, with a published price list and contact information online.

• Humane Society of Lebanon County – Lebanon, PA

  Offers communal and private pet cremation services based on pet weight, giving local families a relatively low-cost aftercare option.

• Beaver County Humane Society – Beaver Falls, PA

  Provides cremation services for cats and dogs with separate pricing for common (communal) and private cremation, along with guidance for families saying goodbye.

 

Use this list as a starting point, then explore other pet cremation providers in Pennsylvania near your specific town or county.

 

---

 

 

FAQs About 

Pet Cremation in Pennsylvania

 

 

1. Is 

pet cremation in Pennsylvania

 legal?

 

Yes. Pet cremation in Pennsylvania is legal as a form of incineration, which is one of the approved methods for disposing of animal remains under state law. The key requirements are that the body is handled within the required timeframe and with an approved method, such as burial or incineration in a cremation unit—not open-air burning.

 

2. What is the difference between communal and private 

pet cremation

?

 

In communal pet cremation, multiple animals are cremated together, and no individual ashes are returned. In private pet cremation, your pet is cremated alone (or in a way that allows their ashes to remain separate), and the cremated remains are returned to your family, usually in a basic pet urn or container.

 

3. How much does 

pet cremation

 typically cost in Pennsylvania?

 

Typical pet cremation costs in Pennsylvania might range from about $40–$150 for communal cremation of cats and dogs, up to $150–$300 for private cremation of average-size pets, and $300–$400+ for very large dogs or services with memorials and viewings. These are approximate ranges; prices vary by provider, region, and pet size.

 

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

pet urn

?

 

Yes. Many families choose to keep ashes at home, often in a decorative pet urn on a shelf, table, or special memorial area. On Funeral.com, you can explore a wide variety of pet cremation urns for ashes, including engravable and larger-capacity urns designed for big dogs, as well as guides to help you choose the right size and style.

 

5. Where can I scatter 

pet ashes in Pennsylvania

?

 

Pennsylvania does not have a single statewide rule for scattering pet ashes. Many families scatter on private property (with the owner’s permission), in their own yard, or in natural areas that are meaningful to them, while taking care to be respectful and discreet. Always check the rules for parks, trails, or waterways—some may have specific policies about scattering ashes, even for pets.

 

6. How long does 

pet cremation

 usually take?

 

The actual cremation process for a pet can take a couple of hours, depending on the size of the animal and the equipment used. Providers often need additional time for cooling, processing, and preparing ashes. Many Pennsylvania crematories return ashes within a few days to about a week; some emphasize quick turnaround so pets can be “back home” sooner.

 

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

 

Yes. Pet cremation costs almost always increase with pet size. Published Pennsylvania price lists show different tiers for small pets (like birds, rabbits, or very small dogs), medium pets, and large or giant-breed dogs, with fees rising as weight goes up.

 

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

 

Reputable pet cremation providers in Pennsylvania use identification tags, labels, or barcodes from the moment they receive your pet until ashes are returned. You can ask them to describe their chain-of-custody process step by step. Given recent reports of misconduct in the state, it is reasonable to ask very direct questions until you feel confident in their procedures.

 

9. What kinds of 

pet urns

 and memorials are available?

 

You can choose from simple basic containers, decorative pet urns in wood, metal, or ceramic, urns with photo frames, and engraved pet urns with names and dates. There are also pet keepsake urns (smaller urns that hold a portion of ashes), cremation jewelry such as pendants or bracelets, and stone or metal markers for gardens. Funeral.com’s collections and guides cover these options in detail and can help you compare materials, sizes, and personalization features.

 

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

 

Yes. Many families in Pennsylvania make basic pet aftercare decisions in advance, especially as a pet ages or if a serious diagnosis has been made. Some crematories encourage pre-planning and can discuss transportation, pet cremation costs, and urn options ahead of time, so when the moment comes you can focus more on saying goodbye than on logistics.

 

---

 

Laws, prices, and available services can change over time—especially as Pennsylvania considers new rules for pet cremation providers. Before making final decisions, it’s always a good idea to:

 

• Confirm current pet cremation costs directly with providers.

• Ask your local veterinarian which crematories they partner with.

• Check the latest information from official state and local sources if you have detailed legal questions about pet cremation laws or scattering ashes.