When a pet bunny dies, cremation is a very practical way to handle the body. How much does it cost to cremate?
The average cost to cremate a pet rabbit is between $30-$70 for a communal cremation, where the remains will not be returned, or $150-$175 for a private cremation where the remains will be returned to the owner. Cost is consistent for most pets under 30lbs.
For many pet owners, cremation is worth every penny. Keep reading below for more information!
Communal vs. Private Cremation
Why is the cost so different between a communal and private cremation? Which one is right for your situation? Your vet can help you decide, but here are some of the differences. Keep in mind that different providers charge different amounts, but this is the typical service for the average price listed.
Communal Cremation
Communal cremation is when multiple animals are cremated at once. The ashes will be mixed, and they will not be returned to the individual owners. The crematorium will scatter these remains themselves.
Because this cremation is more efficient, the average price is much lower. Many pet crematoriums will charge between $30 to $70 to cremate a pet rabbit in this way, which is comparable to a small cat or dog, a hamster, or a gecko. Costs go up from there.
If you choose this cremation option, you won’t need to worry about transporting the cremated remains or scattering them yourself. It is okay to leave this to professionals if you find it morbid or prefer to remember your pet in other ways.
Private Cremation
Private cremation is when the pet’s body is cremated by itself, not with other animals, allowing the ashes to be returned to the owner. This is more expensive for the crematorium, so the service costs more than a communal cremation.
This is a good option for owners who would like to scatter their rabbit’s ashes themselves, or who would like to keep the ashes as a memorial. You can purchase memorial options, like urns, through the crematorium, or you can purchase them yourself separately.
Can I Cremate My Rabbit Myself?
If you meet a very specific set of conditions, you might be able to cremate your rabbit yourself. However, this is very difficult and is not recommended for most people.
You cannot cremate your rabbit in your home, as bones need to reach around 1500 degrees Fahrenheit before they turn into ash. You would need an outdoor space large enough to make an appropriate fire, safe from any other fire dangers, with all the appropriate specialized materials to make a fire hot enough, and you would need to maintain that fire for up to an hour if all the circumstances are in your favor.
You would also need a sledgehammer or heavy tool to crush unburned bones, and a way to collect the animal’s ashes after the fire is out.
Above all, you would need to be aware of the risk of property damage or spreading fire. Even a rural pet owner would need to check fire risk before attempting cremation on their own property.
With this much effort and cost involved, most pet owners would be happier having someone else cremate their rabbit’s remains, or just burying them instead.
How To Find a Pet Crematorium
The easiest way to find a pet crematorium is to contact your local vet or animal shelter. They may offer cremation services themselves, or they may have a crematorium that they prefer to use.
Other options include contacting a local pet cemetery, searching online directories, asking your nearest human crematorium if they offer pet services, and searching on your preferred web browser for crematoriums near you.
In most cases, doing this will result in several options for an owner to choose from. You can select the crematorium that has the lowest cost, is most convenient for you, or offers services you want such as pickup or a memorial.
What Can I Do With Cremated Remains?
One of the benefits of cremation is all the options it offers pet owners. Everyone grieves differently! Some people prefer to let the crematorium handle their pet’s remains, and some people prefer to wear them in a locket. As long as you are safe and respectful, there are no wrong answers for how you want to remember your pet.
Remember that any of these options could add to the cost total when cremating your rabbit. Some options, like scattering the ashes, are free. Other options, like custom-made jewelry or acrylic weights, could cost over $100.
Lockets and Other Jewelry
Several websites offer memorial jewelry, including everything from diamonds made of ashes to basic lockets. There are options for almost any kind of jewelry a person would want to wear. If several people would like a memorial item for the pet, like if it was a family pet bunny, a set of lockets could be a good way to remember it.
Urns or Cremation Boxes
This is a very traditional way to remember a pet and keep its remains close. The urn or box for the ashes can be as cute, stately, or decorative as you’d like. There are no limits on your personal style. You can add a picture of your rabbit, paint the box the same color as its fur, or do whatever you’d like to do.
Acrylic Memorials
These are an option you’re most likely to find on sites like Etsy, where artists specialize in personalized requests. These memorial art pieces can be paperweights, decor for your mantle, suncatchers, or a variety of other things. If you’re an experienced crafter, you could even make something yourself!
Headstones
Headstones can be ordered to cover where you bury the ashes, to serve as a memorial for your pet with or without remains, or even have the ashes mixed into them. You can order one, or make it yourself if you have some experience or a helpful friend.
Scattering the Ashes
This is probably the easiest option, and there’s something sweet about scattering your bunny’s ashes on a green lawn. Every time the clover grows, you’ll remember your little friend!
Burying the Ashes
You can bury ashes just like you’d bury the remains otherwise, but with less risk of another animal digging the body up. Feel free to leave a little marker or memorial on the site, or plant something pretty as a grave marker. Maybe you can grow a lettuce patch over it. Whatever makes you smile again is a good way to honor your pet’s memory.
