Most Australian pet funeral services offer two main cremation options. Communal cremation means the pet is cremated with other animals and the ashes are not returned. Individual cremation means the pet is cremated alone and the ashes are returned to you in an urn or scatter tube.
Collection is usually available from the vet clinic or your home. Many providers include a paw print or a clipping of fur at no extra cost. Urns range from basic scatter tubes to ceramic or engraved timber urns, with prices from $40 to several hundred dollars.
Pet burial is offered by some providers at dedicated pet cemetery grounds. Home burial is legal in most Australian states with council consent, though apartments, rentals, and unit titles usually exclude this option.
Most pet cremations are completed within 5 to 10 business days, often sooner.
Most vets partner with a local pet crematorium and can arrange collection directly. You can also contact a pet crematorium yourself.
Communal (shared, no ashes returned) or individual (alone, ashes returned). Individual is about $100 to $200 more.
From the vet clinic, your home, or you can drop off at the crematorium yourself. Most vets handle collection as part of the service.
A basic consent form. No death certificate is required for pets.
Performed at a licensed pet crematorium. Individual cremations are recorded and usually identified by a metal tag that stays with the pet through the process.
Paw print, fur clipping, and memorial card are often prepared during the cremation process.
Ashes are returned in the urn or scatter tube of your choice, 3 to 10 business days after cremation. Most providers offer pickup, home delivery, or postage.
Many families hold a small ceremony at home, plant a tree, or scatter ashes at a place the pet loved. Children often benefit from being involved in the memorial.
Our editorial team compiles these ranges from publicly listed pricing on Australian funeral director websites. They are indicative, not quotes.
About these figuresIndicative figures only. Australian Funerals Direct does not set or quote prices. These bands are researched from publicly listed pricing on Australian funeral director websites and cross-referenced with consumer reporting from the ACCC, Choice, and MoneySmart. Individual quotes will vary by provider, location, coffin choice, venue, and cemetery fees. Figures last reviewed: 2026-04-22.
Usually not. Euthanasia fees typically cover the procedure and on-site care only. Cremation is billed separately, either by the vet (who forwards it to a partner crematorium) or directly by the crematorium. Ask at the appointment so there are no surprises.
Some pet crematoria offer a 'witness cremation' where you can be present for the placement and the start of the cremation. This is less common but available on request at several Australian providers for an additional fee of $100 to $300.
Reputable pet crematoria use an identification tag (a small metal disc with a unique number) that stays with your pet from collection through cremation and goes home with the ashes. Individual cremations are recorded in a register. Ask the provider about their identification and tracking process before booking.
In most Australian states, home pet burial is legal with council consent, provided the grave is a safe depth and not near waterways or food growing areas. Apartments, rentals, and unit titles usually prohibit it. Check with your local council before burying.
Keep them at home in an urn, scatter them at a favourite park or beach, bury them in the garden, or split them between family members. Australian parks and beaches have different rules on scattering; check with the local council for larger volumes.
Most Australian states have at least one dedicated pet cemetery. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth each have multiple options. Your pet crematorium can point you to the nearest. Plots typically cost $250 to $800.
Usually 3 to 10 business days after cremation. Some providers offer a 24-hour express option for an additional fee. Scattered cremations (where the crematorium scatters the ashes at a dedicated memorial site) can be booked at no extra cost with most providers.
Be honest about what happened. Avoid euphemisms (saying the pet 'went to sleep' or 'ran away') because they often create more confusion later. Let the child be involved in the memorial if they want to be: choosing an urn, planting a tree, drawing a card. The RSPCA and The Compassionate Friends have age-appropriate resources for children grieving a pet.
Free and low-cost support services available across Australia.
Free grief counselling by phone and online.
1300 845 745
Support for grief, depression, and anxiety.
1300 22 4636
24/7 crisis support.
13 11 14
Peer support for families who have lost a child or sibling.
Counselling, education, and directory of bereavement counsellors.
1800 642 066
Sources cited on this page.
Consumer guidance on pet bereavement and grief support.
Professional guidance on euthanasia and aftercare.
Independent consumer reporting on Australian pet cremation services.
Bereavement support for families, including pet loss resources.