When a pet passes away, families are often faced with practical decisions at one of the most emotional times in their lives. Understanding your options ahead of time β or even in the moment β can help you make a choice that feels right for your family and honours your pet's memory.
This guide covers the main options available in New Zealand and Australia, so you're not navigating this alone.
Cremation
Pet cremation is the most common choice for families in both NZ and Australia. There are generally two options:
Individual (Private) Cremation
Your pet is cremated individually, and their ashes are returned to you. This is the most popular choice for families who want to keep their pet's ashes at home, scatter them in a meaningful place, or divide them among family members.
Ashes are typically returned in a simple container, with the option to purchase a decorative urn. Many families place the ashes alongside a photo, a memorial tag, or in a dedicated remembrance space at home.
Communal Cremation
Multiple pets are cremated together, and ashes are not returned. This is a more affordable option and is often the default offered by veterinary clinics. Some cremation providers scatter communal ashes in a garden or natural area.
What to Expect β Costs
In New Zealand, individual pet cremation typically ranges from $150β$400 NZD depending on the size of the pet and the provider. Communal cremation is usually $80β$200 NZD. Many vets can arrange cremation directly, or you can contact a pet cremation service yourself.
In Australia, individual cremation ranges from roughly $200β$500 AUD, with communal cremation between $100β$250 AUD. Prices vary by state and provider.
Most providers offer collection from your home or vet clinic, which can ease the practical burden during a difficult time.
Home Burial
Burying a pet at home is a meaningful option for families with their own property. In New Zealand, home burial is generally permitted on private land, though it's good practice to bury at a depth of at least 60cm and away from waterways. Check with your local council for any specific requirements in your area.
In Australia, regulations vary by state and council. Most areas allow home burial on private property with similar depth and distance-from-waterway guidelines. Always check your local council rules.
Many families mark the spot with a plant, stone, or small garden β creating a peaceful place to visit and remember.
Pet Cemeteries
Pet cemeteries offer a dedicated, maintained resting place. They're a good option for people who rent their home or want a permanent location that won't be affected by future property changes. Both NZ and Australia have established pet cemeteries in most major regions.
Options typically include burial plots, memorial plaques, and garden niches for ashes. Costs vary widely depending on the cemetery and type of memorial chosen.
Vet Clinic Support
Your veterinarian is often the best first point of contact. Most clinics can:
- Arrange cremation (individual or communal) through their partner provider
- Advise on local burial regulations
- Take a paw print or fur clipping before cremation
- Store your pet's body if you need time to decide
- Provide a quiet space for the family to say goodbye
Don't hesitate to ask your vet about these options β they understand what families are going through and want to help.
Memorial Options
Beyond cremation and burial, many families find comfort in creating a lasting memorial. Some popular options include:
- Memorial gardens β A dedicated plant or garden bed in their favourite spot
- Custom artwork β Portraits, illustrations, or needle-felt replicas
- Jewellery β Necklaces or charms containing a small amount of ashes or fur
- Digital memorials β A permanent online space to collect photos, videos, and messages from everyone who loved them
- Memorial plaques or stones β Engraved markers for a garden or indoor display
- Charitable donations β Giving to an animal welfare organisation in your pet's name
There's no single "right" choice. Many families combine several of these β for example, keeping ashes at home alongside a digital memorial that the whole family can contribute to.
What to Do Right Now
If you're reading this because you've just lost a pet, or are anticipating the loss of a pet, here's a simple priority list:
- Take your time. You don't need to make every decision immediately. Most vets and cremation services can hold your pet for a day or two while you decide.
- Ask your vet what options they can arrange directly β this removes a lot of logistical stress.
- Decide on cremation type (individual vs communal) based on whether you want ashes returned.
- Consider a paw print or fur clipping before saying goodbye β these are small but meaningful keepsakes.
- Plan a memorial when you're ready β this can happen days, weeks, or even months later.
For more emotional support and helpline numbers, visit our pet loss resources page.
Navigating these decisions during grief is genuinely hard. Give yourself grace, lean on people who understand, and know that however you choose to honour your pet's memory β it's enough, because it comes from love.