Can Pets Be Cremated Like Humans in India? Rules & Options Explained

Aman

08 August, 2025

Table of Contents

Why it is important to perform the cremation of pets?
What kinds of Pet Cremation are available in India?
In which cities you can find pet cremation services easily in India?
What is the usual cost of pet cremation?
What Happens to the Ashes of the pet?
What are the key Cultural and Emotional Considerations during a pet cremation?
What if there's no crematorium center in your area?
Conclusion

For a pet lover, it is very tough to feel the pain of losing a pet or furry friend. Many of the people consider the pets as their family members not only animals as they have shared the moments of joys and sorrows and all life happenings in between. So it is important to honor the departed pet's memory with love and dignity when it's time to say the final goodbye.

Final rituals of pet including cremation, has been gaining more attention in India with each passing years. But many pet owners in India are still not certain about it. So many questions arises in their mind such as -:

Does the pet cremation hold legal status in India?
Can the pet owner hire a service provider for the pet cremation?
How to handle the ashes of the cremated pet?

Here are the answers of all the key questions.

In India, it is allowed to perform the cremation of the pet animals. It is becoming more and more common to cremate pets. Several pet crematoriums and cremation grounds located in many cities are providing the facility of traditional and advanced cremations. But the features of such places are different from the human cremation rituals.

Pet cremation services are offered by municipal organizations, commercial businesses, or animal welfare NGOs. Now, just like a family member or a beloved friend, you can choose how you want your pet's final journey. From a simple group or communal cremation to a respectable private cremation where you can receive your pet's ashes.

Why it is important to perform the cremation of pets?

Everyone does not feel okay with Burial due to several reasons and one of the most prime is lack of space in the cities. A lot of people may lack access to a backyard or piece of land where they can bury their pets peacefully.

But those who chose cremation, can get these advantages in return -:

They can keep their pet’s ashes in an urn at home for lifetime.
You can scatter those ashes in a special place, like a garden or river.
They can also use bio-degradable urns to plant a tree in the pet's beloved memory.
The cremation gives the pet guardian a peace of mind that the pet was handled with care and love.

What kinds of Pet Cremation are available in India?

1. Individual Pet Cremation -:

Only your pet gets cremated in this private or Individual Pet Cremation Service. If you would like, you can often watch the entire process of cremation also. Then the ashes are given to the family members in a box or urn. Many pet owners decide to do this in order to perform rituals at home close to sacred location, where they can visit them frequently.

2. Communal or group Cremation -:

It is a less expensive option that provides facility of cremation of several animals at once. Ashes of a particular pet will not be recovered because the remains get mingled with other pets. Pet hospitals, NGOs, and shelters frequently offer this for stray or abandoned dogs or other animals.

Choosing any of the options is based on your needs, beliefs and expenditure.

In which cities you can find pet cremation services easily in India?

The favorable news is, several major Indian cities have started offering pet cremation services. Take a look at the cities where you can find them.

Delhi NCR -: Dwarka, Noida, Ghazipur
Mumbai -: Pet crematorium at Deonar, Malad
Bengaluru -: CUPA crematorium in Kengeri and Sarjapur
Pune -: Services in Hadapsar, Bavdhan

Apart from it, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and other metro cities also have specific locations for pet cremation.

What is the usual cost of pet cremation?

Although cost of pet cremation vary from city to city, pet size and cremation style.

Here is a rough idea regarding the pet cremation costs.

Communal cremation -: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000
Individual cremation -: ₹3,000 to ₹8,000
Pickup service (optional): ₹500 to ₹2,000 extra

What Happens to the Ashes of the pet?

If you’ve chosen individual cremation, the ashes are usually handed over in a small urn, pouch, or box.

Keep them at home in a special place
Scatter them in a garden or river (some families visit Haridwar or Rishikesh)
Use biodegradable urns that grow into a tree
Create a memorial space with your pet’s photo and belongings

Some families even carry out minor religious rites, much like they would for a loved one who is human. Just do what feels right to you; there is no right or wrong in this situation.

What are the key Cultural and Emotional Considerations during a pet cremation?

In Indian culture, rituals and remembrance are frequently performed after death. Although the majority of our customs revolve around people, an increasing number of individuals are choosing to do minor rituals for their pets as well, such as-:

lighting a diya,
presenting flowers,
reciting a prayer.

During this period, it's equally critical to look after your own feelings.

Losing a pet causes genuine and legitimate grief. Never be afraid to share your feelings with others who can relate. Online forums, pet grief support groups, or even just a quiet conversation with another pet parent can all aid in your recovery.

What if there's no crematorium center in your area?

If you live in a smaller town or city where pet cremation isn’t available yet, here’s what you can do:

Calling the local vet — they may know someone who provides respectful services.
Contact the animal NGOs — several NGOs have their own cremation or disposal systems.
Ask from the municipal authorities if they have animal disposal services.
If you have your private land, a private burial can be an option — just make sure it follows safety rules and isn’t near a water source.

Conclusion

It's always tough to say final goodbye to your beloved pet. However, it can be comforting as well to know that you performed a dignified cremation for your pet.