Finding the Perfect Urn for Your Pet's Ashes

There are so many beautiful pet urns out there, each with its own unique style, perfect for holding your pet’s ashes. But with so many options, how do you know what size you need? Whether you're looking for a dog or cat urn, choosing the right size mainly depends on your pet's weight, and there’s a simple way to figure it out.

 

Pet Urn Size Guide – How to Estimate by Your Pet’s Weight

Not all urns are one-size-fits-all. Pet cremation urns come in a range of sizes, with each listing its volume in cubic inches. The general rule is that you’ll need at least 1 cubic inch of space for every pound your pet weighed. So, if your dog was 20 pounds, look for an urn with a capacity of at least 20 cubic inches.

It’s always a good idea to get a slightly bigger urn to make sure the ashes fit comfortably. Adding around 10 extra cubic inches gives you some wiggle room. So, for that 20-pound dog, aim for an urn with about 30 cubic inches of space.

If it turns out that the ashes are more than the urn can hold, some pet owners choose to scatter a portion of the ashes instead of keeping them all in the urn.

Not Sure How Much Your Pet Weighed? Here’s our quick advice

If you don’t know your pet's exact weight, here’s a rough idea based on breed:

 

• German Shepherd (50-80 lbs.) → Urn size: 60-90 cubic inches
• Pug (14-18 lbs.) → Urn size: 24-28 cubic inches
• Beagle (20-25 lbs.) → Urn size: 30-35 cubic inches
• Golden Retriever (55-75 lbs.) → Urn size: 65-85 cubic inches
• British Shorthair Cat (7-12 lbs.) → Urn size: 17-22 cubic inches
• Siamese Cat (8-15 lbs.) → Urn size: 18-25 cubic inches
• Maine Coon (10-25 lbs.) → Urn size: 20-35 cubic inches

While these are general estimates, it’s best to know your pet’s exact weight when shopping for an urn.

 Is the Urn for One Pet or Multiple Pets?

Some pet owners like the idea of having a single urn for multiple pets, especially if they were close or even littermates. If you want to combine ashes, be sure to get an urn that’s large enough to hold the total weight of all the pets.

If your pet was loved by several family members, you might want to split the ashes, giving each person a special keepsake urn. This way, everyone can have a piece of their beloved pet close by.

Why Choosing the Right Urn Matters

Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, and finding the right way to honor their memory is important. A thoughtfully chosen urn can help you keep their memory alive. Handcrafted urns offer unique styles and beautiful designs, making them a special tribute to your pet.

 

These size guidelines are general, and the right urn size may vary depending on the breed. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your urn provider or pet crematorium for advice to make sure you pick the right size.

Besides size, think about what materials and designs speak to you. You’ll find urns made from wood, ceramic, and other materials, so choose something that feels right and will help you cherish your pet’s memory.

Where to Keep Your Pet’s Urn

Once you’ve chosen the perfect urn, there are a couple of popular options for where to keep it:

Home Display: Many people like to keep their pet’s urn in a special spot at home, like on a mantelpiece or a memorial area with their pet’s collar or photo.

Columbarium or Memorial Garden: Some pet cemeteries and crematoriums have areas where you can store pet urns, often with markers or plaques to honor your pet.

Ultimately, where you keep your pet’s urn is a personal decision that reflects your bond with them. Whatever you decide, make sure the urn or keepsake you choose reflects the love you shared with your furry friend.