For many, pets are a cherished member of the family. But, when a beloved dog, cat, bird, etc. passes away, what options are available? It is currently estimated that Americans will spend nearly $70 million on their pets this year. While there is no data available to show exactly how much of that money is going towards final expenses, the pet cremation industry is currently booming. Depending on pet size, cremation service costs vary from $200 to $300 and up. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, at least 17% of funeral homes in the U.S. now offer pet cremation services, and another 13% plan to do so soon.
See Kelly Choate, Pet Cremation Industry Gains Popularity, PA Homepage, June 23, 2017.
