Losing a pet is never easy, and the tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. Among these, choosing an urn for your companion's ashes is particularly challenging – both emotionally and practically. It's not something most of us want to think about, let alone try to calculate. Yet, finding the right sized dog urn, cat urn, or other pet urn is an important part of creating a fitting memorial for your pet.
We understand that this isn't a pleasant topic to consider. The thought of reducing your friend to a measurement can feel odd or even disrespectful. It's okay to feel conflicted as you read this guide; remember that caring about these details is an act of love for your pet's memory.
Let's walk through the process of determining the right urn size for your pet. Our goal is to make this task a little easier.
Understanding the Weight-to-Ash Ratio
The general rule of thumb in pet cremation is: 1 pound of body weight ≈ 1 cubic inch of ashes
This means that a 20-pound cat would typically result in about 20 cubic inches of ashes. However, this is just a guideline. The actual amount can vary based on factors like bone density and the cremation process used. For example, water cremation (aquamation), the process used by Honor Pet, results in approximately 20% more ashes compared to traditional fire cremation.
Calculating the Urn Size
To determine the urn size you need:
- Start with your pet's weight in pounds.
- This number roughly equals the cubic inches of ashes you'll receive.
For example:
- A 50-pound dog would result in approximately 50 cubic inches of ashes.
Why You Should Go Slightly Bigger
While the calculation above gives you a baseline, it's wise to choose an urn with a bit more capacity than your exact calculation. Here's why:
- Ease of Transfer: A larger pet urn, whether it’s a dog urn or a cat urn, makes it easier to transfer the ashes without spilling.
- Extra Space for Mementos: You might want to include small items like a collar tag or a tuft of fur.
- Variation in Ash Volume: As mentioned, the actual volume can vary from the estimate, especially if you opt for water cremation.
A good rule is to add about 10-20% to your calculated size. In our 50-pound dog example, instead of a 50 cubic inch urn, you might opt for a 55 or 60 cubic inch urn. When in doubt, it is best to go a size larger.
Quick Reference Guide
To make it easier, here's a quick reference guide:
- Small pets (up to 25 lbs): 25-40 cubic inch urn
- Medium pets (26-50 lbs): 40-75 cubic inch urn
- Large pets (51-75 lbs): 75-110 cubic inch urn
- Extra-large pets (76+ lbs): 110+ cubic inch urn
Remember, these are guidelines. Always round up to the nearest available size if your calculation falls between standard urn sizes, whether you're looking for a dog urn, cat urn, or an urn for any other pet.
Considering Urn Types
Different types of urns may have different capacities:
- Traditional vase-style urns often come in standard sizes. Most urns will have ash capacity information.
- Keepsake urns, such as “ash jewelry”, are much smaller and designed to hold only a portion of ashes, as little as a ¼ or ⅛ teaspoon.
- Scattering urns might be larger to facilitate the scattering process.
Always check the specific capacity of the urn you're considering, as designs can vary. And as a side note, you don’t have to go with a “traditional” pet urn; explore other vessels or objects that blend with your home decor. Find a piece of art that speaks to you. For my pet’s ashes, I found a vintage vessel from France that was previously used for storing wine. It fits perfectly in our home and no one would know that it’s an urn, which I love. Your imagination is your only limit.
TIP: If you are considering an unconventional pet urn, where a size guide or range isn’t provided, use this simple and handy calculator from Omni Calculator to help determine the volume of any shaped container to ensure your pet’s ashes will fit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right sized pet urn is a practical step in honoring your pet's memory. By taking the time to calculate the appropriate size, you ensure that your pet's ashes are housed comfortably and respectfully. Remember, it's okay to go a size up if you're unsure – having a little extra space is better than not having enough. If you have any questions around choosing the appropriate sized urn, you can always reach out to us for help.
While these calculations provide a helpful guide, the most important aspect is finding an urn that feels right for you and your pet. Whether it's a simple container or an elaborate memorial, the love it represents is what truly matters.