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When you’re arranging aftercare for your beloved pet, the last thing you need is confusing terminology. But words like “private,” “individual,” “partitioned,” and “communal” are used differently by different providers, sometimes interchangeably, sometimes not.
This article will help you understand your pet cremation options, so you can make a decision that feels right for you, your family members, and your pet’s memory during a difficult time.
There is no right or wrong answer for this very personal decision, nor is the choice a reflection of how much you cared about your pet.
The Most Important Question
If you are deciding between pet cremation options, the most important question is:
Do you want your pet’s cremains back?
- If yes, you’re choosing individual cremation.
- If no, you’re choosing communal cremation.
That’s the decision most families are actually making. Private cremation is a less common option explained below.
Why the Terminology Gets Confusing
For years, many pet cremation providers used the word “private” to describe any cremation where a pet’s cremains are returned to the family.
However, “private” and “individual” are not the same.
The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories, known as the IAOPCC is the governing body for the pet aftercare industry. IAOPCC has established official definitions for each type of cremation.
Individual Pet Cremation (Most Common Choice)
For Aquamation, individual cremation is performed by placing each pet in their own individual basket within the larger water‑based cremation chamber. Upon completion of the cremation process, the cremains are returned to the owner.
For many families, this offers a number of options:
- Your pet’s cremains are returned to you
- You can choose to keep, scatter, or incorporate the cremains into a personal memorial
- You can still arrange keepsakes such as a paw print
Communal Pet Cremation
In communal cremation, multiple pets are cremated together in the same chamber without individual separation. Because the cremains are combined, they are not returned to individual families.
Some pet owners prefer this option because:
- They do not feel the need to keep their pet’s cremains at home
- It is the less expensive option
- Some families like the idea of their pet being cremated with other pets
After communal cremation, your pet’s cremated remains are respectfully handled and scattered for you on private land.
It is also important to know that keepsakes such as a paw print can often still be arranged regardless of the type of cremation option that is chosen.
Private Pet Cremation
Private cremation means that your pet is cremated alone in the cremation chamber. However, because of the time and resources involved, it is typically the most expensive option and rarely chosen. In most cases, families find that individual cremation provides the same outcome without the added cost.
Most cremation facilities do not offer this service due to increased logistics and cost.
How the Three Options Compare
| Private | Individual | Communal | |
| Only your pet in the cremation chamber | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Your pet physically separated from others throughout | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Your pet’s cremains returned to you | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Keepsakes available (paw print, fur clipping) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offered by Compassionate Care | No | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cost (relative) | Highest | Middle | Lowest |
About Compassionate Care’s Cremation Services
Compassionate Care has served Portland and surrounding area families since 2009, providing in-home euthanasia and aftercare services for pets and the people who love them.
We offer individual and communal pet cremation services and are here to help you understand your options clearly, including pricing, timing, and what to expect throughout the process.
Cremation inquiries: (503) 379-1292 Or contact us online.
