A Guide to Buying or Making a Pet Casket
Losing a pet comes with its own unique challenges, such as how to handle arrangements, send them off in a way that honors your bond, and who to contact when you’re in need of services. If you’re burying your pet in a pet cemetery or at home, pet caskets may be on your mind. This article covers basic information on caskets for small dogs (or large dogs), cats, and other small animals as well as what you need to know before purchasing a pet casket. If you’re the DIY type, we’ll also outline how to build a pet casket to lay your pet to rest.
Types of dog, cat, and small animal caskets
There are several types of pet caskets available on the market, ranging from simple and affordable to more elaborate and expensive options. The most common types include wooden, metal, and biodegradable pet caskets. Wooden pet caskets are often made from solid wood and can be customized with various finishes, linings, and designs. They are durable and can provide a timeless, classic look to your pet's burial. Metal pet caskets are often made from steel or bronze and are known for their sturdiness and ability to withstand the elements. They are often more expensive than wooden caskets but can provide added protection and durability.
Biodegradable pet caskets are a newer option that has gained popularity in recent years. These caskets are made from materials that can naturally decompose over time, such as bamboo, cardboard, or biodegradable plastic. They are an eco-friendly option and can be a good choice for pet owners who want to minimize their environmental impact.
How much do pet caskets cost?
Pet caskets aren’t too expensive, with some starting as low as $22, but make no mistake, some pet owners will spend upwards of $1200 to purchase a casket for their pet. For the average consumer, you’ll likely spend around $100 for a quality casket for your pet, when purchasing online.
Where to buy pet caskets
The easiest place to purchase pet caskets is to purchase them online. There are many retailers that sell pet caskets online (such as Walmart and Amazon), making it easier for you to compare pricing, styles, and shipping options. Additionally, purchasing online gives you a greater variety of pet caskets to purchase from. If you’re only considering caskets for pets from people near you, you’re likely limiting your options significantly. (If you’re intent on purchasing from a local supplier, you can search for “pet caskets near me,” which may bring up local retailers.)
When purchasing a pet casket online, there are a few things you want to consider to ensure you get the right casket for your beloved pet. These include:
- Cemetery regulations - If you are having your pet buried at a pet cemetery, one of the first things you’ll want to do is check if the cemetery has any rules or regulations around the types of caskets that can be buried on their property. For example, if you’re choosing to bury your pet at a “green” pet cemetery, you’ll most likely need to purchase a 100% biodegradable casket.
- Size - Be sure to measure your pet to determine the appropriate casket size. Most online retailers will have a size guide to help you choose the right size casket.
- Material - Consider the type of material you want the casket to be made from, such as wood or metal, and look for online retailers that offer a variety of options. Biodegradable pet caskets are a newer option that are fairly popular as they make a great choice for home burials.
- Quality - Read reviews from other pet owners who have purchased caskets from the retailer to ensure that the caskets are of high quality and will meet your expectations.
- Price - Comparing prices from different retailers can help you make sure you’re getting a fair price for the casket type you’re interested in.
- Shipping and delivery - Be aware of the shipping and delivery options available, as well as the associated costs and estimated delivery times, to ensure that the casket will arrive when you need it.
By considering these factors, you can purchase a pet casket online with confidence, knowing that you are getting the right product to honor the memory of your beloved pet.
How to make pet caskets
If purchasing a pet casket isn’t for you, you can always make your own. Making your own pet caskets can be a beautiful way to honor your pet and to dedicate time and effort towards ensuring they have a beautiful resting place.
If you’re going to build your own pet casket, here are the materials you’ll need:
- Wood or cardboard
- Measuring tape
- Saw (hand saw or power saw, depending on your preference and skill level) – not necessary if you are having the wood cut by a home improvement store, such as Home Depot
- Wood screws or nails (if using wood)
- Strong adhesive or glue (if using cardboard)
- Hammer (if using nails)
- Sandpaper or a sander (to smooth any rough edges or surfaces)
- Paint or other decoration materials (if desired)
- Soft material for lining (such as a blanket or towel)
- Handles (if desired and applicable)
Once you’ve gathered your materials, you’re ready to build a pet casket. Here are some general steps to follow when building:
- Choose your materials - You’ll most likely want to use either wood or cardboard to build your pet casket. Cardboard will break down much quicker, but still offers a container fit for burial if constructed correctly. For wood, choose a type of wood that is sturdy and durable, such as pine or oak. For cardboard, choose a thick, sturdy cardboard box.
- Measure your pet - Measure your pet from nose to tail and add a few inches to the length to ensure there is enough space in the casket. Measure the width and height as well.
- Cut the wood or cardboard - Cut the wood or cardboard to the appropriate size for your pet's measurements. If you have a preconstructed cardboard box already at home, you can skip this step if its an appropriate size for your pet. Cut four sides and a bottom, leaving one side open. If you cannot cut the wood at home, most home improvement stores will cut the wood for you when you purchase it.
- Assemble the casket - If using wood, assemble the sides and bottom using wood screws or nails. If using cardboard, fold the sides up and tape or glue them together.
- Add padding and lining - Line the inside of the casket with a soft material such as a blanket or towel to provide padding and comfort for your pet.
- Add handles - If desired, attach handles to the sides of the casket to make it easier to carry. Decorate - You may wish to paint or decorate the outside of the casket to make it more personal and special.
Remember that these are just general steps, and the specific details of building a pet casket may vary depending on your materials and preferences. It may be helpful to consult a guide or tutorial online or speak with a professional to ensure that your casket is sturdy and appropriate for your pet.
If you’ve recently lost a pet and are searching for other ways to honor their passing, consider starting a memorial website. Plenty of families and individuals start memorial websites dedicated to their pets as a way to collect important memories, reflect on their lives, and even to raise money towards rescue societies in their memory. Pet memorial websites on Ever Loved are free to make, stay up indefinitely, and are easy-to-use.
