Determine the urn size you need for your pet's ashes
The exact volume can vary depending on:
- Your pet's breed and bone density
- The cremation process used
- Whether the ashes have been finely processed or remain coarse
- The amount of moisture present in the remains
Recommended Urn Capacity
As a rule of thumb, we recommend selecting an urn with at least 20% more capacity than the estimated ash volume.
This extra space:
- Makes transferring ashes easier
- Prevents accidental spillage during filling
- Accommodates natural variations in ash volume
- Allows room for keepsakes such as a collar tag, lock of fur, or small note
When in doubt, choosing a slightly larger urn is usually the safest option.
Finely Processed vs. Coarse Ashes
Most crematories process ashes into a fine, consistent texture. However, some families request a more natural finish, which may include small bone fragments.
Coarser remains can require 30–60% more space than finely processed ashes. If you are unsure how the ashes will be prepared, we recommend selecting the next size up.
Typical Ash Volumes by Pet Size
|
Pet |
Typical Weight |
Estimated Ash Volume |
Urn examples |
|
Hamster |
0.1–0.2 kg |
10–20 ml |
|
|
Guinea Pig |
0.8–1.5 kg |
25–75 ml |
Nina (200 ml) |
|
Rabbit |
1–5 kg |
50–250 ml |
|
|
Cat |
3–6 kg |
100–300 ml |
|
|
Small Dog |
5–10 kg |
150–500 ml |
|
|
Medium Dog |
10–25 kg |
300–1,250 ml |
|
|
Large Dog |
25–40 kg |
750–2,000 ml |
Petal (L) (2,000 ml) |
|
Great Dane |
50–80 kg |
1,500–4,000 ml |
Petal (XL) (3,280 ml) |
These figures are estimates only. Your cremation provider can often provide a more precise indication of the final volume.
Keeping Only Part of the Ashes
Not every family chooses to keep all of a pet's ashes in a single urn.
Many people:
- Divide ashes between family members
- Place a small amount in a keepsake urn
- Scatter part of the ashes in a meaningful location
- Combine ashes with memorial jewelry or artwork
- Reserve a portion for burial while keeping the remainder at home
Choosing a smaller urn can therefore be entirely appropriate if you plan to keep only part of the ashes.
Choosing Beyond Size
While capacity is important, many families ultimately choose an urn based on how it feels.
Some prefer a modern ceramic urn that blends naturally into their home. Others choose a biodegradable urn for burial or a more playful design that reflects their pet's personality.
The best urn is one that feels right to you—a memorial that brings comfort and keeps your pet's memory close for years to come.
Large or small, their absence can feel immense
This photo provided by Guinness World Records shows Pearl, the world's shortest living dog, with Reginald, the world's tallest living dog, both certified by Guinness World Records, during a playdate in Idaho Falls, Idaho, April 5, 2025