# The kinds of pet cremation

Lesson 1 of [Pet cremation basics for owners](https://petcremation.fyi/academy/pet-cremation-basics-for-owners.md), 12 minutes.

A crematory (also called a crematorium) is the business that cremates a pet. This lesson explains the kinds of cremation that providers offer. Names differ between providers, so ask each one to explain its own terms.

## The three common kinds

- **Private (individual)**: your pet is the only animal in the chamber. The ashes come back to you.
- **Partitioned**: several pets are in the chamber at the same time, kept apart. Some providers return ashes from this kind. Ask how the pets are kept apart and what the provider promises about the ashes.
- **Communal (general)**: pets are cremated together. No ashes come back to you. Some providers scatter or bury them. Ask what happens.

## Attendance

Some providers let you attend or watch the cremation. This is called a witnessed cremation. Not every provider offers it. Some providers charge extra for it. Ask before you decide.

## Large animals

A horse, a pony or a very large dog may need a provider that says in writing that it cremates animals of that size. Providers usually price horse and large-animal cremation by quote, so call and ask.

## What to do with this

Decide two things before you call. Do you want the ashes back? Do you want to attend? Then ask each provider whether it offers the kind of cremation that fits your answers.

## Sources

- PetCremation guide, What a pet crematory listing shows
- PetCremation guide, Common mistakes when choosing a pet crematory
- PetCremation, Pet cremation cost estimator (methodology notes)

Also on the [web page](https://petcremation.fyi/academy/pet-cremation-basics-for-owners/kinds-of-pet-cremation).