FAQs for Pet Ashes

Some of our most common questions about pet ashes: 

What to do with pet ashes
Deciding what to do with pet ashes is a common problem for bereaved pet parents, but now there are more options available with Sky Urns vases. The water-tight vase planter at the top of the sky urn allows for flowers, plants, candles, or other mementos you want to display that reminds you of your pet or complements your home. In addition to keeping your pet’s ashes in an urn, you can scatter part or all of their ashes in a special spot, or bury them. 

What size urn do I need for my dog, cat, or other animal? 
If your pet was between 1-55 pounds before cremation, then a Medium Vega Pet Urn Vase, measuring at nearly 11 inches high and 4.25 inches across, should suffice. If you need something a bit larger, a Large Vega Pet Urn Vase measures nearly 13 inches tall and 5.25" wide and has the capacity to hold animals weighing up to 105 pounds before cremation. If you want an urn that can go either indoors or outdoors, the Sol Pet Urn Vase is 105 cubic inches, measuring 12.5" high by 6.5" wide with a recommended weight of 105 pounds or less, prior to cremation. 

How can I display my urn? 
Pet urn vases can be displayed alongside a tribute to your beloved, like framed photographs, collars, and other mementos. In addition to holding cut flowers, the urn vases can hold plants, dried bouquets, and candles. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how to display pet ashes — but with Sky Urns it's easier to keep them close by with the help of modern design. So many people have created beautiful memorials with Sky Urns, and you can view our inspiration gallery of photos here. If you share your Sky Urn on social media, don’t forget to include #SkyUrns for a chance to be featured. 

What do pet ashes look like?
Pet ashes are normally grey and sometimes white. They'll either be placed in a container that the crematorium will provide, or an urn you purchased. 

How much do pet ashes weigh? 
The cremated remains of your dog or cat will weigh roughly 3.5% of your pet's weight prior to cremation. 

Tips on scattering ashes that aren’t placed in the urn: 

How to scatter ashes 
Use a scattering urn, airtight container, or ziplock bag to bring your pet’s ashes to the preferred scattering spot. Be aware that pet ashes don't resemble wood ash (there may be bone fragments and coarser elements that look like sand), and remember to stand upwind. If you're releasing the ashes somewhere where there isn't easy access to water, bring paper towels and a water bottle to wash your hands after. 

Where to scatter pet ashes 
Figuring out where to spread pet ashes can be a daunting task, but focus on places where you both enjoyed spending time or your pet liked taking walks. If they were a strictly housebound animal, you could pick a spot where they enjoyed looking out the window or in a preferred part of the yard or garden. In short, where to put pet ashes is entirely up to you and yours’ — it could be a space they enjoyed or a scenic view.