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Losing a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult experience, and familiarising yourself with their final arrangements can feel overwhelming, especially in the moment. This guide walks you through pet cremation and burial options in Singapore, including costs, rules, and how to choose between cremation or burial based on your pet's size, type, and personal preference.
There are 3 main decisions to be made:
Pet cremation services typically accommodate all three – cremation, keeping of ashes, and creating keepsakes.
Note that these decisions, and cost, are largely influenced by the size and type of pet. For example, with birds, hamsters, and fishes, regulations are more relaxed. For dogs, cats, and larger pets, Singapore regulations require cremation or burial.
Burial is Limited to Private Properties
Burial of pets is legal in Singapore, but only on private land. Burial in public spaces (e.g. streets, rivers, seashore, reservoirs, drains, open ground) is strictly prohibited and may result in fines.
Owners may bury pets on private landed property within 24 hours of death. In condominiums or shared housing, you must check with management, though it’s usually not permitted.
There are currently no public or commercial pet cemeteries in Singapore, so private property remains the only burial option.
Only Smaller Pets Can Be Disposed with Waste
According to NEA regulations, small pets like ornamental fish, birds, and hamsters can be disposed of with general waste by wrapping them in a bag.
For larger pets (e.g. dogs, cats), this is not allowed. They must be sent to a licensed pet crematorium, as waste plants aren't equipped for animals of that size.
Cremation is the most common option for dogs, cats, and other pets in Singapore, especially due to limited burial availability.
These pet cremation services in Singapore vary by type and cost. Private cremation in Singapore is often the most expensive but allows you to witness the process and collect ashes. You can compare trusted pet cremation services here to find the right fit for your needs and budget.
Note that not all pet cremation services offer all three options, and that bigger pets will cost more and if very largely sized, might require special arrangements. Transport is also typically included in the service, where a representative will come down to collect the pet’s body, and transport it to the crematorium.
Traditional Cremation in Singapore: Dog, Cat, and Small Pet Options
There are three types of cremation of pets in Singapore:
1) Communal Cremation
Pets would be cremated with other animals, and the owners would not be able to keep the ashes nor witness the cremation given that the ashes will be mixed. Most of the time, these ashes will be scattered into the sea.
This the most affordable form of pet cremation, ranging from $50 to $430.
2) Individual Cremation
Pets would be placed in the cremation chamber with other animals, but there would be a partition which ensures that ashes are not mixed and can be returned to the owner. The owners cannot witness cremation but can collect the ashes.
This the balanced option in terms of affordability, ranging from $90 to $777.
3) Private Cremation
Pets would be cremation on their own. Owners can witness the cremation, and typically have some time to spend with their pet’s body before it is cremated. Ashes can also be collected.
This is the most expensive choice given its individuality and privacy, ranging from $168 to $800.
Alternatives to TraditionalFlame Cremations
While flame cremation is the most common method in Singapore, a growing number of pet owners are exploring aqua cremation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis).
This water-based process mimics natural decomposition using an alkaline solution, producing ashes similar to flame cremation. It's often considered a greener, low-emission alternative, using less energy and releasing no harmful gases.
After cremation, there are various options as to how to treat your pet’s ashes, either by scattering them, keeping them in a crematorium or making keepsakes out of them. Keepsakes can be made without using ashes as well.
1) Ash Scattering
It is common practice for communal and individual pet cremations for the service provider to scatter your pet’s ashes in the sea, if the owner does not wish to keep them. Sea burials, as this is called, serve as a symbolic gesture to lay your pet to rest in nature.
2) Urns
Ashes can also be stored in an urn. Urns come in different designs, shapes, and sizes, and can be heavily customised based on one’s preferences, and be placed at home. You can keep your pet’s ashes at home in Singapore using an urn, available in a range of styles and materials, from minimalist to custom engraved.
3) Columbarium
Urns can be placed in a columbarium, where loved ones can come to pay their respects. Pet crematoriums are typically charged by year and niches can be personalised.
Mandai Pets Sanctuary and Sanctuary Pet Cremation are two pet cremation services that have a columbarium. Parting Goodbyes is working on providing a list of columbaria in Singapore.
4) Jewellery
Pet’s ashes can also be made into or kept in a jewellery. Necklaces where ashes are stored is an example of this.
5) Keepsakes
Other keepsakes, such as an imprint of your pet’s paw, can also be made.
Choosing the right pet cremation provider depends on your:
Whether you're looking for private cremation, communal sea scattering, or custom keepsakes, our directory of pet cremation services in Singapore helps you make an informed and compassionate decision.
Q: Can I bury my pet in Singapore?
A: Yes, but only on private property. Burials in public areas like parks or drains are illegal. Private landed properties are allowed, but must follow NEA guidelines.
Q: What is the most affordable pet cremation option in Singapore?
A: Communal cremation is usually the cheapest, starting from $50. Ashes are not returned, and cremation is done with other animals.
Q: Can I keep my pet's ashes at home in Singapore?
A: Yes. You can store ashes in a custom urn at home, or place them in a pet columbarium if preferred.
Q: What’s the difference between private, individual, and communal cremation?
A:
Q: Is aqua cremation available for pets in Singapore?
A: Aqua cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) is an emerging option, but not widely available yet in Singapore. It’s considered more eco-friendly than flame cremation.
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