Losing a pet is difficult, no matter how big or small. We love our little furry friends just as much as the bigger ones. So what happens when a hamster, rabbit, or rat dies? Should you have them cremated? Or should you bury them? Let’s look into this.
Can A Hamster Be Cremated?
Yes, a hamster can be cremated. And a rabbit can be cremated. And finally, rats can be cremated, too! I spoke with an animal cremation service owner, who said he had cremated many hamsters and rats. In addition, he’s cremated pet fish, snakes, birds, and even a bearded dragon.
Call your veterinarian to learn whether your local office offers cremation services for small pets. If not, a quick Google search for “pet cremations” should yield at least a few options.
What Does It Cost To Cremate Your Pet Rat?
It costs about $80 to cremate your pet rat or hamster if you want the ashes back. Otherwise, many pet crematories offer this service for free. They will place your pet with a group of small animals for cremation. And then they will bury or scatter the ashes communally.
Pet cremation generally has a weight-based fee structure. So pets from 0-40 pounds cost about $140. However, the service I spoke with said he discounts the cost for tiny pets like hamsters, rats, or rabbits.
How Many Cremated Remains Do You Get With A Hamster?
The cremation process fully incinerates the animal’s fur and body tissues. Bone fragments are all that are left. So the amount of cremated remains from a hamster or other tiny pet is tiny. You may get about a teaspoonful or less of ashes from a hamster.
You only need a small number of ashes to go into a tiny urn or even cremation jewelry if you are looking for a way to memorialize your pet hamster. Even Walmart has a good selection of pet cremation jewelry. For instance, these unicorn or paw print necklaces make a happy remembrance of your small pet.
What To Do When Your Small Pet Dies
When your pet dies, take care of some logistical items, like preparing the animal for disposition. Then clean the cage. But next, you’ll need to decide what to do with the body. Cremation for tiny pets like hamsters is an alternative to burial. In addition, it aids children experiencing death for the first time in understanding death’s process.
Remove The Hamster From Its Cage
If your small pet has died, the first step is safely removing it from its cage. But, of course, take care of yourself in this process, even while caring for your little friend.
So even if it sounds a little harsh, you may want to wear gloves before removing your hamster from its cage. If your pet was sick, gloves would protect you from any potentially-harmful bacteria.
Place the animal in a small paper bag or wrap it in a small blanket. Material cut from an old t-shirt makes a nice soft burial shroud. Some people put the animal into a plastic bag, and if you choose to take your pet to the vet for cremation, this is a good step.
Safely Give Your Pet A Peaceful Send-Off
Give your small pet a peaceful send-off, whether you take your hamster to the vet for cremation or bury it yourself.
Certainly, wrap the animal in plastic for cremation. However, if you choose backyard burial for your hamster, rat, or rabbit, then skip the plastic. Some people like making a small casket from a box you decorate. I recommend this, especially for children who lose a pet. Decorating the burial container gives you a chance to memorialize your small friend.
Another option for a pet burial container is Paw Pods. These eco-friendly burial pods are biodegradable. Plus, they come with a wildflower-seeded leaf to plant near your pet. You’ll think of your small friend with love when the flowers bloom.
Give Your Pet Hamster A Funeral
A small funeral is appropriate for hamsters and other small pets, even if it’s just a few words. Of course, you can wait for the funeral until after receiving your pet’s cremated remains. However, acknowledging the death of your pets is essential to healing from your grief.
So it will prove beneficial even if your family gathers for only five minutes to say a few words about Fluffly the Rabbit. For young children experiencing their first death, hamster cremation or burial helps them grasp life’s cycles. And funerals teach children to respect all living creatures.
Disinfect Your Pet’s Cage After Death
The final step in caring for your small pet after death is to clean and disinfect its cage. Don’t skip this step because any remaining bacteria may spread to other hamsters, rats, or rabbits.
- Use plenty of soap and water.
- Remove and replace all bedding materials or wood shavings.
- Use vinegar or bleach diluted with water for more thorough disinfecting.
- Nature’s Miracle® Cage Cleaner works well as a natural cleaning solution. It is designed for small pet cages and effectively removes debris and odors.
- Let all surfaces dry completely if other animals return to the cage, so the cleaning chemicals don’t affect your other pets.
Conclusion
Pet cremation is a good choice for hamsters, rats, or rabbits. A cremation is a solid option for any small animal. For families with young children experiencing death for the first time, cremation provides learning and growing opportunities.
Losing a pet hurts your heart, whether that pet is a tiny hamster who runs across your arm or a large horse who takes you for rides. But, no matter the size, we love our pets the same. So it makes sense to honor our pets in their deaths.
Hamster cremation or rabbit burial makes no difference. You still want to remember your furry friend with love.
