After pet cremation, families in the UK typically choose one of five options for their pets' ashes: scattering them in a meaningful place, keeping them at home, interring [burying] them in a permanent location, dividing them between family members, or creating a lasting memorial from a small amount.
There is no single right answer. The decision is deeply personal and often shaped by your feelings, your family, and what feels right at the time. This guide covers each option in plain terms, with practical information to help you decide.
Deciding what feels right
You may already have a sense of what you want. If not, that’s okay.
There is no time pressure. Some families make a decision quickly; others take months or longer. What matters is choosing something that feels right for you.
Keeping ashes at home
Keeping ashes at home allows you to feel close to your pet in a quiet and personal way.
Some people choose a traditional pet urn, while others prefer something more subtle that fits naturally into the home.
You might:
- keep ashes in a discreet container
- divide a small amount between family members
- create a small keepsake that can be held
Using a small amount of ashes to create something tangible can feel more comforting than storing everything in one place.
Scattering ashes
Scattering ashes is a common and meaningful way to say goodbye.
It can be a simple, quiet moment or something shared with family and friends. Many people choose places that meant something to their pet – a favourite resting place outside or a favourite walk.
Where can you scatter pet ashes?
In the UK, the same rules apply for pet and human ashes; you can:
- scatter ashes on your own land
- scatter ashes at sea or in open water
- scatter in certain public places with permission
Common choices include:
- beaches
- gardens
- woodland or countryside
- rivers or lakes
If scattering on private land, always ask permission.
Practical tips for scattering pet ashes
- Check the direction of the wind and stand upwind
- Release ashes slowly, ideally below waist height
- Choose a calm day where possible
- Be mindful of other people nearby
Some families also choose to place a small marker, such as a pet memorial stone, to create a lasting point of connection.
Interring pet ashes (placing them in a permanent location)
'Interring' means placing ashes in a fixed location.
This might be:
- a garden
- a burial plot
- a memorial garden
- a columbarium
This approach gives you a place to return to and can bring a sense of permanence.
Sharing pet ashes within the family
Ashes can be divided so that different family members can keep or scatter them in their own way.
This can be especially helpful when:
- family members live in different places
- different people want different forms of remembrance
Keeping a small amount for a personal memorial while scattering the rest is also common.
Creating something lasting from ashes
Some families choose to transform a small amount of ashes into something they can keep, hold, or place somewhere meaningful.
Options include:
- ash-to-stone keepsakes
- glass or jewellery
- small keepsakes
Afterstone uses a small amount of ashes to create ash-into-stone memorials, including solo pebbles, pebble sets, hearts and more. All are soft to the touch and can be held, kept at home, or placed in a garden or natural setting. They can also be engraved with your pet's name on it.
This allows families to scatter or inter ashes while still keeping a tangible connection.
Making the moment meaningful
Whether you scatter, inter, or keep ashes, many families choose to say a few words.
This doesn’t need to be formal. Even a short sentence can bring a sense of closure.
Some people:
- share a memory
- read a poem
- play music
- speak directly to their loved one
There is no right format. What matters is that it feels genuine.
Things to consider
Handling pet ashes
Pet ashes are similar in texture to coarse sand and may contain larger fragments. If you’re unsure about handling them, ask your vet, pet crematorium or a friend to help.
Travelling with pet ashes
Most airlines allow pet ashes in hand luggage, but you should check in advance and carry, where provided:
- death certificate
- cremation certificate
- documentation from the pet crematorium
Sending pet ashes
Shipping pet ashes is restricted. In the UK:
- Royal Mail allows up to 50g, NO MORE.
- Ashes must be securely packaged
- Tracked delivery is recommended
When you purchase an Afterstone piece from us, the cost of the product includes both the ash collection kit, which is sent to you, and the pre-paid return packaging, which is sent on 48-hour tracked and signed-for delivery. We take managing your pet's ashes very seriously. Please read our article on our secure documented process to ensure you get your own pet's ashes memorial back.
There is no right way
There is no single right way to decide what you do with your pet's ashes, and it is not a decision you need to rush into.
Some families scatter them.
Some keep them.
Some do both.
What matters is choosing something that feels right for you.
