How Pet Owners in Germany Honor Their Pets: Cremation, Ashes, and Gentle Remembrance
- PawEver Soul
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 6
For many families in Germany, pets are more than companions – they are true members of the household. When a beloved pet passes away, saying goodbye has become a process filled with both respect and care. Today, German pet owners have several ways to honor their pets, with cremation and memorial urns becoming increasingly common.
Pet Aftercare in Germany: Facts and Trends
High pet ownership: Nearly 45% of German households own pets, totaling more than 34 million animals across the country. Cats account for the largest share, followed by dogs.
A growing market: The German pet funeral services market was valued at 116.6 million USD in 2024 and is expected to almost double by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%.
Broader European trend: Europe as a whole saw pet funeral services reach 589.8 million USD in 2024, projected to grow to 1.1 billion USD by 2030. Germany plays a leading role in this growth.
Costs are transparent: In Germany, individual pet cremation including an urn generally costs between 60 and 410 EUR, depending on the size of the animal and the chosen service.
These figures show not only the emotional importance of pets in German households but also the increasing demand for respectful aftercare services.
Common Ways of Handling Pet Ashes in Germany
Private cremation: Most pet owners opt for individual cremation. This allows families to receive their pet’s ashes back in a container or urn of their choice, to be kept at home or placed in a cemetery.
Pet cemeteries: Germany has around 120 dedicated pet cemeteries, offering burial plots, memorial stones, and spaces for quiet remembrance.
Special regulations: In some cities such as Essen or Görlitz, it is even possible to have joint burial plots where humans and pets can be laid to rest together.
Home burial restrictions: Because many people in Germany live in apartments, private garden burials are rare and subject to strict legal conditions.
A Gentle Way to Remember: PawEver Soul
For those who choose to keep their pet’s ashes close, PawEver Soul offers a tender option:
Crafted in Jingdezhen: Every urn is handmade using traditional porcelain techniques, with clay and glaze refined to create a smooth, lasting finish.
Personalized remembrance: Pet portraits, paw prints, or symbolic motifs can be hand-painted onto the urn, turning it into a unique tribute.
Designed for home: With their refined size and form, these urns are ideal for keeping a beloved pet’s memory present in everyday life – not as an object, but as a quiet companion.
Closing Thoughts for Pet Cremation in Germany
In Germany, the way pet owners handle ashes reflects both practicality and deep affection. Cremation has become the most common path, and with it comes the question of how to preserve those memories.
A PawEver Soul urn combines centuries of porcelain tradition with modern personalization – offering German pet owners a warm and respectful way to keep their companions close, long after their physical presence has gone.
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