Pet urns come in a variety of styles, which is great for pet owners looking for something symbolic to hold pet ashes. But how do you know what size of pet urn you need? Dog urns and cat urns are crafted to accommodate pets of various sizes, and there’s a simple calculation you can make to estimate how big the pet urn should be.
Pet Urn Size Guide – Calculate by Weight
Picture a Chihuahua standing next to a Mastiff – these dogs have different needs! Likewise, not every urn can accommodate all pets. When shopping for pet cremation urns, you’ll notice that each urn will list its volume or capacity in cubic inches. Depending on the size of the animal, you may need a smaller or larger cremation urn to hold the ashes.
The general rule of thumb is that you’ll need at least 1 cubic inch for each pound that the animal weighs. For example, a dog that weighs 20 pounds will need an urn with a capacity of at least 20 cubic inches.
Here is a simple table that will ease you significantly:
| Pet Animal | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kgs) | Needed urn volume |
| Hamster | < 1 lbs | < 0.4 kg | 1-2 cu.in |
| Gerbil | < 1 lbs | < 0.4 kg | 1-2 cu.in |
| Guinea Pig | 1 - 2.5 lbs | 0.5 to 1 kg | 1-5 cu.in |
| Birds | <1 lb to 3 lbs | 0.4 - 5 kg | 5 cu.in. |
| Small lizard | < 1 lbs | < 0.4 kg | 1-5 cu.in |
| Large lizard | 10-20 lbs | ~5-10 kg | 20-30 cu.in |
| Ferret | 2.5 lbs | ~1 kg | 5-10 cu.in |
| Small house cat | 10 lbs | 4 kg | 20 cu.in |
| Large house cat | up to 20 lbs | up to 8 kg | 30 cu.in. |
| Small dog | up to 25 lbs | up to 10 kg | 35 cu.in. |
| Medium sized dog | 50-75 lbs | 10 kg | 85 cu.in. |
| Large dog | 75-100 lbs | 34-45 kg | 120 cu.in. |
| Extra large dog | 100-150 lbs | 45-68 kg | 110-160 cu.in |
| Weights of Popular Dog & Cat Breeds | ||
| Breed | Weight in lbs* | Cubic Inches |
| For Dogs | ||
| Labrador Retriever | 65-80 lbs. | 65 – 80 |
| German Shepherd Dog | 75-95 lbs. | 75 – 95 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Less than 7 lbs. | 5.юли |
| Golden Retriever | 65-75 lbs. | 65 – 75 |
| Beagle | 18-30 lbs. | 18 – 30 |
| Boxers | 50-75 lbs. | 50 – 75 |
| Bulldogs | 40-50 lbs. | 40 – 50 |
| Dachshunds | Mini: 8-10 lbs. | Mini: 8 – 10 |
| Poodles | Mini: 11-17 lbs. | Mini: 11 – 17 |
| Shih tzus | 8-16 lbs. | 8 – 16 |
| For Cats | ||
| Domestic Cat | 8-10 lbs. | 8 – 10 |
| Persian | 7-12 lbs. | 7 – 12 |
| Siamese | 5-10 lbs. | 5 – 10 |
| Maine Coon | 10-25 lbs. | 10 – 25 |
Size table of the 100 most popular dog breeds - at the end of this article
However, it is strongly recommended to have extra space in the urn – just to err on the side of caution and make sure the ashes are contained properly. Adding 10 cubic inches more is a good way to be sure that the pet urn will be large enough to hold the animal’s ashes. Thus, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, shop for dog urns with 30 cubic inches of capacity or more.
Note that if the pet's ashes provide to be more that the capacity of the pet urn you choose, some pet parents choose to scatter some of the ashes.
Not sure how much your dog or cat weighs? Here are a few average weight ranges by breed and their approximate urn capacity needs.
- German Shepherd (50-80 lbs.) > Urns with 60-90 cubic inches
- Pug (14-18 lbs.) > Urns with 24-28 cubic inches
- Beagle (20-25 lbs.) > Urns with 30-35 cubic inches
- Golden Retriever (55-75 lbs.) > Urns with 65-85 cubic inches
- British Shorthair Cat (7-12 lbs.) > Urns with 17-22 cubic inches
- Siamese Cat (8-15 lbs.) > Urns with 18-25 cubic inches
- Maine Coon (10-25 lbs.) > Urns with 20-35 cubic inches
This is a general guideline. It’s best to know the exact weight of your dog or cat when shopping for pet urns.
If a pet cat was 8 lbs or less before cremation, they would need an urn with a capacity of at least 8 cubic inches. Siamese cats are typically in the 6-8 lbs range.
If your cat was 12 lbs before cremation, they would need a memorial urn with a capacity of at least 12 cubic inches.
If a large cat, like a Maine Coon cat, was 20 to 25 lbs before cremation, they would need an urn with a capacity of at least 20 to 25 cubic inches. So, again 1 lb prior cremation equals 1 cubic inch of ashes after cremation.
Plan Ahead – Is the Urn for 1 or More Pets?
Some pet owners prefer to have a single urn shared between multiple pets. This is popular for those with 2 or 3 dogs (or multiple cats) who were very close to each other during their lives, or perhaps from the same litter. In this case, be sure to shop for large pet urns that can accommodate the total weight capacity of all the animals.
Splitting Ashes between Family Members
If a cat or dog was beloved by more than one person in the family, it can be a great idea to split the ashes so each person has their own special pet keepsake.
In this case, you’ll divide the total capacity by the number of people receiving an urn. You’ll then shop for several smaller pet urns.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Pet Urns
Saying goodbye to a pet is heartbreaking. Pet memorials provide the chance to keep their memory alive long after they’ve passed. If you’re looking for a special pet keepsake, consider choosing a handcrafted cremation urn. With unique styles, meaningful designs, and exceptional quality, artisan pet urns are a great choice for those who want something extra-special for their pet.
If you are planning to purchase some of our pet memorials, use the coupon PETLOVE5 at checkout to receive 5% discount.
It's important to note that these size categories are general guidelines and may vary based on the specific breed and size of your pet. If you're unsure about the appropriate urn size, it's recommended to consult with the urn provider or a pet crematorium to ensure you select the right size for your pet's ashes.
Other factors to consider when choosing a pet urn include the material, design, and personal preferences. You can find a wide variety of pet cremation urns made from materials like wood and ceramic. Remember to select an urn that resonates with your feelings and helps you cherish the memories of your beloved pet.
Size table of the 100 most popular breeds:
| Top 100 Dog Breeds (A to Z) | ||
| Afghan hounds | 58–65 | 58 – 65 |
| Airedale terriers | 40–65 | 40 – 65 |
| Akitas | 75–115 | 75 – 115 |
| Alaskan malamutes | 70–95 | 70 – 95 |
| Staffordshire terriers | 55–65 | 55 – 65 |
| Australian cattle dogs | 30–35 | 30 – 35 |
| Australian shepherds | 40–65 | 40 – 65 |
| Basenjis | 20–25 | 20 – 25 |
| Basset hounds | 45–65 | 45 – 65 |
| Beagles | 18–30 | 18 – 30 |
| Belgian Malinois | 55–75 | 55 – 75 |
| Bernese mountain dogs | 85–110 | 85 – 110 |
| Bichon frises | 7–12 | 7 – 12 |
| Bloodhounds | 80–110 | 80 – 110 |
| Border collies | 27–45 | 27 – 45 |
| Border terriers | 11–15 | 11 – 15 |
| Borzois | 60–100 | 60 – 100 |
| Boston terriers | 10–25 | 10 – 25 |
| Bouviers des Flandres | 95–120 | 95 – 120 |
| Boxers | 50–75 | 50 – 75 |
| Brittany spaniels | 30–40 | 30 – 40 |
| Brussels griffons | 6–12 | 6 – 12 |
| Bull terriers | Miniature: 24–32; | Miniature: 24–32; |
| Standard: 45–80 | Standard: 45 – 80 | |
| Bulldogs | 40–50 | 40 – 50 |
| Bullmastiffs | 100–130 | 100 – 130 |
| Cairn terriers | 13–18 | 13 – 18 |
| Cardigan Welsh corgis | 25–30 | 25 – 30 |
| Cavalier King Charles spaniels | 10–18 | 10 – 18 |
| Chesapeake Bay retrievers | 55–80 | 55 – 80 |
| Chihuahuas | 4–6 | 4 – 6 |
| Chinese crested | Less than 10 | Less than 10 – 10 |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | 45–60 | 45 – 60 |
| Chow Chows | 45–70 | 45 – 70 |
| Cocker spaniels | 23–28 | 23 – 28 |
| Collies | 50–70 | 50 – 70 |
| Dachshunds | Mini: 8–10; | Mini: 8–10; |
| Standard: 10–12 | Standard: 10 – 12 | |
| Dalmatians | 50–55 | 50 – 55 |
| Doberman pinschers | 65–90 | 65 – 90 |
| English cocker spaniels | 26–34 | 26 – 34 |
| English setters | 45–80 | 45 – 80 |
| English springer spaniels | 40–50 | 40 – 50 |
| Flat-Coated retrievers | 60–70 | 60 – 70 |
| French bulldogs | 19-28 | 19 – 28 |
| German shepherds | 75–95 | 75 – 95 |
| German shorthaired pointers | 45–70 | 45 – 70 |
| German wirehaired pointers | 60–70 | 60 – 70 |
| Giant schnauzers | 55–80 | 55 – 80 |
| Golden retrievers | 65–75 | 65 – 75 |
| Gordon setters | 45–80 | 45 – 80 |
| Great Danes | 110–180 | 110 – 180 |
| Great Pyrenees | 85–100 | 85 – 100 |
| Greater Swiss mountain dogs | 130–135 | 130 – 135 |
| Havanese | 7–12 | 7 – 12 |
| Irish setters | 55–75 | 55 – 75 |
| Irish wolfhounds | 90–150 | 90 – 150 |
| Italian greyhounds | 6–10 | 6–10 |
| Japanese Chin | 4–15 | 4 – 15 |
| Keeshond | 35–45 and 55–65 | 35–45 and 55 – 65 |
| Labrador retrievers | 65–80 | 65 – 80 |
| Lhasa Apsos | 13–15 | 13 – 15 |
| Maltese | 4–6 | 4 – 6 |
| Mastiffs | 150–160 | 150 – 160 |
| Miniature pinschers | 8–10 | 8 – 10 |
| Miniature schnauzers | 12–20 | 12-20 |
| Newfoundlands | 100–150 | 100 – 150 |
| Norwegian elkhounds | 40–60 | 40 – 60 |
| Norwich terriers | 10–12 | 10 – 12 |
| Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers | 37–50 | 37 – 50 |
| Old English sheepdogs | 60–100 | 60 – 100 |
| Papillons | 7–10 | 7 – 10 |
| Jack Russell terriers | 14–18 | 14 – 18 |
| Pekingese | Sleeve: less than 6; | Sleeve: less than 6; |
| Mini: 6–8; | Mini: 6–8; | |
| Standard: 8–10 | Standard: 8 – 10 | |
| Pembroke Welsh corgis | 23–27 | 23 – 27 |
| Pomeranians | 4–7 | 4 – 7 |
| Poodles | Mini: 11–17; | Mini: 11–17; |
| Standard 45–65 | Standard 45 – 65 | |
| Portuguese water dogs | 35–55 | 35 – 55 |
| Pugs | 13–18 | 13 – 18 |
| Rhodesian ridgebacks | 65–90 | 65 – 90 |
| Rottweilers | 70–135 | 70 – 135 |
| Samoyeds | 35–65 | 35 – 65 |
| Schipperkes | 12–18 | 12 – 18 |
| Scottish terriers | 18–21 | 18 – 21 |
| Shetland sheepdogs | 18–20 | 18 – 20 |
| Shiba Inu | 15–25 | 15 – 25 |
| Shih Tzu | 8–16 | 8 – 16 |
| Siberian huskies | 35–60 | 35 – 60 |
| Silky terriers | 8–11 | 8 – 11 |
| Soft-Coated Wheaten terriers | 30–45 | 30 – 45 |
| Saint Bernards | 110–200 | 110 – 200 |
| Staffordshire bull terriers | 23–38 | 23 – 38 |
| Standard schnauzers | 30–45 | 30 – 45 |
| Tibetan terriers | 18–30 | 18 – 30 |
| Toy fox terriers | 4–7 | 4 – 7 |
| Vizsla | 45–60 | 45 – 60 |
| Weimaraners | 50–70 | 50 – 70 |
| Welsh terriers | 20–21 | 20 – 21 |
| West Highland white terriers | 13–21 | 13 – 21 |
| Whippets | 25–45 | 25 – 45 |
| Wirehaired fox terriers | 13–20 | 13 – 20 |
| Yorkshire terriers | Less than 7 | Less than 7 – 7 |
When it comes to storing a pet urn with ashes, there are several options depending on personal preferences and circumstances. Here are the two most common choices:
Home Display: Many pet owners choose to keep the pet urn with ashes in their homes as a way to honor and remember their beloved companion. You can display the urn on a shelf, mantelpiece, or in a dedicated memorial area. Some people create a small memorial with a photo, a collar, or other mementos alongside the urn.
Columbarium or Memorial Garden: Many pet crematoriums and cemeteries offer columbariums or memorial gardens specifically designed for pet urns. These spaces provide a dedicated area where urns can be stored, and often include markers or plaques to commemorate each pet.
Remember, the choice of where to store the pet urn is a personal decision that should reflect your connection with your pet and what feels most meaningful to you.
Join us in helping families honor the memory of their loved ones and pets through art!
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Thank you for pointing out how you may want to use the same urn for multiple pets. I hadn’t thought about this when looking at urns for our dog. It seems like it could be a good idea, so I’ll start looking into it. https://bluecreekpetcremation.com/services/
Dear pulvisurns.com administrator, Keep up the good work, admin!