Reptiles make incredible pets — from snakes and iguanas to turtles, geckos, skinks, and bearded dragons. Their unique personalities and calm companionship often make them just as cherished as any dog or cat. When your reptile passes away, it’s natural to want a respectful and meaningful way to honor their memory. Our reptile cremation services give you a compassionate, affordable, and dignified option during this difficult time.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can you cremate a reptile?” The answer is absolutely, yes. At Animal Family Pet Preservation, we have extensive experience providing safe, ethical cremation services for reptiles of all sizes. Whether you are caring for a snake, turtle, lizard, or another pet reptile, we walk you through each step so you always know what to expect.
Cremation ensures your pet’s remains are handled with care and respect. You can choose to keep the ashes in your home, place them in a memorial garden, or create a keepsake that honors your reptile’s life. Families often find comfort in having a physical reminder of the companion who brought them years of calm presence and joy.
We provide private cremation for reptiles of all sizes, with competitive pricing and compassionate guidance. Our facility is located in Circleville, Ohio, and we serve families throughout Columbus, Dayton, Chillicothe, Lancaster, and nationwide.
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Private Cremations
The cremation of a pet varies widely across different companies, and unfortunately, not all offer private cremation. Smaller pets — especially reptiles — are often placed into communal cremations, where multiple animals are processed together and ashes are divided afterward.
At Animal Family Pet Preservation, we believe your pet deserves more than that. We provide 100% private reptile cremation so you receive only your reptile’s ashes — never mixed remains. Every pet is tracked, handled with dignity, and cremated individually.
Because reptiles are small and produce limited ash, some providers take shortcuts. We do not. Whether your reptile is a tiny dart frog or a large python, every cremation is completed with care, accuracy, and respect.
We also offer the option to combine cremation with reptile taxidermy or freeze-dry preservation. Some families choose to preserve their reptile’s appearance and cremate the remaining material afterward, giving them both a physical memorial and ashes to keep or scatter.
How Much Does Reptile Cremation Cost?
Our reptile cremation cost depends on your pet’s size, the level of customization you want, and whether you choose additional memorial options. Smaller reptiles like geckos or small snakes typically cost less to cremate than larger reptiles such as boas or iguanas.
We offer transparent, competitive pricing and will give you a free quote when you call. Many families find cremation an affordable and meaningful way to honor their reptile’s memory. If you’re researching general pricing, our article on pet cremation costs provides helpful context.
Customizable Cremation Options
Your reptile was part of your daily life and routine, and losing them can be deeply emotional. We provide customizable cremation options to help you memorialize them in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
After the private cremation, your reptile’s ashes are placed in a sealed plastic bag until you decide how you want to store or display them. We offer:
- Decorative urns sized for small and large reptiles
- Keepsake boxes and memorial containers
- Cremation jewelry that holds a small portion of ashes
- Engraved urns or memorial markers for garden placement
You can customize most items with your reptile’s name, dates, or a short message. If you’re unsure which option fits best, we’ll guide you through what’s popular for snakes, turtles, lizards, and other reptile companions.
Why Families Choose Our Reptile Cremation Services
- Private cremation only — never communal or partitioned
- Experienced handling of reptiles of all species and sizes
- Compassionate staff who understand the unique bond with reptiles
- Clear communication throughout the entire process
- Nationwide availability with safe shipping options
- Access to pet preservation, taxidermy, and other aftercare services
If you are researching reptile aftercare options, it may help to know that the IAOPCC provides industry guidelines that help ensure respectful handling. Choosing a provider that follows ethical practices can give you peace of mind during this emotional time.
Reptile Cremation FAQ
Can you cremate a reptile?
Yes. Snakes, turtles, lizards, amphibians, and other reptiles can be cremated safely and respectfully. Cremation is one of the most common aftercare choices for reptile owners.
Do I get my reptile’s ashes back?
Yes — because we only perform private reptile cremations, you receive only your pet’s ashes, handled individually and with care.
How much does reptile cremation cost?
The cost varies depending on the size of your reptile and the memorial items you choose. We provide transparent, competitive pricing and offer free quotes.
How long does it take to cremate a reptile?
Cremation time depends on your reptile’s size and our current schedule. Smaller reptiles cremate more quickly, while larger reptiles may require additional time.
Can I combine reptile cremation with taxidermy or preservation?
Yes. Many families choose to preserve their reptile through freeze-drying or taxidermy and then cremate the remaining material for a complete memorial.
When you’re ready to learn more about reptile cremation, the process, or pricing, call us at (740) 703-3937. We’re here to help you through this difficult time.