What You Need to Know About Horse and Livestock Cremation in Australia

Having grown up on a farm near Queensland, I know that losing a beloved horse or farm animal companion can be extremely difficult, both emotionally and practically. While it can be hard to think about what pet-after-death options you have for larger animals, only a select number of businesses offer horse cremation and livestock cremation in Australia. 

When it comes time to say goodbye to our dear horses or farm animal companions, cremation is a respectful and environmentally friendly process that allows farm owners to pay homage to their deceased animals with dignity and care. 

Unfortunately, horses and other livestock are known to suddenly fall victim to illness or ailments so knowing what your options are ahead of time is important for ensuring a smooth and stress-free process during these difficult times, allowing you to grieve and focus on your loved ones and the fond memories you had with your special animal. 

In today’s guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about horse cremation and livestock cremation in Australia, the processes involved, what you need to do and what services are available to you, and of course, who you can contact in each state to assist. 

What is Horse and Livestock Cremation?

This type of cremation is specialised and requires the use of specifically designed cremators to accommodate larger animals. It is usually designated for animals over 100kg up to about 1,500kg. 

These cremators are purpose-built for large animals, able to accommodate pets the size of Shetland ponies to a Clydesdale and everything in between. Common farm animals that can be cremated include sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, pigs, and more. 

While most people choose private cremation for their deceased horses and livestock, some businesses also offer communal cremation at reduced rates, giving you options for every budget.

Either way, these cremations are handled respectfully and with the highest quality of care, with most reputable businesses offering additional services like tracking chips, a certificate of cremation, and some grief literature to give you the utmost peace of mind that only your dear animal was cremated and returned to you the way you wanted. 

As many of you will know, unfortunately not every horse owner has the luxury of being able to keep their horse on the same property they live and are often not able to lay them to rest on the property they are homed. This is where horse cremation and livestock cremation can really help! 

Environmental Pros and Cons of Horse and Livestock Cremation

Pros

• Cremation avoids any environmental and health-related risks of backyard animal burials

• It usually spares owners the risk of having the deal with the remains of their horses and livestock 

• Less carbon dioxide is released during cremation versus traditional burials

• Cremation is an energy-efficient process with modern machinery designed to reduce energy consumption and toxic emissions

• Ashes will take up far less space in the environment than a deceased body would

• Cremation is hygienic and odour-free

• Ashes release far fewer harmful chemicals into the soil than burial does

Cons

• Cremation will still lead to some harmful gasses being released into the atmosphere, regardless of the machinery used

• Older cremators can take far longer to fully cremate a large animal, leading to increased energy consumption and more air pollution overall

Horse Cremation and Livestock Cremation: Individual vs Communal Cremation

As I mentioned, you can normally choose to have your horse or farm animal companion individually cremated or communally cremated. 

Individual Cremations

Individual cremation means that only your horse's body will enter the cremation chamber and their ashes will be kept separate. This is a great option for special companions, but it will usually incur a higher cost. 

Communal Cremations

Communal cremation means your horse or animal companion will be cremated with other animals in a communal cremation chamber. This is a less expensive option and there will often be a choice for the ashes to be spread in a memorial garden. 

Horse Cremation and Livestock Cremation: The Process Involved

1. Contact Your Nearest Cremation Service Provider

Once your horse or farm animal companion has passed, it’s best to contact your nearest cremation service provider right away to arrange collection of the remains, or in some cases, you may have to transport the remains yourself to a vet or assignment centre.

Most reputable pet cremation centres should offer collection within a certain radius. 

2. Your Companion Will be Cremated

Once at the cremator, your companion will be scheduled for cremation, either individually or communally as specified by you. The provider should keep you updated regularly and answer any questions you may have. 

3. The Ashes Will be Collected

Once the cremation process is complete, the ashes will be carefully collected and placed into a storage bag or box. Most service providers will have options to upgrade to more personalised keepsakes and urns so be sure to chat to them to see what would work best for you and your beloved deceased animal. 

4. The Ashes Will be Returned to You

Once you have decided on the final resting ornament for your ashes, they can be returned to you or collected by you. They will usually come with a certificate of cremation and perhaps some grief literature as well. 

5. You Can Plan Your Memorial Service

Once the ashes are safely back in your possession, you can start planning the preferred memorial service for your beloved horse or farm animal companion. This could include a small ceremony in the yard or a place that has a special meaning to you and your companion. 

6. Build the Final Resting Place or Scatter the Ashes

Once the memorial is complete, you can choose where you would like to keep the ashes. This could be a shrine that you’ve made in your home, or you could choose to scatter the ashes at a special location or scatter them in water near your property if your local laws permit. 

How Long Does Horse and Livestock Cremation Take?

This can vary depending on who you use, what machinery they have, and how often their cremations take place per week. 

Some providers will offer premium cremations that aim to have your beloved pet's remains back with you as soon as possible. This could mean same-day cremation that ensures you are never far apart and can be reunited with your beloved companion with priority. 

Standard cremations take about 3 to 5 business days after your pet has arrived at the facility. 

The cremation process of larger animals itself typically takes about an hour to two hours at most.

Do You Get Your Pets Ashes Back After Cremation?

When it comes to horse cremation and livestock cremation, ashes are almost always considered once the process is complete. 

If you choose to have your companion cremated individually, as most do, you will always have the option to have the ashes returned to you in some form of keepsake. 

If you choose communal cremation, the ashes are usually collected and then spread in a nearby memorial garden and not returned to you individually. 

The Best Horse and Livestock Cremation Service Providers in Australia Per State

Horse Cremation Victoria

Horse Cremation New South Wales

Horse Cremation Queensland

Horse Cremation South Australia

Horse Cremation Western Australia

Say Goodbye Respectfully with Horse Cremation and Livestock Cremation Australia

So, there is everything you need to know about horse cremation and livestock cremation in Australia, as well as who to contact in each state for the best service. 

I hope this article has given you some peace of mind that you are prepared for whatever may happen and that you know exactly how you want to remember your special animal companion. 

While horse cremation and livestock cremation are somewhat limited in Australia, there are still many excellent service providers that will help you navigate these difficult times with respect and dignity so you can focus on what really matters – remembering your beloved animal friend!