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Can I arrange my own pet cremation without my vet?
In short: Yes, you can arrange your pet’s cremation directly with a crematorium instead of through your vet. Under the CMA’s vets Order, from the next working day after 22 March 2027 vet businesses must tell you this and give you individual and communal cremation prices in writing before you decide.
You don’t have to use the crematorium your vet uses. The RSPCA notes that cremation can be arranged through your vet or directly with a pet crematorium (RSPCA: what to expect when saying goodbye to your pet).
Arranging it through your vet is still a perfectly good choice if it feels easier. This page simply explains your options so you can choose.
What the new CMA rules say
In 2026 the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) finished its investigation into the vets market and published an Order that vet businesses must follow. On cremation, the government guidance says vet businesses must:
- tell pet owners about the full range of options, including the option “to make separate arrangements themselves directly with a crematorium”
- tell owners they can take their pet away for burial at home
- offer a basic communal cremation service
- give clear pricing for both individual and communal cremation, including the price of each optional extra that costs more
- give you this pricing in writing before you decide what to do
Vet businesses will also have to publish a price list on their website.
When the rules apply
The cremation rules and the price list rules apply from the next working day after 22 March 2027. Until then, some vets may already do this and others may not. Either way, you can still make your own arrangements now.
Source: GOV.UK: what veterinary businesses and vets need to do following the CMA’s final vets report (Article 20, cremation, and Article 7, price list). Checked on 7 November 2026.
Why it can matter
The CMA found that some vets mark up individual cremations by around £100 (CMA Appendix K). Contacting a crematorium directly also lets you ask your own questions, for example whether you can be present, or how the ashes will be returned. See our price guide for typical costs.
How to tell your vet you’ve made your own arrangements
If your pet is at the vet’s, or is about to be put to sleep there, you can simply say:
“Thank you. We’d like to arrange the cremation ourselves. [Crematorium name] will collect from you. Could you let them know when they can come?”
A few practical points:
- Ask the vet to keep your pet until the crematorium collects. PDSA explains that if you choose a private cremation, the vet can keep your pet’s body in the meantime, and you’ll need to give your chosen crematorium the vet’s contact details (PDSA: when it’s time to say goodbye).
- Give the crematorium the practice’s name, address and phone number so they can arrange collection.
- Ask whether there’s any storage charge if collection will take a day or two.
- You can usually take your pet home with you instead, although PDSA notes this isn’t always possible, for example if your pet has recently had chemotherapy or had a contagious disease.
If you’d like help
We can talk you through your options and put you in touch with an independent crematorium that can collect from your vet or your home. Request a callback or call 0117 463 3838.