How Big a Pet Urn Do I Need? Litres by Pet Weight
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As a general guide, pet urns should be sized at roughly 30–35ml of capacity per kilogram of your pet's body weight. A 5kg cat typically needs an urn of around 150–200ml, while a large 35kg dog may need closer to 1.2–1.5 litres. Because pets vary so widely in size, urn capacity is best matched to weight rather than choosing a single "standard" size.
Pet urn sizing table by weight
| Pet weight | Approximate urn capacity needed |
|---|---|
| Under 5kg (small cat, small dog) | 150–250ml |
| 5–15kg (medium cat, small-medium dog) | 250–500ml |
| 15–25kg (medium-large dog) | 500ml–900ml |
| 25–40kg (large dog) | 900ml–1.5 litres |
| Over 40kg (very large dog) | 1.5 litres or more |
These figures are a helpful starting guide rather than an exact science — bone density and breed can shift the numbers slightly, much as it does for humans.
Choosing between a full urn and a keepsake
Many pet owners choose a full-capacity urn to hold all of the ashes, while others prefer a smaller keepsake urn or pet cremation jewellery alongside a scattering of the remainder. Both are entirely valid choices — see our comparison of pet urns vs pet cremation jewellery if you're deciding between the two.
Multiple pets
If you're memorialising more than one pet, either together or separately, our guide to choosing urns for multiple pets covers the options, including shared companion-style urns.
Browse by size
Our pet cremation urns collection is organised to make it easy to filter by capacity, so you can find the right fit for your pet's size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much urn capacity does a cat need?
Most cats need a pet urn with roughly 150–250ml capacity, depending on their size.
What size urn does a large dog need?
Large dogs, over roughly 25kg, typically need an urn with 900ml to 1.5 litres or more of capacity.
Is pet urn sizing the same formula as human urn sizing?
The underlying principle is similar (ash volume relates to bone mass), but pets vary far more widely in size than humans, so sizing by body weight is the most reliable approach.
Can I use a keepsake urn instead of a full-size pet urn?
Yes, many pet owners choose a smaller keepsake urn for a portion of the ashes, particularly if some ashes are being scattered or shared among family members.
At Premium Urns, we help Australian families find a memorial that feels right, without any pressure. Explore our pet cremation urns online, or get in touch with our team if you'd like a hand choosing.
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