Yes. pet aquamation is legal in Pennsylvania. That surprises a lot of people, because Pennsylvania is actually one of the last states where aquamation for human remains still isn't legal. If you've searched this and gotten confusing or contradictory answers, that's almost always why: the "legal in about half of states" maps you'll find online describe human funeral law, not pet aftercare, and the two are regulated completely separately.
Why the Confusion? Human vs. Pet Law Aren't the Same
Aquamation (also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis) for people is approved state by state under funeral law, and Pennsylvania hasn't passed it yet. As of 2026, the Pennsylvania House has passed a bill to legalize human alkaline hydrolysis (House Bill 722, sponsored by Rep. Mary Jo Daley) for the second time, and it's now with the state Senate. Until that becomes law, aquamation isn't an in-state option for a person's own end-of-life planning in Pennsylvania, some families interested in it for a family member look to neighboring states like Maryland, where it's already permitted.
Pet aftercare, though, is regulated separately as animal aftercare rather than under funeral law, and it isn't tied to that pending legislation at all. Providers offering pet aquamation operate legally in Pennsylvania today.
Where to Find Pet Aquamation in Pennsylvania
The Laurels, part of Laurel Hill West Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd (just outside Philadelphia), opened one of the first dedicated pet aquamation centers in the region in 2018 and continues to offer the service alongside traditional pet cremation and burial. It's a real, operating example of pet aquamation availability in the state — though like most local providers, pricing isn't published online, so a direct call is the fastest way to get a current quote.
Flame cremation is still far more widely available across Pennsylvania than aquamation, from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, and remains the more accessible option if a local aquamation provider isn't within reasonable distance.
What Does It Cost in Pennsylvania?
Pricing varies by provider, region, and pet size, so a local quote is always the most reliable number. As one real, published example: Pittsburgh Pet Cremation prices private cremation from $350 for pets up to 25 lbs, scaling up to $500 for pets in the 76–100 lb range, with an urn included in every package and home pickup available.
That's on the higher end of what you'll see nationally for flame cremation, partly because the price includes pickup, an urn, and hand-delivered ashes rather than being billed as separate line items. Aquamation, where available in Pennsylvania, has generally run somewhat higher than flame cremation in this region historically, confirm current pricing directly with a local provider before deciding.
What This Means If You're in Pennsylvania
For a pet, you have real options: flame cremation is available nearly everywhere in the state, and aquamation is available through at least one established regional provider, with more likely to follow as the process becomes more common nationally.
For a family member's own end-of-life planning, aquamation isn't yet an in-state legal option in Pennsylvania, that's a separate law still working through the state Senate, unrelated to what's available for pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet aquamation legal in Pennsylvania? Yes. Pet aftercare, including aquamation, is regulated separately from human funeral law, and providers offering it operate legally in Pennsylvania today.
Is aquamation legal for humans in Pennsylvania? Not yet, as of 2026. The Pennsylvania House has passed a bill to legalize it for human remains, and it's currently under consideration in the state Senate. It isn't law yet.
Where can I find pet aquamation in Pennsylvania? The Laurels at Laurel Hill West Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, near Philadelphia, has offered pet aquamation since 2018. Availability elsewhere in the state is more limited than flame cremation, so it's worth checking with local providers directly.
How much does pet cremation cost in Pennsylvania? It varies by provider and pet size. As one published example, Pittsburgh Pet Cremation prices private cremation from $350 to $500 depending on weight, with an urn included. Get a direct quote from a local provider for accurate current pricing.
A Place to Keep Them Close
Wherever you are in Pennsylvania, and whichever aftercare option you choose, most families want the same thing afterward: a meaningful place to keep their pet's memory close.
If you're at that stage, explore our handcrafted pet urns, each one made with care and available with personalization.