Barcelona will offer a public cremation and burial service for pet ashes at the end of 2024. This was announced today by the City Council after carrying out a preliminary study in which it found that there is an “unsatisfied demand” in the city.
The project will involve an investment of 1.1 million and it is expected that initially it will be set up in its own space in the Collserola cemetery, although the idea is to extend it to other cemeteries. The Consistory plans to carry out around 7,000 pet cremation services per year in the first years of operation.
The price of individual cremation would cost about 200 euros and other complementary services would be included at a price of 50 additional euros each, such as the option of spreading the ashes or columbariums. Those people who wish may also rent some of the rooms to hold a farewell ceremony.
After the previous studies, the procedures for changes in the planning and obtaining new licenses will begin, as well as the construction of a specific crematorium for pets. Some works that will last for about 18 months, according to municipal estimates. “It is a service that is provided at the Catalan level, but not today in the city of Barcelona and not in the public sphere either, so in this case we would be pioneers”, highlighted Eloi Badia, councilor for climate emergency and ecological transition during the presentation of the future service.
According to municipal data, around 180,000 dogs live in the city of Barcelona and close to 50% of families have a pet.
