AMC launches Gujarat’s first CNG-based dog crematorium for pet owners

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Gujarat, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has commissioned a corporation-run, CNG-based dog crematorium to provide a dignified and scientific last rite for pet dogs. The facility, set up by the civic body’s Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD), is also being described by officials as the first such pet dog crematorium operated by a municipal corporation in an urban area across the country.

The crematorium has been installed at the CNCD’s ABC Centre at Behrampura, within the Suez pumping station campus, at a cost of ₹30 lakh. AMC officials said the initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, and the National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) 2030, under which the civic body has been undertaking vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs, registration of pet dogs, medical care for sick animals, creation of feeding spots and other welfare measures.

“The new facility ensures that deceased pet dogs are cremated in a scientific, hygienic and environmentally compliant manner, while also respecting the emotional bond between pets and their owners,” an AMC official said.

The gas-fired crematorium has the capacity to cremate up to three dogs at a time and is equipped with primary and secondary chambers, ensuring that no odour or smoke is released during the process. The machine can operate at temperatures of up to 850 degrees Celsius, with cremation typically carried out between 800 and 900 degrees Celsius. Officials said the process consumes about 14 units of natural gas for cremating two dogs, translating to an approximate cost of ₹700 per dog.

Designed to meet environmental norms, the crematorium is smoke-free, odourless and colourless. It is fitted with a 30-foot chimney and an automated trolley system that transfers the animal to the chamber without manual handling. A smaller organ cremator, used for the safe disposal of biological waste generated during sterilisation procedures, has already been functioning at the centre for the past two years.

Taking a cue from human crematoria, AMC has also made arrangements to ensure a sensitive and humane farewell. The facility is equipped with CCTV cameras, allowing pet owners to watch the cremation remotely if they wish. Seating arrangements have been made for family members, and after the cremation, the ashes and bones are placed in an urn, covered with a red cloth and handed over respectfully to the owner at their residence.

To avail of the service, pet owners are required to inform the AMC helpline number 155303 and submit proof of pet registration. A dedicated service vehicle, along with floral and ritual materials, is dispatched to the residence to transport the deceased pet with dignity. Owners may choose to be present during the cremation. For unregistered pets, online registration or donation-based services have been provided, officials said. The civic body also offers death certificates, photographs or videos of the ceremony, and remembrance messages on annual death anniversaries.

Ahmedabad currently has over 19,000 registered pet dogs. Encouraged by the expected demand and response, the AMC has said it plans to set up two more dog crematoria in the future.