How to Bury Your Pet

Pets are a part of the family. And losing a furry friend is never easy, but knowing how to give them a proper goodbye can bring some comfort. Here's my tips for burying your pet.

Cremation vs. Burial

Cremating or burying your pet will be the first decision you have to make. If you’re preplanning the funeral, deciding on this while your pet is still alive will be helpful later. Sit down with the family to decide on what’s best. For many children, the passing of a pet is their first encounter with death, and parents will need to gently navigate the situation while teaching them important life lessons.

The price of cremation is far higher than a backyard burial. Most animal hospitals offer cremation services, and the exact cost will depend on the size and weight of the animal. Expect to pay around $100 to $200. Burial costs will depend on your preferences, but you only need to take care of some form of casket and equipment to dig a gravesite. Caskets can be homemade or found at larger pet stores for an affordable price. More formal and elegant caskets can be purchased online, and they tend to cost between $70 and $150.

Where Can Pets be Buried?

Pets can only be buried on private property that belongs to you or someone who gives you permission to use it. Public places like parks may seem like a peaceful resting place for your animal, but it’s illegal, and you could face trouble with local authorities and be forced to remove the grave–best not to take any chances. Keep in mind that anyone renting a home with a yard will need to get permission from their landlord to bury a pet on the property.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a yard but want to bury your pet. Pet cemeteries exist to solve that very problem, and you’ll likely be surprised to find that there’s at least one located close to you. The only downside of pet cemeteries is many only accept dogs and cats. If you have another kind of animal, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Spreading Ashes

If you choose to cremate your pet, spreading their ashes is a slightly different story. Contact your local authorities to request permission to spread your pet’s ashes in a public place–they may say no, they may say yes. Whatever their decision is, be sure to follow it to avoid potential fines. Keep in mind that if you decide to bury the ashes they do not need to be buried deep into the ground, so you won’t need to worry about hitting plumbing or electric work.

Burying a Pet in The Backyard: Step-by-Step Guide

• Renters need to get permission from their landlords to bury a pet in the backyard.
• Choose a burial spot where there isn’t any plumbing or electrical work. If you’re unsure where pipes and wires may be located, contact your utility company, or use a pipe locater. The safest bet is to choose a spot as far away from the house as possible.
• Homeowners who live in a community with an HOA may need to get permission to bury an animal in the backyard as well (it varies depending on the association).
• Once you’ve found an appropriate burial spot, dig a hole that’s 3 to 4 feet deep. This depth will keep your pet safe from other animals and wet weather conditions. To combat any foul odors, you can fill a portion of the gravesite with cat litter (the last few inches should do).

It’s not easy losing a pet. But when you discover how to bury your pet with dignity and respect, you can say goodbye to your beloved pet in a peaceful and meaningful way.

#PetBurial #FurryFriends #SayingGoodbye