{"id":648,"date":"2023-03-09T14:39:26","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T14:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/?p=648"},"modified":"2024-03-18T11:32:03","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T11:32:03","slug":"can-i-bury-my-dog-in-my-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/can-i-bury-my-dog-in-my-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Bury My Dog in My Garden?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The death of a beloved pet is one of the toughest aspects of pet ownership, whether they died at home or were put to sleep at the vet’s clinic. It almost seems unfair, how short their lives are compared to people. And it’s like losing a family member or best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, it’s understandable why some people would prefer to keep their dog close to home, even in death. Comfort can be taken knowing that their burial site can be kept tidy and visited often, which are some of the reasons why people choose to bury their dogs at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the question is – can you legally bury animals in your garden?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, it is legal to bury your dog in your garden. However, to do so, you must own and live on the property where the dog will be buried; the dog cannot be buried in a public area. In some cases, such as if the dog has been euthanised or undergone chemotherapy, a vet will not release the dog’s remains for a home burial.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n
It is perfectly legal to bury your pet at home as long as a few rules are followed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Animal Burials: Prevent Groundwater Pollution guidance available on gov.uk<\/a>, it is stated that there are “no minimum good practice groundwater protection requirements” for domestic pets. However, a dog must not be buried near a water source, such as ponds, rivers, or wells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it is a rare occurrence, sometimes a vet will refuse to release a pet’s remains for home burial. This is due to the remains being potentially hazardous to human health; for example, if the dog has undergone chemotherapy or has been euthanised, then certain controlled drugs used during these procedures could be dangerous to wildlife. If this is the case, ask the vet for a written explanation of why your dog cannot be brought home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you know the answer to “can I bury my dog in my garden?”, it is time to prepare. Although there is no “best way” to bury your dog at home, there are some aspects that can make this upsetting time a little easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no need to rush this process. It is easy to forget that you don’t have to bury your dog immediately; in some cases, a quick burial might not be possible. Give yourself time to grieve and make sure that you are comfortable with the decision to bury your dog at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a dog dies, the body can be kept for a couple of days in cool storage, preferably kept below four degrees Celsius. This should be plenty of time to plan your pet’s departure and let your family say goodbye. The time a body can be kept safely differs by breed, though; some larger breeds, like a few included in this list<\/a>, are best to be buried quickly before rigor mortis sets in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you wish to do this, ensure the body is correctly wrapped in waterproof material; body fluids and gas can still be passed after death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have chosen to bury your pet at home, it is important to allow other members of the family to say their goodbyes. Even if the burial is private, people can still pay their respects. Your dog will have made a massive impact on your life as well as on others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small children might not understand their family pet has died, but it will still benefit them to say goodbye. Even if they don’t fully comprehend, they will understand that something important has happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you own other pets, it might also be a good idea to show them their deceased friend. Some animals will take a few sniffs while others show no outward signs of recognition, but this can help them understand what has happened. Without doing this, you might find your other pet showing distress, like whining or pacing, because they do not know where your dog has gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did your dog have a favourite place in the garden? Somewhere they’d lie in the sun or play? If so, this might be a good dedicated spot for their gravesite and memorial. Choose a spot that is both meaningful to you and also away from any footpaths or areas where people usually gather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the land your house is on, you might also need to check for underground pipes or water lines before choosing where to bury your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have settled on a location, grave preparation will take place. The ground should be dug to a depth of at least two or three feet, depending on the soil condition. You must also ensure the grave is wide enough to accommodate your pet’s size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, once your dog is buried, you may wish to mark the spot with a memorial stone or plaque. You can plant dog-safe flowers surrounding the area in their memory or decorate it in whatever way you wish to memorialise their life. Some dog owners choose to keep certain items, like collars or food bowls, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the Best Way to Bury a Dog at Home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Take Some Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Allow Others to Say Goodbye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pick the Perfect Resting Place<\/h3>\n\n\n\n