Back then, it was okay to flush your goldfish down the toilet when it died. Or bury your cat in a box in your mother`s garden. In Michigan, residents generally have to dispose of pets/dead animals that are “not intended for human consumption” much faster (within 24 hours), but are legally allowed to bury the animals at the less gruelling depth of (at least) 60.96 centimeters (2 feet) below the earth`s “natural surface.” Make sure you know if there are any legal restrictions on how to bury your pet before you begin the process. It is best to bury your pet in some kind of biodegradable bag or box. Plastic can take years to completely decompose. Many pet coffins are made of wood or cardboard, which degrades much faster than plastic and are environmentally friendly. Now that we`ve discussed some details about burying your pet in your backyard, let`s dive into the legality of the process. Although there are many different ways to deal with our pet`s body, one of the most popular options is to bury our furry friends at home. Home burials are private, personal and less expensive than other alternatives. Do not assume that burying your beloved pet`s body in your yard or any other property you own is legal. If you`re trying to bury your pet, keep the following in mind: While burying your dog in your backyard is a wonderful way to keep him nearby, there are other alternatives that we often forget. Luckily for pet owners who want to remember their pet on their property, it`s legal in most states to bury your pet in your backyard. Due to the health and safety concerns described above, burying pets in the backyard is illegal in some cities and states.
Check with your local authorities to find out which regulations apply to you. If you bury a pet in violation of local ordinances, you risk fines. And even if burial in your garden is allowed in your state, regulations can govern the speed, depth, and distance of groundwater you need to bury your pet. If you decide to bury your pet yourself, a casket and/or burial container can be a great way to rest it. You can also consider a headstone or memorial stone for your pet`s grave. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a pet casket or burial container: Most states have a minimum depth at which you must bury your pet. This usually ranges from 3 feet to 5 feet deep. This would be measured from the tip of the animal. A small animal like a fish or a small cat wouldn`t need to be as deep as a big dog.
In this case, you need to make sure that you bury their body properly. When a pet dies, many owners find comfort in burying their beloved friend nearby. A home burial in the backyard or other nearby location ensures that the site can be easily visited and maintained. When it comes to dealing with the loss of a pet, few owners wonder if their actions could break the law. Surprisingly, many regions have regulations that restrict or even prohibit the use of your garden as a pet`s final resting place. If you cannot bury your pet properly due to soil conditions, they recommend performing cremation. Burying your pet in your yard is allowed in Delaware, but they advise against burying it near a water source. Because if you don`t bury them properly, there`s a risk that they`ll be washed away. In case of typhoon and severe flooding near you. Burying your pet on your property is allowed in Connecticut as long as you bury it deep enough to avoid scavengers. I have seen two cases in my career where this has happened, with serious consequences.
In one case, a family had their house mouse euthanized and buried in the yard. The family`s burrow dug up the mouse and ate it and remained in a coma in intensive care for nearly a week. In another case, two farm dogs collected bones from a cow that had been euthanized on a farm a few months earlier. One dog died and the other was seriously ill for several days. Still don`t believe us? Let`s take a look at the scientific breakdown of biological processes that take place when you bury an animal in the yard. You should also follow the rules on how to properly bury your dog`s body. But is it really acceptable to bury your dog in the yard? Given these and other concerns, home burials are not always an option. Instead, some animal lovers choose to explore other methods to deal with the animal`s remains safely and legally. Your veterinarian can give you information about methods such as cremation or burial in a designated pet cemetery.