{"id":16240,"date":"2023-08-04T04:47:19","date_gmt":"2023-08-04T04:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theukrules.co.uk\/?page_id=16240"},"modified":"2023-09-13T05:46:00","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T05:46:00","slug":"pet-burial-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.theukrules.co.uk\/rules\/lifestyle\/animals\/pet-burial-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Burial Laws UK | Rules for Burying Dead Pets in a Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The bond that humans forge with family pets and animals<\/a> is a difficult one to let go of once they reach their final resting place.<\/p>\n Yet, facing a pet’s departure, and having to deal with grief for the first time, can be particularly stressful for young children.<\/p>\n Most parents will try to mark the period of sadness with some significant remembrance that the process of ‘saying goodbye to a pet’ deserves.<\/p>\n Important<\/strong>: Burying the remains of an animal at home creates a dedicated spot for remembrance. Even so, you must follow the rules and regulations for pet burials in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Legislation in Britain and Northern Ireland grants permission to homeowners to bury animals within the grounds of the property.<\/p>\n But, you must follow certain conditions to perform a home burial for an animal (e.g. for dogs<\/a>, cats<\/a>, birds<\/a>, horses<\/a>, monkeys<\/a>) including:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: The main section contains information about caring for pets and animals<\/a> including some funny pet laws that still exist in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is not always possible to bury a pet immediately after death, such as when waiting for family members to join a wake.<\/p>\n In this case, you should try to store the remains at a temperature below 4\u00b0 Celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Doing so will provide you with a few days to make any final preparations ahead of the ‘sending off’ ritual.<\/p>\n In case you were wondering<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Storing the carcass at a temperature below freezing would give you a lot longer. But, vets recommend burying a large animal (e.g. equines<\/a>) without any unnecessary delay.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: Storing a large animal corpse for too long in the freezer can make it difficult to move the body once rigor mortis sets in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are a few more important things you should know before you try to bury your dead dog or cat. Body fluids can come out shortly after death and again when you need to move or handle it. So, it’s a good idea to place the body on a waterproof material once your companion has passed away.<\/p>\n Many owners choose to wrap them in a blanket or a fluffy towel as well. Placing them in a sleeping position may also bring you some comfort – and make it easier to move the body after you have dug the grave.<\/p>\n It is a good idea to let other pets (if you have them) see the remains and have a bit of a sniff. It gives them an opportunity to understand what has happened to the family pet, instead of wondering why they vanished.<\/p>\n Key takeaways<\/strong>:<\/p>\n The final resting place that you choose in the garden for burial should not be a place that may be excavated (e.g. near to fruit trees<\/a> or flower beds). Also, site the grave a safe distance away from any major water sources and underground pipes.<\/p>\n Taking a few basic measurements (width, length, height) makes it easier to determine exactly how much ground you will need to dig out. Wrap the carcass in something biodegradable – not plastic!<\/p>\n Place the animal in a comfortable position at the bottom and then fill in the grave. It is a good idea to place a few stones or a sturdy plant pot on top of the grave to deter scavenging animals (e.g. foxes<\/a>, wild birds<\/a>) from getting at the remains.<\/p>\n Tip<\/strong>: Even if you follow the rules for burying a dead pet in the garden, choosing a home burial for an animal may not be the best choice if you think you might move to another property at some time in the future.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n So, you may be wondering how much does it cost to bury a pet in Britain or Northern Ireland? In fact, burying a pet at home costs nothing. Whereas, paying for the services of a dedicated pet cemetery is likely to cost a few hundred pounds.<\/p>\n Registered pet cemeteries offer lasting resting places for animals after death – and they will still be there even if you decide to move home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Animal cremations have become a popular option for ‘remembering a family pet’ in the United Kingdom. Some of the advantages include:<\/p>\n
\nUK Law Burying Pets at Home<\/h2>\n
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\nStoring a Pet’s Remains before Burial<\/h2>\n
\nBurying a Dog or Cat in a Home Garden<\/h2>\n
\nHow to Find a Private Pet Cemetery<\/h2>\n
\nHaving a Pet Cremated<\/h3>\n
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