Can I bury my pet at home?
Yes, you can bury your pet at home in the UK, but you must follow certain conditions:
- You can bury your pet on your own land, but not anywhere else. The burial site must be on the grounds of the home where your pet lived
- Depth – The grave should be at least 2 ft deep in heavy soil and 3 ft deep in light soil
- The burial site should be at least 3 m away from water sources, cables, and pipes
- The vet must confirm that there is no risk to other animals or people
- Place the body in a waterproof material and curl it up in a sleeping position. Cover it with a blanket
- If you can’t bury your pet immediately, store the remains at a temperature below 4°C
- Mark the burial site with a bush, tree, pot, or slab to prevent other animals from digging
- If you’re burying a larger pet, such as a horse, you should contact your local council’s animal health office. They may ask for a map of the burial site or have other requirements