Page 4 - Compassion Understood - Options

Aftercare options
BURIAL
Regulations around pet burial will vary from country to country. In the UK, burial is usually permitted either on your own property (check with your local authority first) or in a dedicated pet cemetery, which are sometimes found at pet crematoria. It is against the law to bury your pet outside these places without permission. If you rent your property, it is unlikely that you
will be able to bury your pet there; you will need to check with your landlord. If you wish to bury your pet in a favourite spot in a woodland or country walk, you will need to contact the owner or local authority.
BURIAL AT HOME
This is the most common place to bury a pet. Just as with people, you can if you wish order a headstone or some kind of ornament to mark the grave. Some owners plant a small bush or tree; others do not mark the place. Having your pet near you on your property is of great comfort to some, and particularly those who do not like the thought of cremation.
If you decide to bury your pet at home, you will need to consider the following:
• Graves should be deep: 1.25m is recommended. This is so that your pet’s body is not dug up by other animals who might come into your garden. In cold weather and certain types of soil, and for large dogs, this depth and size represents major digging effort.
• Be careful to avoid any electrical cables, or water courses.
• Do not bury your pet near a stream or water course.
If your pet was euthanased, then the drug used can enter the environment and damage other life forms.
• Wrap your pet in a bio-degradable material. You can buy caskets that are specially designed for pets, however a simple blanket or towel will suffice. Do not use plastic bags or other non-degradable materials.
www.compassionunderstood.com