How to Choose a Place to Bury a Dog

Making arrangements for a deceased dog can be one of the hardest things a loving pet owner will have to do. Choosing a place to bury a dog is an important part of this process. Make an informed decision while choosing a place to bury a dog so that your beloved pet won't be forgotten.

Instructions

1. Arrange for the veterinary hospital to keep your dog's body while you decide how to dispose of its remains. Keeping your pet at the hospital will allow you a few days to make proper, well thought out and responsible arrangements.

2. Grieve for your lost pet. Expressing sorrow, pain or anger at the loss of dog is a normal response to losing a pet and should be recognized as part of the recovery process.

3. Know your options. Look into pet cemeteries and pet crematoriums. Call your city or county government office to inquire about the legality of burying pets on private property. Each one of these options provides unique advantages over the others.

4. Make the appropriate decision for your dog's final resting place. Consider burying your pet in a pet cemetery if you tend to move frequently. Keep the cremation option open if you would like to divide your pet's remains between relatives or use them for multiple purposes like scattering or planting a tree. If choosing to bury a dog on private property, be sure that you can follow city and county guidelines, are able to acquire the necessary materials and have at least 3 feet of ground with which to work.

5. Request that your dog's remains be transferred to the site of burial.

6. Bury your dog's remains. Have a small memorial service accompany the burial if you'd like. A memorial services that honors your deceased pet can help you recover from the loss of your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to bury your pet in a pet cemetery, make sure to verify that the land on which the cemetery lies will always remain a pet cemetery. You can do this by calling the cemetery manager and have him consult the cemetery's deed.