Tips for a Home Burial

Burial of animal bodies is not permitted in urban and suburban areas.

Burial should only be performed in accordance with local and state laws and with the landlord’s authorization.

There are no official guidelines for the proper disposal of dead animals. To protect human, animal, and environmental health please follow these guidelines:

• When digging a hole, ensure that the top of the body is covered with at least 2 feet of earth. If this depth is not attainable, it is important to cover the hole with a large rock or wire to prevent digging by wildlife. Note that:
• Euthanized pet remains are poisonous and possibly mortal to other animals who would ingest it
• Pets that died of a contagious disease should be cremated
• A deceased animal may leak body fluids after passing
• Buried animals must not come in contact with any surface bodies of water or groundwater including inland lakes, streams, rivers, open drains
• Deceased animals should not be buried in sandy soils, black land, rocky soil, flood land or around home foundation
• Animal graves must not be located within 200 feet of any stream or groundwater and 500 feet from a well used to supply potable drinking water
• Place a layer of lime at the bottom of the hole and on the body.
• Compress the earth and level the soil.
• Take a moment to yourself…
• Finally, if you ever sell your property, it is important to notify future buyers of the presence of any animals that may be buried on the land.

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.