How to Bury a Dog in the Garden

That feeling of loosing your dog is really terrible and it's understandable that you want to keep them near. Perhaps you and your children want to visit your beloved family pet at their grave. Commercial cemeteries don't let you bury pets, so the perfect solution then is to bury your dog in the garden.

The law

• Different states have different rules but generally, as long as your dog didn't die from an infectious disease, you have the right to bury your dog in your garden. But before you make this decision it's worth baring in mind you can't readily take your pet with you if you move. 

The grave

• Make the hole at least twice the size of your dog and the deeper the hole the better as it's less likely to be disturbed by stray dogs and foxes, you will need a good shovel. When you bury your dog in the garden don't forget to use a grave stone on top to prevent animals from digging.

• You may want to use a casket as this helps stop the body smelling out your garden as it decomposes. You could make one yourself out of a box and bin liner or buy a hand crafted one for that special touch. To add a nice touch you could create a memorial using a small rock, plant or headstone

The emotional side of things

•  It may be an idea to get a friend to help as this provides a much needed emotional as well as physical support in your time of need. It may also be difficult to bury your dog in the garden and you may need a second pair of hands to help you.

• Inviting anyone who understands the depth of your relationship with your dog to a ritual may help ease the pain this is a time when you and your family will need support and holding a ceremony should help bring closure on a difficult experience.