How deep do you have to bury a dog?

There are several options available to you after your dog dies. Some pet owners will choose cremation, while others will decide to bury their dog on their own property. If you do decide to do that, it’s crucial to think about how deep the grave should be dug.

If the dog’s grave is not dug deeply enough, unfortunate events involving wildlife or the weather may occur. Similar to that, knowing the state-by-state laws governing pet burial in the United States can help us determine whether it is even an option.

Finally, being aware of the alternatives to backyard burial can give us a variety of options to consider before we put our beloved dogs to rest.

But if you want the quick answer first, here is my quick advice on how far to dig your dog’s grave in order to avoid any negative outcomes.

In order to be absolutely safe, I would advise that you dig a dog’s grave to a depth of four feet. This indicates that there is little chance that scavengers or earth movement brought on by events like flooding will disturb the grave.

Of course, you don’t have to dig that deep for the dog’s grave, but I’ll explain below why I think this grave depth is appropriate for animals.

Losing Your Backyard Memorial in a Move

The pets you bury in your backyard won’t follow you when you move. Being near your deceased pets can be consoling, but after moving, you might experience a resurrected sense of loss from having your pets hundreds of miles or even thousands of miles away.

Jen Davis has been writing since 2004. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, and her freelance writing has appeared in publications like “Alabama Living,” “Horses Incorporated,” and “The Paisley Pony.” Davis graduated from Berry College in Rome, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Arts in communication with a focus in journalism.

Make sure there is no prohibition against burying animals in your area by checking local laws. There may be local regulations that specify how deeply you must bury your pet and the appropriate burial materials. Generally speaking, when you want to bury your deceased pet, you should use a biodegradable shroud. Biodegradable materials will not harm the environment.

Burying your pet is a relatively common and low cost way to handle the disposal of your pets remains. It is generally recommended that pet owners bury pets in graves which are 2 feet to 3 feet deep, depending on the quality of soil in your area.

If your soil is heavy, you should dig your pet’s grave about 2 feet deep; if it’s light or sandy, you should dig it about 3 feet deep. This will be shallow enough to avoid interfering with buried utility lines while still being deep enough to deter predators from trying to disturb the grave. Call the utility company and ask before you dig if there are any questions about whether there are any buried utility lines close to where you want to dig your pet’s grave.

If you plan to bury your pet at home, it is best if you own the land you plan to use for that purpose. If you want to bury your pet on a piece of property you don’t own or are renting, you must ask the owner for permission first.

Is It a Good Idea to Bury a Dog?

Every owner must make a personal decision regarding the interment of their pets. Many owners seeking a burial find solace in having their dog at home in the yard, but there are crucial factors to take into account before burying your dog, such as:

Legality: Backyard pet burials aren’t legal in all municipalities. In fact, some township ordinances ban the practice outright. If you’re renting your home, it can also be an issue. You can usually examine town ordinances online or by contacting your local municipal office.

Safety: Medications may linger in remains long after death, including euthanasia and chemotherapy drugs. These powerful chemicals pose a serious risk to other animals, including pets and wildlife. If ingested, they can lead to severe illness or death.

Other animals: Whether it’s pets in the home or wild animals, remains can be dug up — a horrifying experience no one wants to face. Not only is this deeply upsetting, but it can be dangerous, as mentioned above.

Future plans: Leaving your beloved dog’s body behind with a move isn’t an option for many pup parents, leading to grave excavation down the road that is often more traumatizing than the initial burial. It can also be a health risk.

Climate: Areas that see heavy rains aren’t suitable for backyard burials. Excessive rainfall can make your dog’s body resurface — a true nightmare scenario. On the flip side, cold weather can make backyard digging dang near impossible for a portion of the year.

Difficulty: Digging a hole for burial and prepping your dog’s body isn’t physically or emotionally easy. You’ll need to dig a hole that’s three feet deep or more, as well as wide enough to fit your dog’s remains. You’ll also need to handle your deceased pet’s body, which can be emotionally devastating as it begins to show signs of death.

In the long run, weighing these factors before burial can prevent needless heartache.

FAQ

How do you properly bury a dog?

1. Say Goodbye. It’s difficult, but saying goodbye to your dog’s remains is an essential step in the grieving process.
2. Wrap Your Pup’s Body. …
3. Pick a Location. …
4. Dig the Hole. …
5. Place Your Dog’s Body In Hole. …
6. Refill the Hole. …
7. Add a Memorial Stone or Marker.

Is 2 feet deep enough to bury a dog?

Specific Requirements for Burial: The site must be prepared for burial by excavating to a depth sufficient to contain the dead animal and to allow for a cover depth of 2-3 feet. Furthermore, the animal must be buried in a location where it cannot be dug up by wild or feral animals.

Will a dog smell if buried?

It’s difficult and might even emit an offensive odor. You start by preparing the area in your yard where you will bury them. Needless to say, this isn’t always easy. Additionally, if the remains are only superficially buried, the body will decompose and release an offensive odor.

How long can you keep a dead dog before burying it?

If you are unable to do so and cannot transport the body to your veterinarian’s office or a nearby pet aftercare provider, a garage or basement may have to do. This shouldn’t last more than 4-6 hours because the odor might get strong.