How to Make a Pet Burial in the Backyard
If having a pet buried at a cemetery is not an option for you, you can make a pet burial in your backyard. This saves you money and allows you to stay close to your pet. Grave markers can be added to mark the burial location.
Items Needed:
- Towel
- Box
- Shovel
- Grave marker
- Flowers and trinkets (optional)
- Wrap the pet's remains in a towel or cloth, and place them inside a box. Measure the length, width and height of the box to determine how big to dig the hole.
- Use a shovel to dig a hole that is at least 4 feet deep and can accommodate the box. If the box is too close to the surface, the scent of the decomposing remains may attract other animals that will attempt to dig up the box.
- Place the box inside the hole and cover it with dirt. Use the shovel to pack the dirt into place and to firmly hold the box in the hole.
- Host a small ceremony if desired. Many pet owners choose to do this as a way to say goodbye to their pet. You can invite several people, or you can keep the ceremony private. Plan the ceremony accordingly.
- Place a grave marker over the location of the grave. Grave markers can be purchased from pet funeral homes and from many online specialty stores. You can also make your own.
- Decorate the gravesite if desired. Pet owners often like to leave small trinkets or special items that once belonged to the pet. You can also add flowers to the gravesite if desired.