Regulations for Pet Cemeteries
There is plenty of concern these days over the regulation or under-regulation of pet cemeteries. Pet cemeteries if regulated, are done so under State Law or governed by municipalities. Depending on where you live, your local pet cemetery may not be regulated in the same manner as in other states or cities.
Many people believe that pet cemetery laws and regulations need to be under more scrutiny. There have been too many horror stories from pet owners who have thought they were giving their beloved dog or cat a proper burial, only to find out the land where their pet was buried was sold, dug up and is no longer a cemetery for pets, but a shopping center.
If you are concerned about where you'll be putting your pet to rest, than do some research on the cemetery before you decide on a pet cemetery.
- Check your state and local laws for pet cemetery regulations and laws on burying pets. For those states who do have regulations, you may find some similarities such as the prohibiting of mass burials, licensing requirements, plot space record keeping and the removal of remains from the cemetery, etc.
- In Florida, pet cemeteries are not regulated by State Laws and are governed by municipalities. A Bill was passed, however that does allow a pet to be buried with their owner.
- Use a well established pet cemetery and check to see if they are members of the IAP (International Association of Pet Cemeteries.) Also, do some research on the Internet and look for reviews or complaints.
- Call the Better Business Bureau and check on any past complaints.
- Find out if the pet cemetery is the lawful owner of the land where your pet will be laid to rest. If they lease the land, this could equate to a questionable future for the remains of your pet.
- Check the property tax records and previous land sales on the cemetery. If you see any past due taxes or if there has been any recent sales activity, you may wish to use another more established pet cemetery.
- Be sure your land is deed restricted. One of the biggest problems is that the land where pets have been buried, end up being sold to developers or to other private parties who have no intentions of maintaining the pet cemetery.
- Do not bury your pet in your back yard unless you have checked your state laws that govern back yard pet burials or check with an attorney who is experienced in pet law.