Burying Your Pet in the Backyard May Cause More Harm Than Good—Here's Why

A beloved pet can be one of the hardest losses to grieve. Our pets become members of our families, and our connection with them transcends even some of our closest human relationships. So when the time comes to say goodbye to a pet and emotions run high, it can be extremely difficult to decide what to do with the animal’s remains. 

Instinctively, many lean towards burying their pet in the backyard, which keeps them close. The ritual of a backyard burial can be comforting, serving as a sense of closure, as can the sense of your pet’s proximity to the home. However, it may not be the best choice when it comes to the health of the surrounding soil, water, and wildlife.

Below, we explore some concerns and alternatives to consider before burying a beloved pet in your backyard. Of course, this is a very personal decision, and the following factors may not even apply to your situation—but here is what to know.

What to Consider Before Burying Your Pet at Home

When your pet has journeyed over the rainbow bridge, you might feel that a burial close to home is the most natural and humane way to handle your pet's remains. However, pet loss expert Dr. Bethany Hsia says otherwise. “Burying a beloved pet in your backyard might seem like a convenient option, but it presents several significant drawbacks and potential risks,” she says.

It May be Illegal in Your Area

Before you bury your pet in your backyard, be sure to check the laws in your area. “Many municipalities and local governments have regulations regarding the disposal of animal remains,” explains Hsia. “While some areas may permit backyard burial under specific conditions, others strictly prohibit it due to public health and environmental concerns.” Violating these regulations may result in legal penalties.

It Can Spread Disease to Other Animals

Remember that disease carries, even after a pet’s death. Any disease by which they were afflicted can transfer to scavenging animals in the area. "If your pet died from a contagious disease, such as parvovirus or distemper, the pathogens can persist in the soil for a length of time so other animals, including raccoons, foxes, or coyotes, could dig up the remains and become infected," explains Hsia.

It Could Transfer Dangerous Medications

Dr. Ashraf Ala, DVM, points out another potential risk to area wildlife. In many cases, Dr. Ala explains, pets are euthanized using a strong anesthetic drug called pentobarbital. This drug can remain in your pet’s body for up to a year after burial. If other domestic animals or wildlife dig up the remains of your pet, they can be poisoned by the leftover medication. This is called secondary pentobarbital poisoning, and it poses a potentially deadly threat to nearby animals.

It's Harmful to the Environment

Another reason not to bury your pet in your backyard is the harm it can do to the environment. The pentobarbital mentioned above can leach into our soil and groundwater. Eventually, these residual chemicals have the potential to contaminate local water supplies.

It Could Complicate Future Moves

People move either by choice or by necessity—but when it happens, it’s a big deal. And having your pet buried in your backyard could be a complicating factor in a time already rife with tension. While it can feel like a comforting act in the moment, Hsia points out that backyard burial can present emotional and practical difficulties in the long run. “If you move, you leave your pet’s resting place behind which can be emotionally challenging,”

It May Cause Landscaping Issues

Another potentially challenging scenario is if you decide to make changes to your property or landscaping that could be inhibited by the placement of your pet’s remains. This could be both logistically challenging and innately upsetting. “If you need to perform any landscaping or construction in the future, you might inadvertently disturb the burial site, leading to further distress,” cautions Hsia.

Alternative Ways for Handling and Honoring Your Pet's Remains

When a pet dies, it's common to be unfamiliar or overwhelmed with your options for aftercare and resources are not always made readily available. Below, Hsia offers three "safe, respectful, and legally compliant alternatives."

Pet Cremation

Pet cremation is "one of the most common and widely accepted methods" of dealing with a pet's remains, according to Hsia, with pet cremation services being offered by most veterinary clinics and in-home euthanasia veterinarians. "Pet parents typically can choose between two options," she explains, "communal cremation or private cremation."

Ala recommends cremation, if budget allows. "That way you will always have a memory of your beloved friend as well as avoid any risks," he says.

Pet Cemeteries

"Most urban cities have dedicated pet cemeteries where you can bury your pet’s body," says Hsia. Not only do these cemeteries offer a permanent and dignified resting place, but they often come with options for headstones and memorial services. "This provides a specific location for remembrance and ensures the remains are handled in an environmentally sound manner," Hsia adds.

Preserving Your Pet’s Physical Form

For some, maintaining a semblance of their pet’s original form is the most comforting option, and this practice is made possible by taxidermists. "For those who wish to preserve their pet’s physical form, taxidermy or freeze-drying are specialized options," says Hsia. This option may not be for everyone, but Hsia says, "These processes are more expensive and less common but allow for a lasting physical memorial of your pet."