Pets and their owners often have deep bonds, so when a companion passes, it's common to want to keep the cherished animal as close as possible. For many people, this means burying their pets in their yards. While this may be comforting, a yard burial typically isn’t a good idea. It's almost always better to inter an animal in a proper cemetery and invest in a pet headstone. Here’s why a yard burial isn’t ideal and what you can do instead.

Risks

Many pets are euthanized when health issues or advanced age has made living comfortably difficult. Although the euthanizing agents are gentle and don’t alarm pets, the chemicals can stay in an animal's system up to a year after they've passed. The euthanizing agents may penetrate the surrounding earth over time and harm neighborhood wildlife and other outdoor pets that inadvertently consume them.

Burying a pet on your property is also illegal in some areas. Although the city and state don’t have specific prohibitions against burying animals on your property, these rules can vary between other county jurisdictions. There may also be bans on pet burials if you live in a community with a homeowner's association. If you’re renting, your landlord may prohibit pet burials on the property, and breaking this regulation may result in a lease violation.

Alternatives

There are three alternatives to burying your pet in the yard. One of the most popular options is to place them in an animal cemetery. Design and install a pet headstone, so you can visit them whenever you want. Another option is to have your pet cremated—you can place their ashes in a decorative urn and keep their remains in your home. Lastly, you can choose to donate your pet to scientific research that will help other animals in need.

Let a pet headstone honor the life of your cherished animal and the love you shared. Hawaii Art Stone in Honolulu provides pet owners with a wide selection of headstones and custom stonework. They’ll take the time to help you design and create a beautiful memorial that pays a respectful tribute to your companion. To get more information about the process, visit the website or call (808) 744-3162.