Burying a dog, cat & Co.

Legal stipulations regarding the burial of cats, dog & other beloved pets

Depending on the country and federal state, the applicable laws may vary greatly - especially with regard to weight limits or the gravesite. It is therefore essential that you inform yourself thoroughly in advance. Contact municipalities, animal undertakers or veterinary offices if you require any further information. Below we have summarized the most important provisions that apply in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland:

• Austria: In Austria, dead animals are generally subject to disposal. The intention behind this stipulation is to counteract possible epidemics and diseases. The pet owner is therefore obliged to hand over deceased animals to an approved institution. The institutions in question are primarily collection points in the municipalities. In Vienna, the animal carcass recycling center even picks up the deceased animal directly at your premises. However, many people find it inconceivable to simply "dispose of" the beloved companion in this way, which is why there is also the possibility of burying a dog, cat & Co. in an animal cemetery. The cost you can expect for a free-standing individual grave is at least 150 euros - plus the cost of renting and caring for the grave. Or, you can have your animal cremated in an animal crematorium so that you can take the urn home with you. Depending on the size of the animal, the cost associated with the cremation can run between 70 and 400 euros. You are also permitted to bury the pet on your own property. This applies, in particular, to dogs, cats and small animals. The most important prerequisites for this are: The animal must not be suspected to have died from a contagious disease, and the gravesite should be at least two meters away from the neighboring garden and be of sufficient depth.
• Germany: Similar provisions and financial guidelines apply in Germany. Facilities for animal body disposal were created in this country as well, and there is the possibility of giving the animal a burial in a dedicated cemetery or having it cremated. Animals may also be buried on your own property - subject to compliance with all applicable requirements. These include above all: The animal must be buried at least 50 centimeters deep and must not have suffered from any reportable disease. Moreover, the property must not be located in a water preserve or near public roads.
• Switzerland: In Switzerland, it is possible as well to use animal cemeteries or crematoria for a funeral. In terms of costs, you can expect to incur at least 500 francs for a grave for three years. The cremation and urn cost about the same. Animals that have weighed no more than 10 kilograms can also be buried in the garden at home, provided that the soil layer above the animal is at least 120 centimeters thick and the grave is at least two meters above groundwater level and far enough away from water sources. Groundwater protection zones and areas are off-limits as well, and the animal carcass must not be wrapped in plastic.

Burying a pet in the backyard: Step by step

If you decide on a burial in the garden, you should consider the following:

• Use only putrescible and sustainable materials without plastic. For example, you can wrap the animal in a cotton cloth, have a wooden coffin made or use a cardboard box.
• Dig a hole in the ground of sufficient depth - depending on the legal situation, different minimum dimensions must be observed - and sprinkle the soil with some lime. This can bind bad odors and will accelerate the decomposition process.
• Build a small mound because the soil will settle somewhat later due to rain and compression.
• Cover the grave with stones to make it more compact and prevent other animals from laying it bare. Decorate it with arrangements, flowers or a cross.

Ideas to say goodbye to the beloved animal

Anyone who gives a dog, a cat and other animals their final resting place in an animal cemetery will have a place to remember the beloved pet in the future. The same holds true for a burial site on your own property. And if you have it cremated, you can take the urn home with you and place it in a special spot. But no matter what you choose - the accompanying activities are just as important to many people. Which means: the saying-goodbye part. And, for this part of the process, we would like to present you with some ideas:

• Farewell ceremony: When a person dies, we come together to remember their life and then allow them to pass on. But why should this only be reserved to humans? You can also organize a farewell ceremony for your pet. To this end, gather other people who loved your pet just as much as you did. Use the opportunity to reminisce with candle light while enjoying atmospheric music and a good meal. Someone may even have written a story or composed a song about the pet, or you peruse old photos together.
• Farewell letter: Some people find it easier to resort to writing as a way to rid themselves of their sad and negative thoughts - so it may make sense for them to write a farewell letter to the beloved animal. Remember joint activities or say thank you for everything your pet has given you.
• Burial items: In many cultures, adding burial items to a grave is essential - and you as well can give your animal something to take on their final journey. For example, a cuddly blanket, treats, a photo, a dog bone or flowers.
• Final walk: Another option for those who wish to say goodbye to a beloved dog is to walk the route of their daily walks with the pet one last time and bid the dog farewell one step at a time.
• Like-minded people: When grappling with acute grief, you may find the exchange with like-minded people helpful. Fellow dog owners often have a better understanding of what you are going throughthan people who do not have a four-legged friend by their side.
• Keepsake: If you want to carry the pet close to you even after death, you can commission the manufacture of a special memento. At Mevisto, we produce high-quality and unique pieces of jewelry from the ashes or hair of beloved pets that will facilitate the mourning process and create a lasting memory.
• Do good deeds: It can do you good to volunteer and help other animals when going through a time of mourning. Offer your neighbor to walk their furry friend for them, give away your leftover food to other pet owners or donate money to animal organizations.