More Sympathy GiftsChoosing a Pet Casket
Saying our final farewell to our beloved pets is a difficult reality of the cycle of life. During these times we encourage families to try and plan ahead whenever possible. Planning ahead can help alleviate distress at the time of loss and allows you for focus more on planning a proper burial. In this article we outline some of the most common concerns & suggestions for planning a dignified burial.
Preparing for Burial
Choosing a Proper Location for Burial
Choosing a proper location for the burial is an important step when considering a final farewell. Many families choose to use a personal space such as a backyard or other special location close home. This close proximity helps keep the pet close which is a source of comfort for many individuals.
Another option available is to use to use a local pet cemetery. We encourage checking with your veterinarian for reputable suggestions or looking in a local phonebook for other alternatives in your area. Prices can vary widely in pet cemeteries depending on location and plot.
City & County Burial Regulations
One aspect which is commonly overlooked is verifying regulations with any local authorities in your city/county. Some cities have regulations which do not allow a burial to be performed at a home. The most accurate information available is available at your local county health department or animal control for specifics in your area. For safety purposes we encourage checking with local utility companies to ensure you are not digging above any utilities such as electricity or gas.
Communicating with your Veterinarian
If your veterinarian is going to be keeping your pet for a day or more it is important to let the vet know your plans for a burial. This will allow the vet to properly position the legs, allowing for easy placement into the casket.
Burial Depths & Suggestions
When performing a burial the most commonly recommend depth is at least 18" below ground surface. In areas with high levels of water we encourage digging deeper to ensure water tables do not unearth the casket over time. We strongly encourage individuals to use a depth of 24" or deeper to help discourage any curious wildlife.
As always when digging, we recommend checking with local utility companies to ensure you are not digging above any utilities such as electricity or gas.
