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What is a Pet Cemetery?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A pet cemetery is a cemetery which offers burial services to animals. The services at a pet cemetery vary, with some comparing to facilities designed for humans, while others are a bit less elaborate and diverse. One of the most famous pet cemeteries in the world is the Bubbling Well Pet Memorial Park in Napa, California, which inspired Errol Morris' famous film Gates of Heaven.

Like a human cemetery, a pet cemetery is a designated location for the burial of animals, often with a focus on cats and dogs, although services may extend to other animals as well. Many people feel like their pets are members of the family, and they wish to treat their pets with the same respect they would offer to deceased human loved ones, providing them with burial services, graves, and headstones to memorialize them.

Pet cemeteries offer burial services for pets.
Pet cemeteries offer burial services for pets.

A typical pet cemetery offers burial in a variety of plots, and often contracts with a firm to make grave markers ranging from plaques to headstones. Many pet cemeteries also offer cremation, with cremains being scattered or buried in the cemetery, or given back to the pet's owner. Technologies like tissue digestion are available to pet cemeteries as well, and some offer options like group burial or natural burial.

In many regions there are laws about humans and pets being buried together, creating a necessity for pet cemeteries.
In many regions there are laws about humans and pets being buried together, creating a necessity for pet cemeteries.

In many regions, strict laws prevent pets and humans from being buried together. A pet cemetery is one way to get around this problem for pet owners who are concerned about how their animals will be handled after death. In some cases, a pet cemetery adjoins a designated human cemetery, for owners who would like to be buried close to their pets, and the same company may administer to both facilities.

The pricing of services at a pet cemetery varies. Many facilities provide detailed brochures to members of the public, and veterinary offices also tend to have information about regional pet cemeteries. Some veterinarians offer to hold bodies for pickup, for pet owners who do not want to handle their animals after death.

As a general rule, a range of services are available for cats and dogs, at an array of prices from modest to extravagant. For larger animals like livestock, a personal discussion with the administrator of the pet cemetery may be necessary, as pet horses and cattle present some challenging logistics to cemetery personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pet cemetery?

A pet cemetery is a dedicated space for the burial of pets, where owners can lay their animal companions to rest in a dignified and respectful manner. These cemeteries often offer similar services to human cemeteries, including headstones, grave markers, and maintenance of the grounds, providing a serene environment for owners to visit and remember their pets.

How popular are pet cemeteries?

According to the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories, there are over 700 pet cemeteries in the United States alone. The concept has gained popularity as pets are increasingly viewed as family members, leading to a growing demand for dedicated resting places that honor the bond between pets and their owners.

What services do pet cemeteries typically offer?

Pet cemeteries commonly offer a range of services including burial plots, cremation, urns, caskets, memorial services, and personalized headstones. Some also provide grief counseling and online memorials. These services are designed to help pet owners cope with their loss and celebrate the life of their beloved animal companions.

Can all types of pets be buried in a pet cemetery?

Most pet cemeteries accommodate a variety of animals, not just cats and dogs. This can include birds, reptiles, small mammals, and sometimes even larger animals like horses. However, the types of pets accepted may vary by facility, so it's important to check with the specific cemetery for their policies.

Are there any legal considerations for pet cemeteries?

Legal considerations for pet cemeteries can include zoning laws, environmental regulations, and licensing requirements. These regulations ensure that the cemeteries operate within the law and maintain standards that protect public health and the environment. It's crucial for pet cemeteries to comply with local and state laws to operate legally.

How do I choose a pet cemetery?

Choosing a pet cemetery involves considering factors such as location, services offered, cost, and the maintenance of the grounds. It's also important to visit the site to ensure it feels like a fitting final resting place for your pet. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations can also help in making an informed decision.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

LisaLou

I have had to put a few dogs to sleep and that is one of the hardest things I have done. I don't know how much a dog cremation costs, but I do know that many people are doing this and keeping the ashes.

This is an option for people who live in the city or don't have the space to bury their pets at home. Many people treat their pets like their kids, so I am not surprised that they want to have nice arrangements for them when the time comes.

sunshined

I live in the country, so have never had to consider something like this. At first it sounded kind of strange, but after reading about it, I can understand the reasons why some people would use a service like this.

We have had to bury many of our pets - dogs, cats and horses and it is never easy. I have each place marked in a special way so I can remember them. I will usually plant some perennial flowers by the spot that come up every year also.

SarahSon

Pet cemeteries are becoming more common than they used to be. We become very attached to our pets, and they become like family members. For many people, this is a nice alternative. There is a memorial pet cemetery that I drive by on my way to work, and I see it being used more frequently.

If you don't live in a place where you can bury your pets in your yard, and don't want to leave them with the vet, this is another option.

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    • Pet cemeteries offer burial services for pets.
      By: Michael Pettigrew
      Pet cemeteries offer burial services for pets.
    • In many regions there are laws about humans and pets being buried together, creating a necessity for pet cemeteries.
      By: restucciacarlo
      In many regions there are laws about humans and pets being buried together, creating a necessity for pet cemeteries.