According to a July 15, 2019 article, citing a survey conducted by the National Pet Owners, “In the U.S., households own about 89.7 million dogs and 94.2 million cats…including other animals the total number is at almost 400 million pets.” FCANNJ has useful facts to help you manage for end-of-life choices for your beloved companion.

Consider Pet Cemeteries:

Here are some legal issues you need to know. New Jersey does not allow pets to be buried in human cemeteries. Conversely, it is possible for a pet owner to be buried in selective pet cemeteries. Not all pet cemeteries allow for this so advance planning is needed when burying your pet. Here in NJ, unlike human cemeteries, not all pet cemeteries are considered permanent so be aware of that when making this decision as your final resting place may be subject to change.

A simpler choice is for a person choosing to be cremated to have their ashes scattered in the pet cemetery by their pet’s plot.

Cremation:

Cremation is considered the most popular choice to keep your pet’s ashes. It is simple and economical. It offers the flexibility to scatter ashes, keep an urn, or use in jewelry or some other type of artistic vessel.

Burying on Private Property:

In New Jersey, it is legal to bury a pet on your own property. We all probably know someone who buried birds, fish and horseshoe crabs in their backyard. But a line is drawn between anything posing a health
hazard or nuisance, so large dog or horse owners beware. If you live in an apartment or a place with a homeowner’s association, your by-laws may not allow for a burial on this private property. Additionally, you may not bury pets within 200 feet of any stream or groundwater, open drains, or 500 feet from a well supplying drinking water.

Public Property:

It is illegal to bury animals, including pets, on public property. However, another choice is to have your pet cremated and his/her ashes can be either scattered or, eventually co-mingled with your own and spread together in the location of your choice.

Check Local Regulations:

It is always a smart idea to check with your local health department for any specific pet regulations in your location or the location you’re considering for burial or for the scattering of ashes.

Alternatives:

If a home burial isn’t optional and you’re considering cremation, ask your veterinary who may have ideas for cemetery burial or ashes scattering. Also, your vet may have biodegradable urns which can be planted along with a tree or shrub or in a favorite spot.

Keep Records:

All pet owners should be certain to lay out their wishes in their wills and/or trusts so they will be followed.

Think about the Environment:

Be aware of environmental concerns so burial of an animal will not come in contact with any bodies of water. Some pet cemeteries offer ‘green’ biodegradable caskets. Prices may range for a casket, depending on paper, wood or wicker from approximately $50.00-$200.00.

In Summary:

Your local government and pet’s veterinarian are good resources to help you formulate the best advanced planning for your beloved animal. Your precious pet deserves a thoughtful ending so take the time; when you have time—not in a moment of crisis; to make these meaningful decisions. You’ll be glad you did.

Resources:

Tufts University-Pet Line grief support warmline—508-839-7966

Useful Books in paperback on Grief and Pet Loss:

And I Love You Still…A Thoughtful Guide and Remembrance Journal for Healing the Loss of a Pet by Julianne Corbin, PhD
Repairing the Heartbreak of Pet Loss Grief: 3 Phases of Healing after Losing your Best Friend by C. Jeffrey
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process: When a Pet Dies by Wallace Sife