The passing of a cherished pet is a heartbreaking experience for any pet parent. Deciding what to do next can be overwhelming, and many people consider backyard burial as a simple, personal way to say goodbye. While this may seem like a loving tribute, there are serious risks involved. Understanding the alternatives to backyard pet burial in Brisbane, the Gold Coast or your neighbourhood can help you choose a safer and more dignified option for your beloved companion.
Burying Pets in The Backyard: Why You Should NOT Consider This Option
It’s not easy and can lead to unpleasant odours.
Digging a suitable area in your yard can be difficult, especially if the ground is hard or you lack space. If your pet’s body isn’t buried deeply enough, the natural decomposition process can produce a strong, unpleasant smell. Over time, this can make your backyard an uncomfortable place for you and your family.
Your pet’s body can attract bugs and other animals.
When a pet’s body decomposes outdoors, it can attract insects and scavengers searching for food or shelter. In some cases, wild animals may even dig up the remains, creating distress for the family.
There’s a risk of exposure to disease.
If your pet passed away from an infectious disease such as Parvovirus, harmful organisms can remain in the soil for up to 9 years, posing a health risk to humans and other animals that come into contact with contaminated ground. Dogs, in particular, love to dig, which increases the risk of exposure. For unvaccinated pets, such contact could prove fatal.
It’s an environmental hazard.
A backyard pet burial can pose an environmental hazard that extends far beyond your property. Decomposing animal remains can contaminate groundwater, affect soil quality, and contribute to erosion. What starts as an act of love could end up harming your local environment and ecosystem.
Drugs used in euthanasia can poison other animals.
Many pets are peacefully euthanised using a concentrated anaesthetic called Pentobarbital. However, this drug can remain in the body for up to a year after burial. If a scavenging animal encounters and consumes any part of the remains, it could be poisoned. This risk stresses why backyard burial is unsafe and unsustainable.
What To Do Instead of Burying Pets in The Backyard
Respectful and environmentally responsible alternatives are available. Pet cremation is one of the most trusted options, allowing families to keep their pet’s memory alive without the risks associated with burial.
If you’re wondering how to arrange a dignified pet cremation service, the process is simple and handled with care by professional providers. You can choose from individual or communal (Cremation with a Friend) services, decide whether you’d like your pet’s ashes returned, and even personalise the farewell with keepsakes or urns.
We are a family-owned and independent pet crematorium serving greater Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we provide compassionate care during your time of loss. Our cremation packages are designed to give your pet the graceful, dignified farewell they deserve, while bringing comfort and peace of mind to you and your family.
If you’d like to know more about our services, please click HERE.
FAQs: Burying pets in the backyard: What You Should Know
1. Is it legal to bury my pet in the backyard?
The laws regarding backyard pet burial vary widely by region. It is heavily regulated by local councils. Some areas in Australia and elsewhere either ban the practice or require strict conditions such as minimum burial depth, distance from water sources, or containment of the remains. It’s essential to check with your local council or veterinarian before proceeding.
2. Why do vets and animal welfare groups discourage backyard burials?
Veterinarians and animal welfare groups discourage backyard burials mainly due to health and safety concerns. They warn that euthanasia drugs remain toxic long after burial, posing risks to wildlife and other pets. They also note that backyard graves can easily be disturbed, leading to emotional distress and potential contamination.
3. Can burying a pet affect future home buyers or property value?
There’s no simple “yes” or “no” answer. However, having a pet buried on a property in the Gold Coast or Australia introduces risks and complexities to the sale process, creating legal, environmental, and perceptual hurdles for potential buyers. Many property buyers are uncomfortable knowing a pet is buried on the premises. In some areas, you may even be required to disclose pet burials when selling your home. Disturbed soil or contamination from decomposed remains can also impact landscaping and property maintenance.
Updated original BLOG 16-06-2021
