When a beloved pet passes away, many families want to keep them close — in a place they knew and loved. Burying a pet in the garden is legal in England, but there are rules you need to follow. This guide explains everything clearly, so you can make the right decision for your family.
In England, you can legally bury a small domestic pet such as a dog, cat, rabbit or other household animal in your own garden, provided you own the property and follow the guidelines under the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013. There are important restrictions on depth, distance from water, and whether the pet received certain medications before death.
Is it legal to bury a pet in your garden in the UK?
Yes — burying a small domestic pet in your own garden is legal in England and Wales, provided certain conditions are met. This is confirmed by GOV.UK guidance on animal burials, which states:
"You can bury small domestic pet animals such as a dog or a cat on your own land, for example in your back garden."
The key legislation governing this is the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. These set out the conditions under which garden burial is permitted — and the penalties for getting it wrong.
The rules you must follow
Garden burial checklist — England
- You own the property (not renting without landlord permission)
- Your pet lived at the property where they are being buried
- The grave is on private domestic land — not a public space, park, or business premises
- The burial is deep enough to prevent scavenging (see depth guidance below)
- The site is an appropriate distance from water sources (see below)
- Your pet has not been treated with hazardous drugs that could pose a health risk
- No non-biodegradable materials (such as plastic wrapping) are used
- You cannot bury a pet in a rented property without explicit landlord permission
- You cannot bury a pet in a public space, park, or communal area
- You cannot bury a pet that was not your household pet (e.g. a stray)
How deep does the grave need to be?
The GOV.UK guidance does not specify a minimum depth for small domestic pets, but the widely recommended guideline from local authorities and vets is at least 1 metre (approximately 3 feet) deep. In loose or sandy soil, digging deeper is advisable.
Burying deep enough serves two important purposes:
- It prevents foxes, badgers, and other scavengers from disturbing the grave
- It allows for proper, safe decomposition without contaminating the surrounding soil
If you are burying a larger pet such as a dog over 40kg, a greater depth is recommended. Contact your local council's animal health office for specific guidance on larger animals.
Practical tip: Before digging, check for underground cables, pipes, or drainage runs in your garden. Your utility provider can usually check for you free of charge via linesearchbeforeudig.co.uk.
Distance from water sources
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 prohibits burying a pet near a watercourse to avoid groundwater contamination. The recommended distances are:
| Water source | Minimum distance |
|---|---|
| Any drain, ditch or soakaway | 10 metres |
| Stream, river or watercourse | 30 metres |
| Well, borehole or spring used for drinking water | 50 metres |
| Flood zone or waterlogged ground | Avoid entirely |
For most urban and suburban gardens in England, meeting these requirements is straightforward. However, if your garden backs onto a stream or has a drainage issue, you should consider an alternative.
What if my pet was euthanised or received chemotherapy?
This is one of the most important — and least well-known — rules around pet burial in the UK.
If your pet was euthanised by a vet, the drugs used (typically pentobarbitone) remain in the body after death. These are controlled substances and can pose a risk to wildlife, scavenging animals, and the surrounding environment if the burial is too shallow or poorly placed.
Similarly, pets that received chemotherapy drugs or other hazardous medications before death may have traces of those substances in their body at the time of burial.
Important: The Animal By-Products Regulations state that if a pet "may prove hazardous to anyone who may come into contact with it", home burial may not be appropriate. If your pet was euthanised, received chemotherapy, or was given any controlled drugs before death — always speak to your vet before burying them at home. Your vet can advise whether it is safe to proceed.
What if I'm renting?
If you are renting your property, you do not legally own the garden and therefore cannot bury a pet there without your landlord's explicit written permission. This applies regardless of whether you have a long-term tenancy.
There are two practical considerations here:
- If you move out in the future, you would not be able to take the burial site with you — which some families find distressing to think about
- Your landlord may refuse, or may require you to restore the garden if you move out
For renters, cremation is often a more practical and emotionally satisfying option — allowing you to keep your pet's ashes with you wherever you move.
Rules in Scotland and Wales
| Nation | Small pets (dogs, cats etc.) | Key difference from England |
|---|---|---|
| England | Legal — own property, follow guidelines | — |
| Wales | Legal — same rules as England apply | Horse burial rules differ |
| Scotland | Legal — own property, follow guidelines | Check with local council as some have additional requirements |
| Northern Ireland | Legal — own property, follow guidelines | Check with local council for any area-specific rules |
Note on horse burial: In Scotland and Wales, only pet horses may be buried (not working horses). In England, both pet and non-pet horses may be buried under certain conditions. For any large animal burial, always contact your local council's animal health office first.
When you cannot bury your pet at home
Garden burial is not always possible or appropriate. You should consider an alternative if:
- You are renting and your landlord has not given permission
- Your pet was euthanised or received hazardous drugs — check with your vet
- Your garden is too small or close to water sources to meet the guidelines
- Your garden is in a flood-prone area
- You live in a flat or property without a private garden
- You plan to move in the foreseeable future and don't want to leave the burial site behind
- Your pet is very large and the required depth is not achievable
Alternatives to garden burial
If garden burial isn't right for your situation, there are several dignified alternatives.
Individual pet cremation
The most popular choice across the UK. Your pet is collected from your home and cremated individually — completely alone — with only their ashes returned to you within 5–7 working days. Ashes can be kept in a handmade urn, scattered somewhere meaningful, or incorporated into a memorial keepsake. Cremation means you can keep your pet with you wherever you live.
Pet cemetery burial
Licensed pet cemeteries across the UK offer individual burial plots in dedicated grounds you can visit. They comply with all Animal By-Products Regulations and are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Some cemeteries also offer the option of scattering ashes in a memorial garden.
Woodland burial
A small number of providers offer natural woodland burial for pets — where your pet is buried in a natural setting with a tree or wildflower planted as a memorial. This is an emerging option in the UK.
Whatever you decide: Don't feel pressured to make a decision immediately. You have time to make the right choice for your family. If you need urgent help arranging collection, My Pet Farewell is available 24/7 — and we can hold your pet safely while you decide on aftercare at your own pace.
Need help with your pet's aftercare?
Whether you're considering cremation or need to arrange collection while you decide, My Pet Farewell is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the UK. No pressure, no rush — just compassionate support when you need it most.
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