For many families, the right goodbye is at home: a peaceful passing in a familiar room, and a resting place in the garden they loved. If that is what you are planning, this guide explains the rules, the extra care needed after euthanasia, and how to prepare so that the day goes as gently as possible.
Yes, you can usually have your pet put to sleep at home and bury them in your own garden in England. Because the medicine used for euthanasia stays in the body and is harmful to animals that eat it, you should bury your pet at least 1 metre deep, wrapped in natural materials, well away from water, and with the grave covered so foxes, badgers and other pets cannot dig. Tell the vet you are planning a burial when you book.
What the rules say
GOV.UK guidance says you do not need permission to bury a small domestic pet, such as a dog or cat, on your own land, for example in your back garden (GOV.UK). In practice that means:
Garden burial checklist
- You own the property, or have the landlord's written permission
- Your pet lived at the property
- The grave is well away from wells, streams, ponds and drains
- The ground is not waterlogged or in a flood area
- Nothing plastic goes into the grave
- Not in a park, a communal garden or someone else's land
For the full rules, including distances from water and the rules in Scotland and Wales, see our guide: Can I bury my pet in my garden?
Why burial after euthanasia needs extra care
The medicine used for euthanasia is a strong anaesthetic, usually pentobarbital. It remains in your pet's body after death and does not break down quickly. If a fox, badger, bird of prey or another pet reaches the body, it can be seriously harmed or killed. The same care applies if your pet was having chemotherapy.
That does not mean you cannot bury your pet at home. It means the grave needs to be deep, well covered and in the right place. Your vet can advise on your pet's situation.
When you book a home euthanasia, tell us you would like to bury your pet in the garden. We will talk you through what to prepare, and the vet can answer any questions on the day.
Preparing before the vet visit
- Choose the spot. Somewhere quiet, level and well drained, away from vegetable beds, water and boundaries.
- Check for pipes and cables. Look at your property plans or use a free service such as LinesearchbeforeUdig.
- Dig the grave in advance, if you can. At least 1 metre deep, and wider and longer than your pet lying curled. For a large dog this is heavy work, so ask for help.
- Cover the open grave safely with a board until it is needed, so no one falls in.
- Have natural wrapping ready: a cotton sheet, wool blanket, or a wicker or cardboard pet coffin.
- Decide on keepsakes. A fur clipping or paw print is only possible before burial. Browse our keepsakes.
On the day
The vet will explain everything, give your pet a sedative so they fall into a deep sleep, and then give the final injection when you are ready. You can read the full step-by-step guide in what happens during home pet euthanasia.
Afterwards, take all the time you need. Lay your pet gently in a curled, sleeping position on their blanket. Their body will begin to stiffen within a few hours, so it helps to do this while they are still soft.
How to bury your pet safely
- Wrap your pet in their natural blanket or place them in a biodegradable coffin. Remove collars and anything plastic or metal.
- Lower them gently into the grave, with at least 1 metre of soil to go on top in total.
- Refill and firm the soil in layers.
- Cover the grave with a paving slab, a flat stone or a heavy planter, so animals cannot dig.
- Mark the place with a plant, a stone or a small memorial.
Do not bury your pet shallowly, even for a short time. If you cannot dig deep enough on the day, keep your pet somewhere cool and call us; we can take them into our care.
When garden burial isn't right
Garden burial may not be the best choice if you rent, may move house, have a small or waterlogged garden, cannot dig deep enough, or have a large dog. Some families also find it hard to leave a pet behind when they move.
Individual cremation lets you keep your pet with you wherever you go. With My Pet Farewell, your pet is cremated individually, and their ashes are returned, usually within 5 to 10 working days. You can still scatter or bury the ashes in your garden later, which carries none of the risks above.
Request A Home Visit
Planning a garden burial? Choose 'Euthanasia only' and mention it in the details box, and we'll talk you through what to prepare.
Common questions
Can I bury my dog in the garden after euthanasia?
In England you can usually bury a pet dog or cat on land you own, where they lived. Because euthanasia drugs stay in the body, bury deeply, well away from water, and cover the grave so wildlife and other pets cannot dig.
How deep should I bury my pet?
Aim for at least 1 metre (about 3 feet) of depth, and deeper for large dogs or light, sandy soil. Placing a paving slab or heavy stones over the grave adds protection.
What should I wrap my pet in?
Use something natural that will break down, such as a cotton blanket, a wool throw, or a wicker or cardboard pet coffin. Avoid plastic bags and plastic-lined containers.
Should I dig the grave before the vet arrives?
If you can, yes. It means you are not digging in a hurry afterwards. Choose the spot, check for pipes and cables, and cover the hole safely until it is needed.
Can you still help if I choose burial?
Yes. We arrange the vet visit in the same way. If you change your mind on the day, or the ground is not suitable, we can take your pet into our care for individual cremation instead.
I rent my home. Can I still bury my pet?
Only with your landlord's written permission. Many renters choose individual cremation so they can keep their pet's ashes wherever they live next.
A peaceful goodbye at home, your way
Whether you plan a garden burial or individual cremation, a registered vet comes to you and our team helps with everything else.
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This article is general information to help you prepare. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Every pet is different, and decisions about euthanasia should always be made with a vet who has examined your pet. Last updated September 2026.
