Whether it is due to religious beliefs or simply personal preference, many people prefer the idea of burial to cremation. Current legislation allows pets to be buried either in the property where they last lived or in a licensed pet cemetery. Any burial requires careful consideration. People have different ideas and we should not be held back by conventions when we decide how we want to commemorate our pets' lives. Where many will want a permanent resting place they can visit, others will feel that after several years the feelings may change and they may not want to be tied down. Others may like the idea of keeping the grave at home or the feeling of freedom they may get from a woodland or pasture burial.

A burial at home is the traditional resting place for many family pets but digging a grave is no easy task. In a heavy soil, there should be at least two feet of soil on top of the burial but in a light sandy soil, we would advise three feet. You may wish to have a coffin for your pet and you can buy a range, from eco-friendly ones made from cardboard, willow, jute and bamboo, through to more elaborate and solid traditional coffins. If you do not use a solid coffin, then be sure to cover the grave with some paving stones to stop any wild animals digging down. Before you go ahead, think about how you will feel having the grave in the garden. Many people simply do not like the idea once the pet is buried or do not want to leave their pet when they move. We are finding that for this reason, more and more people wish for an urn containing their pet’s ashes to be buried so that in the event they do move, the urn can be exhumed and they can take their beloved pet with them.