Can You Legally Bury Your Dead Pet In The Backyard in Illinois?

It's unfortunate when a family pet crosses the rainbow bridge. Not only is it sad but it can create a void in daily life. Whether or not the animal has lived a long life or their death was somewhat expected it's never easy. After all, for the majority of pet owners, the animal is a member of the family.

When the time comes to say goodbye to a pet there has to be the thought process of what to do with their remains. You may not want to think about it but that is the reality of owning a pet.

A Pet Cemetary

The average cost of having a small animal (like an average cat) buried in a pet cemetery is around $120. This covers the cost of the lot and the casket. For a dog weighing over 50 pounds, it will be higher at around $1,000. The prices obviously vary and also depend on the type of casket, grave marking, etc., according to PetInsurance.com.

Pet Cremation

A growing trend is having your beloved pet cremated. Pet cremation all depends on the size of your pet. The cost can range from as little as $30 to $250+, PerfectMemorials.com. Many families still choose to bury their deceased pets in the backyard. There are some important tips to remember should you choose to bury your pet yourself.

Something to remember when burying your pet in your yard is to make sure the grave is not shallow and the pet should be placed in a biodegradable container, according to Let Your Love Grow.

Be sure to have at least two feet of soil on top of the body. You want the grave deep enough so that other animals cannot smell the pet’s scent. It is natural for other animals to dig into the grave if the scent is strong.

Can you legally bury your dead pet in your backyard in Illinois?

In Illinois, you may bury your pet in the ground as long as you own the property. The pet must be at least 6 inches under compounded dirt. It also must be no less than 200 feet from a stream, private potable water supply well, or any other potable water supply source.

You must also not bury the animal less than 400 feet from a water supply. The pet also must not be buried less than 200 feet from any property you do not own. County, local, and community rules may very.

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