What the rules say
Victoria has no state-wide law stopping you burying your pet on your own property. Councils generally tell residents to bury on their own land or contact a vet, and some say clearly that they do not collect dead animals from private property. Rules can differ by council, so check your council's local laws if you are unsure.
How to bury your pet with care
- Choose a spot away from water tanks, creeks, pipes, cables and vegetable gardens.
- Dig deep enough to allow at least one metre of soil over your pet.
- Wrap your pet in a natural material, such as a cotton sheet or a blanket. Avoid plastic.
- Mark the place with a stone or plant so it isn't disturbed.
Things to think about first
- Renting or strata? You need the owner's permission.
- Moving house? A backyard grave stays with the property. Many families find leaving it behind is the hardest part.
- Clay or rock? Digging a deep enough grave by hand can be very hard, especially on a difficult day.
When a pet cemetery is the better choice
A plot at Pets E. Ternal is a place that stays your pet's, however many times you move. We look after the grounds, and you can visit whenever you like. Read about pet burial with us, or if your pet has just died, see what to do next.
Sources: City of Kingston, large dead animals. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
