***The information below is not legal advice. If you have questions about local and federal law, please speak to your attorney.

Common pet euthanasia drugs carry a federal label stating they “are toxic to wildlife. Birds and mammals feeding on treated animals may be killed. Euthanized animals must be properly disposed of by deep burial, incineration, or other method in compliance with State and local laws, to prevent consumption of carcass material by scavenging wildlife.”

This means there can be federal penalties associated with wildlife deaths caused by consumption of improperly buried euthanized pets. These penalties can be substantial if an endangered species is involved.

Virginia laws do not specify a depth for burial, however the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) recommends that pets be buried 3-5 feet deep. “This depth allows for microbes to reduce the body while being deep enough to prevent most wildlife from reaching it. Additional cover like stone slabs are always helpful.”

Please avoid utilities and tree roots. Find out what is underground ahead of time before you dig. Damaging tree roots while digging can kill trees.

Avoid flood planes. Look for level or slightly elevated areas for a burial sight.

Additionally, you must own the land or have clear permission for pet burial.

To read more about home burial, please visit the CAETA blog entry A Pet’s Home Burial.

If you have questions about aftercare alternatives to home burial, please call or text Yonder Care at (540) 999-6626 or email at info@yonder.care