A Compassionate Guide to Pet Burial

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments any family can face. At Highlands Veterinary Hospital in Braemar, we understand how deeply you love your pets — they’re part of your family. When a pet passes away, choosing the right aftercare option can feel overwhelming. While pet burial is permitted in many parts of the Southern Highlands, it’s important to consider safety, environmental impact, and legal requirements.

In this guide, we explain the key considerations for burying a pet, why pet cremation may be the safer choice, and how to proceed with burial responsibly if that’s what you choose.

Should I Bury or Cremate My Pet?

One of the most important factors in pet burial is the use of pentobarbitone, the medication used during pet euthanasia. This chemical can remain active in the soil for years and may contaminate nearby water, gardens, or grasses. More seriously, if other animals dig up the remains, the pentobarbitone can be fatal to wildlife or pets.

For these reasons, we often recommend pet cremation services, which are both safe and environmentally responsible. Cremation also provides the opportunity to keep your pet’s ashes in a memorial urn or scatter them in a meaningful location.

If you are unsure which option is right for you, please don’t hesitate to call our friendly team on (02) 4871 1444. We're here to support you with compassion and care.

How to Bury a Pet Responsibly

If you choose to bury your pet at home, you must follow local council and NSW State Government regulations. If you rent your property, written approval from your landlord is required.

To protect human health, animal welfare, and the environment, please follow these guidelines:

1. Choose a Safe Location

• Burial must take place on your own private property.

• Do not bury your pet in public parks, nature reserves, or rental properties without permission.

• The burial site should be at least:

  • 60 metres from any watercourse (e.g., streams, lakes, open drains)

  • 150 metres from any well or bore used for drinking water

• Avoid sandy, flood-prone, or rocky soil, and steer clear of areas close to building foundations.

2. Prepare the Grave Properly

• Dig a hole deep enough to ensure the top of the body is covered by at least 75cm (750mm) of soil.

• If this depth isn’t possible, use heavy rocks or mesh to prevent animals from digging.

• Place agricultural lime at the base of the hole and over the body to assist with decomposition and odour control.

3. Refill and Mark the Site

• Compress the earth firmly and level the site.

• Consider planting a tree or placing a pet memorial stone as a tribute.

• If you plan to sell the property in the future, it's considerate to inform buyers of the burial site.

When Burial Is Not Recommended

• Pets euthanised with pentobarbitone pose a serious risk to scavenging animals.

• Pets who died of a contagious disease should not be buried.

• If there’s any risk of groundwater contamination or flooding, cremation is the safest option.

Pet Cremation Services Available

At Highlands Veterinary Hospital, we offer caring and respectful access to pet cremation services in the Southern Highlands, with a variety of urns and memorial keepsakes available. This option gives many families peace of mind while still honouring their pet's memory in a meaningful way.

Our Heartfelt Condolences

We know how much your pet meant to you. Please accept our sincere sympathies during this incredibly difficult time. Whether you choose cremation or burial, our team at Highlands Veterinary Hospital is here to support you every step of the way.

If you have questions or need help planning your pet’s aftercare, please call us on (02) 4871 1444 or visit our clinic in Braemar, Southern Highlands NSW.