Your pet in your heart – pet burial in your own garden

Forever at home: Bury your beloved pet in your own garden

When the moment comes to say goodbye to our most loyal friend, for many, our world collapses. Our pet was so much more than "just an animal"—it was a comforter, a loyal companion, an indispensable family member who filled our lives with unconditional love. The emptiness it leaves behind is painful, and the desire for a dignified farewell, a very personal place of remembrance, is often deep.

For more and more animal lovers , burial in their own garden is the most intimate and comforting way to say goodbye. The idea of ​​knowing your beloved four-legged friend will always be nearby, where they spent so many happy hours, provides immense comfort. But is this heartfelt wish even permitted in Germany? And what do you need to consider to give your beloved pet a final, peaceful place in your personal realm?

We at Jeske Design will accompany you through this difficult time with empathy and the necessary information so that you can create a farewell that does justice to your special bond.

The good news: Yes, saying goodbye at home is possible!

There is widespread concern about whether pet burial in one's own garden is even permitted. The good news: Yes – under clear conditions, it is permitted in Germany to bury one's pet on one's own property. The legal basis for this is the Animal By-Products Disposal Act (TierNebG) . While this name sounds very technical, its meaning is essential: It serves to protect the environment, public health, and wildlife.

Those who fail to comply with the regulations not only risk the animal's peace of mind, but also face hefty fines of up to €15,000. Therefore, the following applies: First, get informed, then act with heart and understanding.

Your final service: Important requirements for garden burial in Germany

To ensure your beloved pet can find its final, peaceful resting place in your garden, the following essential conditions apply in Germany. Please note that this is a general overview and local regulations may vary:

Ownership and consent: You must either own the property or, if you rent, obtain written consent from the landlord or property owner. This is an important legal step to avoid any problems later.

Animal species and weight: The burial of pets that are not subject to disease control is permitted. These are usually small animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. Larger animals such as horses or cattle are not subject to this regulation and must be buried elsewhere.

Health status: The animal must not have died from a notifiable disease (such as rabies or anthrax). Your veterinarian will provide immediate reassurance and confirmation, which can be important.

Location of the grave:

The grave must not be located in a water protection area in order to protect the groundwater.

It must maintain a minimum distance of at least two meters from public paths, streets, and neighboring boundaries. This serves to respect others and avoid conflict.

Burial depth: The burial should be deep enough so that the animal is covered with at least 50 centimeters of soil . This not only protects the environment but also prevents wildlife from being attracted and disturbing the resting place.

Degradable material: Your loved one should only be buried in materials that are completely biodegradable. A soft natural fiber blanket, a simple cotton cloth, or untreated cardboard are ideal. Plastic, synthetic materials, or non-degradable containers are strictly prohibited.

A call for more safety: Check local regulations

Before you perform this final act of love, a quick call to your local municipal administration or public order office is invaluable. Some cities and municipalities have additional local regulations, for example, regarding maximum animal size, exact grave design, or other distancing requirements. It's better to ask too many questions than to be confronted with unintended problems or even fines later.

A place of remembrance, an anchor for the soul

Once the legal aspects have been resolved, the space opens for the essential: creating a personal memorial site . A simple stone, a lovingly engraved slate plaque, or a personalized natural stone boulder with your loved one's name and a moving saying – it often doesn't take much to create a quiet, sacred place of remembrance. This space will become an anchor for your grief, a place where you can visit your loved one in peace and be close to them.

At Jeske Design, we understand the deep emotional significance of this place. That's why you'll find many handcrafted, natural memorial pieces in our shop that will honor your pet. Each piece is created with passion and the utmost care – for people who will forever hold their pet in their hearts.

Farewell culture in Europe: A look beyond the borders

The love for pets and the desire for a dignified farewell are deeply rooted throughout Europe, but laws and customs can vary:

Austria: Similar to Germany , pet burial in one's own garden is permitted under certain conditions. Here, too, property ownership, the type of animal, and the depth of the grave all play a role.

Switzerland: Switzerland is also liberal regarding the burial of small animals in one's own garden, as long as hygiene regulations are observed and the area is not a water protection area.

Great Britain: Garden burials are widespread here and relatively straightforward, as long as you own the land and the grave is deep enough. There are less strict regulations than in Germany.

France: In France, the burial of pets in one's own garden is also permitted, provided certain conditions are met, which relate to the size of the animal, the depth of the grave and the distances.

Scandinavia: Countries such as Sweden and Denmark also allow burial in one's own garden, often with similar requirements regarding depth and location.

It appears that the desire for a burial at home is a widespread practice, but it must always respect local legal regulations.

A loving farewell, forever home

Burying your beloved pet in your own garden offers you an intimate, personal setting to say goodbye—and to be close to your beloved pet later in quiet moments. It's an act of deep love and appreciation. By observing the relevant regulations and informing yourself in advance, you'll create an invaluable place of remembrance that celebrates the everlasting bond.

If you have any questions or are looking for a personalized memorial plaque, memorial stone , or tombstone for your pet , we are happy to assist you with our expertise and dedication.