can you bury a pet in your backyard in massachusetts
It poses risks to the community and the environment, and it leaves you vulnerable to a second loss if you move or a natural disaster strikes. Use treats and a gentle voice to lead your dog away from the area. Arkansas does not allow home burial of pets on an owners property. Whats considered an aggressive dog breed? The body must be placed at a depth of at least two feet in heavy soils or three feet in lighter soils. There are pet cemeteries in all 50 of the States and you can always bury your pet there legally. To ensure the safety of your pets resting place, their burial spot should be at least 3-5 feet deep. You can also ask your local humane society. "openingHoursSpecification": [ { Pick out a plot. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Additionally the information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Animal control law and procedure in Massachusetts. They usually have low cost (or no cost) services to dispose of deceased pets. 6. Some pet parents have unearthed their pet before a family moves. How do I stop my dog from being scared of strangers? There are no set pet burial rules, so its best to seek advice from your local veterinarian. [5] This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It's legal to bury your dog in your backyard in most states in the US. You are allowed to bury your pet in your yard in New Hampshire as long as it is at least 75 feet from any water source. Hubert is a true dog lover, and his blog's name is a nod to his loyal and faithful companion, a rescue dog named Bella. Pet cemetery burial or cremation can range from $50-5,000 depending on the location and additional services are chosen. Importing and exporting livestock, MA Dept. Depending on where you live, your city sanitation department may offer dead animal disposal services. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); EmergencyVetsUSA.com is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical advice and should not replace your familyveterinarians advice. Pet burial on your property is allowed in Michigan as long as the site does not interfere with a body of water. . Amazing Animal Rescue of Fall River Kitten With Hazardous Headwear, Here Are 52 More Sleepy SouthCoast Dogs to Brighten Your Day, Dartmouth Donkey Caught Taking a Late-Night Stroll on Fisher Road, Open Letter to Anyone Lighting Fireworks After the Fourth, Marthas Vineyard Beachgoers Warned After Hundreds of Dead Birds Wash Ashore, Warehams New Animal Control Officer Rescues Great Horned Owlet, Massachusetts Has a Lemon Law for Pets, and Heres How It Works, Dartmouth Womans TikTok Epiphany About Dogs Will Blow Your Mind, Rare Brown Pelican Spotted on New Bedford Waterfront. While many towns and cities throughout the commonwealth allow backyard pet burial, its not a hard yes or no across the State of Massachusetts. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". However, many states have rules and regulations that you must follow when burying your pet. "url": "https://emergencyvetsusa.com/", 2013 South Carolina Code of Laws Title 44 - Health CHAPTER 29 - CONTAGIOUS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES SECTION 44-29-30. v. 30 Issue 3Massachusetts family law journal30 (May/June 2012). Why the backyard isn't best. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. "A dangerous weapon is 'any instrument or instrumentality so constructed or so used as to be likely to produce death or great bodily harm.' Your email address will not be published. Ward v. Trefry , 89 mass. Burial. Neighbor law : fences, trees, boundaries & noise, by Emily Doskow, Nolo, 2020. Call before you dig so that you can complete this project safely. #3: Wolves. 5th ed. Burying your pet on your property is allowed as long as the pet does not pose a risk to the surrounding environment or ecosystem. Section 37:15 Trusts for the care of animals. "Woof, woof, we're getting a divorce" : pet custody and the law. "Saturday", Though we often have an idea in mind of what the burial process entails, we will go into each step below. However, some areas have regulations on the depth of burial, the material the pet is buried in and how the site of burial is marked. Here are five reasons the practice is not a great idea: 1. My name is Amber. Your email address will not be published. I am a Licensed Vet Tech with 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine, but I recently took my career online to help spread accurate information on animal care. Most have no problem putting the ashes of your pet in the casket with you. You can also call your veterinarian. I have some anxiety about when that sad moment will strike our family. Use this button to show and access all levels. Ct. 71 (2011) If your pet is not buried deep enough in the ground, you run the risk of their grave being disturbed by other animals or environmental factors. I had an upsetting dream the other nightabout my cat. Pet burial on your property is allowed in Tennessee as long as the pet is buried away from a water source, and buried at least 3 feet underground. Ct. 568 (2016)keeping a canine in a disgusting house and yard is an infringement of g. L. C. 140, u00a7 174e. It is illegal to not pick up your dogs mess from any public place or footpath. "@type": "GeoCoordinates", Summarizes import requirements for dogs, cat, rabbits and birds. Pet burial is allowed in Maryland as long as the pet is buried at least 4 feet underground. How many dogs are you allowed to have in Massachusetts? Most cities in Arizona do not allow home burial of pets on your property, but do allow public pet cemeteries. Ct. 568 (2016)) v. 22 Suffolk Journal of Trial & Appellate Advocacy 402 (2016-2017). #5. I dreamed that he passed away in my arms. The rule of thumb is to have at least 3 feet of dirt covering the top of the body. If I am not at my laptop, or back home visiting family, you can find me somewhere in the world, cuddling every furry friend that I can find! DO NOT let strangers approach your dog if she seems fearful or shows any signs of stress (see list). "Subjecting a dog to cruel conditions suffices to establish a violation" of G. L. c. 140, 174E; outside confinement or confinement in general is not an element required to convict under the statute. If you bury a body on private land, you should draw a map of the property showing the burial ground and file it with the property deed so the location will be clear to others in the future. How many cats can you legally own in Massachusetts? Alabama does allow pet owners to bury their pets in their backyard, as long as they are buried a minimum of 2 feet underground. Continue reading to discover more about the legal aspect of pet backyard burials . Why you shouldn t bury your pet in the backyard abc news how to get rid of dog yard without scooping pawtracks john carver inn spa updated 2023 reviews plymouth ma spring bucket list st edmunds beyond lost puppy that was rescued by a massachusetts family turns out be baby coyote daily mail looking for old growth forests homenewshere com cool and unusual things do dedham atlas obscura dead bird 9 steps with pictures wikihow laws findlaw headstones memorials guide headstonehub friendly vacations new england fall trip raising pets naturally tonya wilhelm hummingbird cottage duxbury united states from us 250 booked 10 ways reduce s pawprint shade green sherry listgarten palo alto what animal is ing my, State By Laws Of Burying Pets In The Backyard, Is It Legal To Bury Pets In The Backyard State By Laws Farewell Pet, Why You Shouldn T Bury Your Pet In The Backyard, Pine Ridge Pet Cemetery Dedham Massachusetts Atlas Obscura, How Deep Should A Pet Grave Be Pets On Mom Com, How Deep Does A Pet Grave Need To Be Plus 10 Tips Farewell, Why You Shouldn T Bury Your Pet In The Backyard Abc News, The Gig House Stowupland Columbine Hall East Anglia Self Catering Holiday Cottage, How To Bury A Dead Bird 9 Steps With Pictures Wikihow, House Sitting In Springfield Massachusetts Us Trustedhousesitters Com, House Sitting In Brockton Massachusetts Us Trustedhousesitters Com, Two 17th Century Headstones Red To Former Glory Local News Gloucestertimes Com, Bury your pet in the backyard dog yard without scooping john carver inn spa updated 2023 spring bucket list st edmunds lost puppy that was rescued by a old growth forests massachusetts cool and unusual things to do dedham how dead bird 9 steps with laws findlaw headstones memorials guide friendly plymouth hummingbird cottage duxbury ma united 10 ways reduce s pawprint what animal is ing my, Your email address will not be published. Siler City, NC 27344, Where and how the animal was buried including depth, soil and temperature conditions, What the animal was buried with whether a blanket, box or bag. How deep should the hole be? Your email address will not be published. Here are some of the dangers your yard may present to animals and how you can reduce their risk. Burying or burning of dead animals and poultry. Losing a furry friend is one of the hardest things we go through as pet owners. Before deciding if you want to bury your pet . Now and again on the off chance that you cover it in the pet graveyard, you could get additional time. You are not allowed to bury your dog in your backyard in some states. In American, for example, if you live in a rural area, the amount of dogs you can own is not restricted. . Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Georgia Backyard Burial Tip: When burying a pet, don't do so in a shallow grave. Summer Itch In Dogs, Why Your Dog Is Itchy In The Summer? Avoid making a casket out of anything plastic or that is sealed in an air-tight way. Most animal clinics work with a local cremation service that can offer you a variety of options, ranging from cedar boxes to urns that hold your pets ashes. Massachusetts. Bladder Cancer In Dogs, When To Euthanize & Say Goodbye, Common Behaviors Of A Female Dog In Heat Our Vet Explains. Can one party get visitation rights? Covers the history ofownership of catsand other pets in Massachusetts. Ryan McVay / Photodisc / Getty Images The state of Utah will allow you to bury your pet in your backyard as long as you're the . The fine for owners of unleashed dogs in public is $100. Pet burial is allowed on your property in Georgia as long as you bury them deep enough to avoid scavengers. Chart of more Massachusetts case law compiled by Michigan State University College. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. You are allowed to bury your pet in your yard in New Mexico as long as you have approval from your homeowner association. It is natural for other animals to dig into the grave if the scent is strong. If you are unable to bury your pet properly due to ground conditions, they recommend following through with cremation. An intimate funeral for your pet can be held in the privacy of your own backyard. It poses risks to the community and the environment, and it leaves you vulnerable to a second loss if you move or a natural disaster strikes. Uniform Magistrate Rules: Rule 5: Petitions for review of dog orders, Mass. While many towns and cities throughout the commonwealth allow backyard pet burial, it's not a hard "yes" or "no" across the State of Massachusetts. Really? Why not bury your pet in your backyard? "Reasonable veterinary costs that are reasonably incurred can be recovered by the owner of an animal injured by a dog even if such costs exceed the market value or replacement cost of the animal. It was recognized by the Legislature on May 14, 1979 as the state dog or dog emblem of the Commonwealth. Pet law and custody : establishing a worthy and equitable jurisprudence for the evolving family, American Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2017. Rep. Nick Collins, a Boston Democrat, sponsored the bill and emphasized Tuesday that it. READ SOMETHING ELSE Contentsshow 1What are the dog laws in Massachusetts? Florida does allow your pet to be buried on your property, but recommends cremation if the pet is contaminated with an infectious disease. In general, most cities or towns will allow pet burial, but it is important to contact the town or city clerk. Animal imports and livestock markets, MA Dept. "@type": "EmergencyService", Please do not include personal or contact information. Animal law, Jonathan S. Rankin, et al., MCLE, 2009. Detailed information on things to consider, appropriate documents, and a sample will provision. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. No Massachusetts municipality may have a breed-discriminatory ordinance. You are allowed to bury your pet on your property in Oregon as long as they are buried at least 3 feet under. This . More: 6 Signs a Dog is Dying of Cancer (Plus Way You Can Help) Is ham toxic to dogs? Burying deep enough - the optimal depth to bury a deceased pet is between 3 to 5 feet. Some states and individual counties have rules about the minimum distance that a burial plot needs to be from bodies of water, electrical lines, other buildings and roads. AAAnimal Control notes that many cities do offer such services and have the resources to properly dispose of the body, which is a particular challenge for pet owners living in cities. . A compilation of laws, regulations, cases and web sources on animal law. App. "When two people, either married or unmarried, break up, who gets to keep the pet(s)? You skipped the table of contents section. Why you shouldn't bury your pet in the backyard? State and local governments have been vigorous at restricting ownership of this dog with breed-specific legislation. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Yes, a buried dog does smell, but unlike a carcass left above ground, a buried dog does not smell all over the place. Be sure to have at least two feet of soil on top of the body. ). Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Most state burial laws will give you an idea of how deep you must go. Yes, you can, if your local authorities allow it. While these are the burial rules we have collected, its important to check the burial laws for your individual city to be sure. The authors, editors, producers or sponsors shall have no liability, obligation, or responsibility to any person or entity for any loss, damage or adverse consequences alleged to have happened directly or indirectly as a result of material on this site. Harris, Susan. In fact, I wasn't even sure if it was legal. V. J. You may or may not be allowed to bury your pet on your own property. Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 140, Sections 136A - 174E, cover the majority of authorities and responsibilities associated with the performance of the animal control officer (ACO) position.". Rep. Nick Collins, a Boston Democrat, sponsored the bill and emphasized Tuesday that it wouldnt force cemeteries to allow pets, only make the option legal. If the dogs have puppies, the puppies may stay with the mothers for six (6) months. [4] This law also only allows the burial of cremated pets on cemetery grounds. The answer to the question of if you can bury your pet in your backyard is yes, most cities only require property owners to bury that remains of their animals at least three to four feet in the ground but you should still verify with your city or county first before attempting to bury the remains of your pet. Section 53.18.50 Animal cruelty; Section 59.159 Dog bite-Child under seven. Another factor to consider is how deep your furry friend will need to be buried. Lists commonsense steps to take to keep your dog from biting, and to avoid trouble if he does. Some pet owners may choose to bury their furry friend in a wooden or cardboard casket, while others may simply lay the body directly in the hole wrapped up in a blanket. You should bury your pet within 24 - 48 hours of their passing to keep their body from decomposing. In the UK, you are legally able to bury your pet in the grounds of the home where they lived without the need for permission or planning consent. As for a backyard burial, many people still do this, but it may be against the laws in certain areas, so check with your State and local laws first. 385 (2017)A juvenile cannot be indicted as a youthful offender based on charges of cruelty to animals and bestiality, "given that the language in G. L. c. 119, 54, the youthful offender statute, allowing a juvenile to be tried as a youthful offender for an offense involving the infliction of "serious bodily harm," does not apply to animal as well as human victims. exposing a canine to horrible circumstances does the trick to lay out an infringement of g. L. C. 140, u00a7 174e; outside constrainment or control overall isnt a component expected to convict under the resolution. "name": "Emergency Vets USA", It takes an average of 6 months to 18 years for a buried dog to decompose fully. Rabies protocols and regulations, MA Dept. If you do not want to bury your pet in your backyard, you can always bury your pet in a local pet cemetery. Please report this crime here. 573 (2008)Presence of pitbull alone is insufficient for no-knock warrant. Pet burial is not allowed in some counties of Wisconsin, so its best to seek advice from your local veterinarian on your citys rules. Burying your pet in Idaho is allowed as long as they are buried a minimum of 3 feet underground. Cremating a pet is more costly than burying a pet in your backyard. Pet custody, Trial Court Law Libraries, February 2016. 2d ed. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Note that sugar gliders are legal in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts. , Rev. I honestly wasn't sure I'd be able to handle doing this myself, from an emotional perspective, but I decided that I owed it to my cat. Irwin v. Degtiarov, 85 Mass. Pet burial on your property is allowed in South Carolina as long as the pet is buried at least 1 foot underground. There are no set regulations on pet burial in Rhode Island, so its best to seek advice from your local veterinarian. Your dog should be buried in something that is breathable and biodegradable like a towel, blanket, wooden, wicker or cardboard coffin. "paymentAccepted": [ "credit card" ], 10 Recent Major Food Recalls, Beware: A New Deadly Insect is in Massachusetts and Can Cause Serious Illness, Some Of The Weirdest ACTUAL Laws In The Country, Including Massachusetts, The #1 Most Common Fast Food Chain in Massachusetts is NOT McDonalds, 5 Cities and Towns in Massachusetts With the Absolute Strangest Names, This Massachusetts Street Made List of the Most Beautiful in The World. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In America, it all depends on where you bury the pet. There are no state laws involving burying pets on private land in New York, so its recommended to speak with your veterinarian about your citys rules. The speed at which a dog decomposes depends on how deep you buried him, the climate, and if his body is enclosed or exposed. There are legal realities you should consider following the death of your beloved pet dog, cat, bird, snake, gerbil, hamster, or any other furry, finned, or feathered non-human companion. You can say a doggy prayer or add flowers atop your dog's remains before you fill the hole, or you can immediately begin burial. . 2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes 106-403. Can You Bury A Pet In Your Backyard? Unfortunately, it can be dangerous for other pets and wildlife. Pet burial is allowed in Indiana as long as the pet is buried at least 4 feet deep underground. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Too shallow a grave will allow animals to dig up the remains. It poses risks to the community and the environment, and it leaves you vulnerable to a second loss if you move or a natural disaster strikes. What dog is most likely to turn on its owner? Keep in mind that some of these options will come with a price tag. Backyard burial allows us to bury our pet's body close to home, where loved ones and we can still see them. All owners or custodians of animals which die or are killed in their possession or custody, other than such as are slaughtered for food, within 24 hours shall cause the bodies of such animals to be burned or buried at least two feet below the surface of the ground. Loren is online now Continue Share this conversation See more Related Legal Questions I let my dog into my fenced backyard and my neighbors When you have ascertained that it is legal to bury your dog in your backyard according to your local and state laws, it's time for you to prepare yourself with the necessary supplies.. If you believe that once a pet has passed away the body is just a shell, you can call your local animal control. App. Contact your local Board of Health, or find your town's rules at, Leash laws vary from town to town. Some pets live just as well as their human counterparts. Do not bury a cat near a stream, creek or dam as contaminated soil can leach into the water. There are some unusual animals that you can own as a pet, but only if you first obtain a permit. It only takes a shovel, cloth and/or biodegradable pet casket. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Dog bites and other injuries, Nolo.com. $30 for an intact male or female. of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health, 2022. Also, the remains do not get picked up by flies, birds, and animals. Helping your clients provide for pets in estate plans, Mass. When we say goodbye to our pets, we can become overwhelmed on what to do next. "The body of any animal or fowl dead of any disease, or killed on account of a diseased . Animals and Animal Diseases; Rendering. Required fields are marked *. This is up to each funeral directory as what they will allow you to put into the coffin with your loved one. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Despite the fact that the Federal Animal Welfare Act classifies wolf dogs as domestic animals, in some states, such as Massachusetts, Georgia, Wyoming, and Illinois, all wolf dogs are banned. App. However, you must still check with your local veterinarian and homeowners association for the specific laws and regulations you have to comply with when burying your dog on your property. Your vet should then be able to organise the collection and subsequent burial or cremation, according to your preference. Provides answers to questions on animals and pets. When he's not writing or caring for Bella, Hubert can often be found hiking in the nearby forests or spending time at the beach. Animal Fund, Mass. They can only be buried in the grounds of the house in which they lived and you must own, not rent, the land. It appears if the dog is deceased due to disease (you said liver problems and I don't know if that was due to some disease or not) you cannot bury it within the City limits: City of Harrisburg, PA. Chapter 6-315.2. ], Burying your pet on your property is legal in Mississippi as long as the pet is buried at least 2 feet underground. According to mass.gov, the decision to legally bury your pet in your backyard is up to the individual town or city. While the average cremation cost will range from $75-$200, your local veterinarian can discuss your options in detail. "Monday", Required fields are marked *. Burying your pet in your backyard is legal in Oklahoma as long as the pet is buried at least 3 feet underground. UPDATE! How long does it take for a buried dog to decompose? Though we tend to just think about the process of saying goodbye, there are some other decisions to consider as well. "You're not allowed to bury a pet on your property without permission from the New Bedford Board of Health," Maciel says. Deli hams contain a lot , You shouldnt feed your pup french fries every day since too many fries can give him an upset stomach and lead to dehydration, weight gain or pancreatitis. MGL c.131A, 1-7 MA Endangered Species Act, MGL c.90, 22H Safe transportation of animals. Required fields are marked *. Pet burial is legal in Minnesota as long as the pet is buried sufficiently and away from any body of water. While burying your dog in your backyard is a wonderful way to keep them close, there are other alternatives that we often forget about. Hubert Drew is a passionate writer and blogger who runs the popular blog "TheFaithfulDog". Animal law in a nutshell, 3rd ed., West Academic Publishing, 2021. city and town ordinances and bylaws, Importing animals from out of state for shelter or adoption, Animal laws and regulations in Massachusetts, Flying with pets and service animals: the not-so-friendly skies, Helping your clients provide for pets in estate plans, Orders concerning domesticated animals in conjunction with restraining orders, Table of state laws concerning minimum age for sale of puppies, Suffolk Journal of Trial & Appellate Advocacy, vol. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you have a specific question, please contact our law librarians for assistance. If your dog is 6 months or older, you need to get them a rabies vaccine and a license. More Massachusetts Case Law The reason for these laws in urban areas, is to control nuisances that can be caused in smaller and closer spaces. There are also laws regarding where you can bury a body. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas With Dogs And Cats, How To Landscape A Small Backyard For Privacy Fences, How To Landscape A Small Backyard For Privacy Fence Ideas, Fill Dirt To Level Backyard In Ohio State, How To Add Shade Backyard Designer Screen, How To Add Shade Backyard Design A Colorful, Why Is It Illegal To Bury Your Pet In Backyard, Can You Bury Your Dead Dog In The Backyard, Can You Bury Your Dog In The Backyard Qld, Is It Illegal To Bury A Dog In Your Backyard Ohio, Is It Illegal To Bury Your Dog In Backyard Michigan, Is It Illegal To Bury Your Dead Dog In Backyard. Application. The best way to bury a dead rabbit in the yard is to place it in a plastic bag and tie it tightly closed. Your email address will not be published. There are four known methods that you can make use of namely landfills, composting, burial, and burning. 6.16.040 Duty of owner or occupant of land to remove dead animal. Once your pet is buried in a pet cemetery, you are allowed to visit your pet as often as you would like. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Small animals like a pig or a rat take a few days. 12 (Motor vehicle law and practice : with forms), vol. of Agricultural Resources ", Nutt v. Florio, 75 Mass.App.Ct. However, many states have rules and regulations that you must follow when burying your pet. "postalCode": "33607" Can you have a racoon as a pet in Massachusetts? "address": { Animals may be deemed to be hazardous to human health if they have been treated with chemo or received controlled drugs prior to their death. Whether youre licensing a new dog or renewing an old license, you can complete the application online. Backyard Burial Tip: When burying a pet, dont do so in a shallow grave. Anyone housing more than three (3) adult dogs would need to apply for a kennel license in the Town Clerks office. Chapter 22 Animal protection & safe transport. Some parts of Wyoming require approval before burying a pet on your property, so its best to contact your local veterinarian for further advice. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Avoid making a casket out of anything plastic or that is sealed in an air-tight way. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Hogs dying from cholera or any other disease whatsoever shall be burned. Importing and exporting pets, MA Dept. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Halfway through refilling, you may want to spread a thin layer of kitty litter to block any decomposition odors that will attract the attention of other animals. Berkshires, Be Careful What You Eat! Discusses Rabies vaccination and quarantine protocols and regulations for animal bites. Pawprints are another way to keep your pets memory alive without having your pet buried in your backyard. However, if you live in a city, there is a general rule of two to three dogs allowed per household. There are also in depth rules in terms of burial regulations, so its best to speak with your vet about these specific rules if you live in Colorado. "While the defendants may not be held strictly liable by virtue of Tiny's breed, knowledge of that breed and its propensities may properly be a factor to be considered in determining whether the defendants were negligent under common-law principles.". Potential Resurfacing by Animals If you bury your pet in your backyard, other neighborhood pets or wild animals may dig them up. city and town ordinances and bylaws Cock fighting and dog fighting MGL c.272, 88 Complaints, warrants, searches, and arrests Disclaimer: We try to provide the most accurate and factual information on state burial laws. [6] Try calling your vet to see if she knows the local law. Shovel. These include whether it's legal to bury a dead pet in your backyard or on some other property you legally own. Some states, like New York, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington, don't have any specific rule on pet burial. Besides, there are very specific state and local regulations that you must follow and failure to do so could bring forth legal ramifications.