Since 2016, burying an animal in your garden has been a prohibited practice in France. But there is an alternative that allows you to do it differently.
The loss of an animal is a particularly painful ordeal, and for good reason: according to a survey, 85.5% of those questioned* consider their pet to be a full member of the family. After having shared 10 to 15 years of our lives, owners of dogs or cats, or even a hamster or any other ball of fur… consider a place of rest worthy of their love. And when this dreaded moment arrives, many people want to keep them close to them, by burying them in their garden. But since January 1, 2016, this practice is no longer authorized in France.
Indeed, article L226-4 of the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code, which until then authorized “the burying of the corpses of pets and wild game by-products” has been definitively repealed. According to the old standards, it was in fact possible to bury animals weighing less than 40 kilos by burying them at a depth of 1m20, covering them with quicklime, and respecting a minimum distance from homes, explains Hélène Gateau, veterinarian.
This practice has become prohibited to respect health standards. Indeed, as it decomposes, the organic matter that makes up a remains can infiltrate through rainwater into the earth and then its journey to groundwater or sources of drinking water can contaminate the latter. So, how can we say goodbye to our four-legged friend with dignity?
Esthima, specializing in animal funeral directors, points out that other solutions allow owners to organize dignified remains for their animal. Also, if they want to keep the soul of their companion with them, in the garden of their house, the only way to do so legally is to go through a cremation service and bury their ashes.
They can also be scattered or kept in an urn at home as a precious souvenir of this unforgettable partner. Finally, be aware that there are also, in certain towns in France, cemeteries for animals…
*Survey carried out for Esthima in partnership with Woopets on 12,645 people in 2024.