Can you bury your pet in your backyard? Here’s what California law says

Angela Rodriguez
·2 min read
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It is not legal to bury a loved one in your own backyard in the state of California — that is, your human loved ones.

But what if your beloved friend had a little more hair and a few extra legs? Is it legal then?

In case you’re considering a home burial for a recently deceased pet, here are several things you should consider about California’s laws and regulations.

California law on pet burial

In California, there are no state laws that say pet owners have to dispose of their deceased animals in a humane manner, according to The Pet Memorial.

However, local governments have their own ordinances regarding pet burials.

Those considering a home burial should make sure to know if there are any restrictions on how to bury your pet beforehand.

In the county of Sacramento, for example, you can bury your animal in your backyard, but it is not recommended, according to the Sacramento County website.

Luna Anona, spokesperson for Sacramento County, said there is no official local ordinance regarding pet burials in the county.

“We typically recommend that deceased pets weighing more than 15 pounds be taken to veterinary clinics or pet cemeteries,” Anona said. “Alternatively, they can be taken to Kiefer Landfill.”

Here are the policies regarding animal disposal, according to the county’s solid waste acceptance policy:

  • Household domestic pets may be disposed in the general waste stream

  • Dead farm (or other very large) animals or multiple animals are acceptable for disposal at Kiefer Landfill on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

According to the county’s website, buried animals can pose biological contamination due to decaying. This causes risks to nearby water systems. It can also harm humans and animals who may come into contact with the carcass.

State law about animal disposal pertains to agricultural settings. In situations of emergency where someone has to dispose of an animal — such as on a farm or ranch — the California Environmental Agency’s website states the following disposal options should occur, whichever is more accessible:

  • Storage and transportation for rendering

  • Taking the animal to a permitted landfill

  • On-site burial

  • On-site composting

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