Recently, my coworker’s cat passed away. And while she was fortunate that her kitty died peacefully in her home, she quickly realized she was unaware of BC’s pet burial and cremation rules and restrictions – were there any?
It’s important to know that BC’s cemetery and funeral services laws (enforced by us), speak to human, not animal, remains. While Consumer Protection BC doesn’t have oversight over the pet cremations or burials, we always want to equip consumers with helpful information! Here are a couple of things that we learned through our research into this subject:
What should I know before selecting a cremation option for my pet?
At a time of grief, it can be difficult to make a decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: are you being offered a communal or private cremation, and what are the costs for each? How much does the memorial urn cost, if applicable, and can you bring your own? Or are there other options?
Are there laws that speak to pet cemeteries?
The cemetery and funeral services laws we oversee speak to human, not animal remains, and we are unaware of any laws that speak specifically to the protection of pet cemeteries within BC. If you’re planning to lay your pet to rest in a designated pet cemetery, it’s important to understand what the contract says about the site’s perpetuity or longevity. Can the property be used for other purposes under certain circumstances, or will it be protected forever?
Can I bury my pet in my backyard?
It appears that the answer to this question may depend on your specific municipality, as rules seem to vary from region to region. Call your City Hall, local humane society or your local animal control office to check.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Renting with pets in BC: what are the rules?
Travelling with your furry friend
Are there any restrictions on interring pet cremains with its human owner’s cremains.
Hi Lyndall, it’s our understanding that once the cremation process is complete, the law is silent. It’s up to the human’s wishes on what happens to the cremains. I hope this information helps, Lyndall.
do you know if kelowna has any bylaws about pets buried on homeowners property or there cremains being buried or put with their moms and dads when they pass on i have looked all over and cannot seem to find any specifics although it does say to check city bylaws
Hi Cheryl, thank you for your question. The best way to confirm this would be to contact the city or the municipality office directly. It’s my understanding that the pet burial bylaws vary depending on where you reside.
Where can I bury my dog in Vancouver? Is there a cemetery?
Hi Amir, thank you for asking a question here. As the post suggests, there are no laws about pet cemeteries in BC so we would not be able to offer any additional information. Having said that, a quick search on the Better Business Bureau Mainland BC site comes back with a few businesses related to pet memorial services so you may want to take a look there. Reviews may be helpful for you too. Here’s the link.
I am trying to stop the Surrey Pet Cemetery from being demolished to make way for 3 single family homes. I did speak to someone at your business and I am afraid I was misinformed and am quite upset about this. It made us look like we hadn’t been doing our homework. I would appreciate it if someone could please contact me via email or phone so we can straighten this out. We are in a battle with the city and we really do not need any more information that is not 100% correct given to us. I even asked the woman on the line “are you sure because this is not what I have heard from others.” She said that is was very much sure that I was given the correct answer. I need to know what the correct answer is. Please email me @ kristin@kittykompany.com
Hi Kristin, thank you for reaching out to us here. I have forwarded your message to our inquiry team so someone will reach out to you by email.