My family has said goodbye to a lot of pets over the years — most of them buried on the properties we called home.
One time, however, Mum decided to donate her mare's body to veterinary research at a local university.
It's an option Rachel Allavena, a specialist veterinary pathologist at the University of Queensland, advocates for. And not just for horses, but any pet such as cats, dogs, chickens, and even exotic animals.
“Many people don't understand it is an option they have to support veterinary science,” she says.
“All veterinary students need to learn how to do post-mortem examination and autopsies. It's really important for education purposes.”
And although it's common for people to bury their pets in backyards, there are hidden risks many aren't aware of, Professor Allavena says.
We look at what the dangers of a backyard burial are, how to minimise them, and other options for ethically and compassionately managing a pet's remains.
Why burying your pet in the backyard is risky
There are risks that can come with a backyard pet burial. (Stock Adobe)
Burying pets in the backyard is a common way to deal with their remains, but is dangerous to other pets and wildlife, Professor Allavena explains.
“The main thing for people to understand is, if animals are put down at the vet, which is using an overdose of an anaesthetic-like drug, it is really dangerous as it can last for years in the animal's tissues.”
If an animal like a pet dog or a bird of prey was to get access to it, they could “easily get lethally poisoned,” Professor Allavena says.
Pets that die from disease, such as parvovirus, might also pose a risk if accessed by other animals, she says, but with “generally healthy animals in Australia”, it's relatively low.
If burial is your only option, Professor Allavena recommends minimising the danger by digging a hole at least 1 metre deep, and placing the body inside some kind of “coffin”.
“You need a deep burial, and it's not easy to dig a deep hole, even in decent soil — some people might find it difficult to manage.
“A coffin, like a wooden box, may keep other animals from accessing the remains, but it will depend on the size of your pet — it might not be easy to source.”
In some parts of Australia, there may be local council restrictions on pet burial on private property, Professor Allavena says, so it's best to check first.
Pet burials are not allowed on rental properties, or in public spaces such as parks and nature reserves.
“I'm aware of legal cases where the landlords have challenged tenants for burying pets on properties, and requested tenants pay for hazardous waste removal because animals were put down,” Professor Allavena says.
Donating your pet's body to science
The knowledge and samples veterinary pathologists like Professor Allavena get from animal autopsies are used to conduct research to improve understanding of diseases and treatments in both animals and people, she says.
For example, the most common cause of death for pet dogs is cancer. Professor Allavena says dog cancers are similar in appearance, behaviour, treatments, and genetic causes to many human cancers, so researchers can learn a lot from studying an animal that has died from the disease.
She says most schools are interested in all species.
For larger pets that are going to be euthanased, Professor Allavena says some universities can arrange for euthanasia on site as “it's a bit of a logistical challenge” to transport bodies.
To organise a donation, vets can direct you to local options.
“Normally the pet's vet will fill out the paperwork that allows us to do this,” Professor Allavena says.
“We organise everything else”, she says, including collecting the animal's body either from the clinic or your home, if that is where your pet has died.
If you wish for your pet's body to be returned, it can be done so if cremated, which can be organised at your own cost.
“There are lots of companies and options for cremation — people can organise that and we'll coordinate with the company,” Professor Allavena says.
She says although losing a pet can be really hard, donating to science can be one way to create a “meaningful legacy”.
Cremation and mementos
Professional burial or cremation avoids the risks that can come with a backyard pet burial, Professor Allavena says.
RSPCA Queensland's Pets at Rest is one example of a service offering pet cremation and memorial keepsakes, with 100 per cent of the profits going to the charity organisation. Prices can be more affordable than using a commercial service.
Head of retail Dani Radicke says there are various packages available, and all include a scatter tube that the pet's owner can keep with them, or scatter somewhere meaningful.
“We will do the picking up of the [pet's body], either at the house or a vet clinic, and bring them back to Wacol [in Brisbane] where we complete the cremation process.”
Ms Radicke recommends people check in with their local council if they are wishing to scatter ashes in a public space.
Other services for remembering your pet involving their ashes are also available throughout Australia, such as purchasing a legacy tree, and tattoos.
This is general advice only. Please see a professional for advice on your individual circumstances.
