Burial

It is not against any City of Calgary by-law to bury a pet within city limits. However, there are several conditions that must be met and there is no way to ensure the site will remain undisturbed.

Calgary Health Services states: "The burial of pet remains must not create, commit or maintain a condition that is or might become injurious or dangerous to public health or that might hinder in any manner the prevention or suppression of disease." {Section 2(1), Public Health Act Nuisance and general Sanitation Regulation (AR 242/85)} Therefore, if a pet owner chooses to bury a pet on their property, measures must be implemented to ensure that a health hazard does not exist.

Although the proper burial of a small pet will not likely result in health concerns, it is recommended that the remains of larger pets be managed by an appropriate professional. It is also not acceptable to bury any animal in rural areas without the permission of the property owner.

While the burial of small pets, such as hamsters or birds, will pose no health problems, proper burial of cats and dogs is next to impossible. The grave site must be at least one meter deep to ensure the body will not be dug up by other animals. The body should be encased in a wooden or metal box to ensure the remains will not be otherwise disturbed.

Proper burial is still a viable option. There is a pet cemetary near Calgary where you can lay your pet to rest, knowing that the land will always be designated as a pet cemetary. Cost of burial varies according to plot size, casket selection, marker selection, etc. When possible, it is best if you can visit the cemetary and make burial or funeral arrangements in advance.