If you plan to bury your dog at home, check local regulations first. Some cities and HOAs have strict rules about depth, distance from water sources, and burial permits. Ignoring this could mean a stressful digging-up later.
Cremation is the most common option today. You can choose private cremation (you get the ashes back) or communal cremation (ashes aren’t returned). Prices range from $150 to $500, depending on your location.
A newer trend: aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, which uses water instead of fire. It’s eco-friendly and increasingly available in urban areas. Your vet can recommend a provider.
Fun fact: The first pet crematory in the U.S. opened in 1915 in Hartsdale, New York. Today, that same cemetery has a memorial wall for dogs that includes a tiny statue of a fire hydrant.
