Can you bury your pet in your yard in Arkansas? The honest answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. The state rule that spells out burial depth and water setbacks for dead animals specifically excludes dogs and cats from its coverage, which means pet owners are left piecing together the real rules from county health codes, city ordinances, and plain environmental common sense.
You are not alone if you have searched for a clear answer and found conflicting blog posts claiming Arkansas bans backyard pet burial entirely. Below, you will find what the actual Arkansas regulations say, how deep and how far from water you should dig, who enforces the rules where you live, and what to do if burial on your property is not an option.
Is It Legal to Bury a Pet in Your Backyard in Arkansas
Arkansas does not have a single statewide statute that either grants or bans backyard burial of a dog or cat on private property. The state’s primary animal-carcass disposal rule, issued by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, governs large animal carcasses, and its own title specifies that it excludes dogs and cats. That rule was written for cattle, horses, and other livestock, not for household pets.
Separately, legal guidance on Arkansas pet burial notes that state law does not specifically regulate pet burial locations but prohibits burying animals on public or state land unless designated, while private property burial is generally allowed provided it complies with local health and environmental regulations. In practice, that means your county or city government, not the state legislature, sets the specific rules you need to follow…