The loss of a pet is an emotionally challenging time, and deciding how to appropriately handle their remains is an important part of the grieving process. In Virginia, the state laws offer various options for pet owners, providing some flexibility while ensuring public health and safety.
Virginia’s Stance on Pet Burials
Virginia law mandates that animal owners must appropriately dispose of their pets’ bodies upon death. This can include either cremation or burial. Interestingly, the state does not impose specific regulations regarding the burial depth or the location of the gravesite, unlike some other states. This flexibility allows pet owners to choose a method of disposal that best suits their emotional needs and practical considerations.
Pet Cemeteries and Perpetual Care Trusts
For those considering a pet cemetery, Virginia has specific guidelines. Landowners who wish to use their land as a pet cemetery must file a land use declaration with the nearest circuit court. Additionally, pet cemetery operators cannot advertise their property as a perpetual-care resting place unless they set aside a minimum of $12,000 in an irrevocable trust for the cemetery’s upkeep.