Burying a pet at home is one of the oldest forms of honoring an animal. For many owners it is the right choice — it keeps their pet close, in a place they knew and loved. In most of the United States it is legal. But the rules around depth, proximity to water, and local ordinances vary enough that it is worth checking before you proceed.

The quick answer: home burial is generally permitted in rural and suburban areas, is generally not permitted within city limits or in HOA communities, and requires a minimum burial depth of two to three feet in most states.

The general rules that apply almost everywhere

Regardless of state, a few principles apply broadly. The burial site must be a reasonable distance from any water source — wells, streams, rivers, and drainage areas. Most guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 feet. The burial must be deep enough to prevent scavenging — two feet is a common minimum, three feet is safer and more widely recommended. The body should not be placed in a plastic bag or sealed container. And the burial should take place within 24 to 48 hours of death.

When home burial is not an option

If you live within city or town limits, home burial is often restricted or prohibited by local ordinance regardless of state law. HOA communities frequently prohibit it as well. Renters almost always need landlord permission. If you are in any of these situations, cremation is the most accessible alternative.

State by state reference

This reference covers state-level regulations as of 2025. Local ordinances may be more restrictive. Always check with your municipality before proceeding.

State
Key rules and notes
Alabama
Generally permitted. Minimum 2 ft depth. Check county regulations in urban areas.
Alaska
Generally permitted on private property. No specific state depth requirement — 3 ft recommended.
Arizona
Permitted on private property outside municipal limits. Minimum 2 ft depth. Arid conditions mean decomposition is slower — deeper is better.
Arkansas
Generally permitted. Minimum 2 ft depth, 150 ft from water sources.
California
Regulated by county. Many urban counties prohibit home burial. Check with your county agricultural commissioner. Minimum 3 ft depth where permitted.
Colorado
Permitted on private property. 3 ft depth recommended. Check local ordinances in Front Range communities.
Connecticut
Permitted on private property. Minimum 3 ft depth. Must be 200 ft from any water source. Local ordinances vary.
Delaware
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Check county regulations.
Florida
Regulated by county. High water table in many areas makes home burial impractical and sometimes restricted. Many Florida residents use cremation for this reason.
Georgia
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth, 300 ft from water. Check local ordinances in metro Atlanta.
Idaho
Generally permitted. 3 ft depth recommended. Check local ordinances.
Illinois
Generally permitted outside city limits. Chicago and most municipalities prohibit home burial. Minimum 2 ft depth where permitted.
Indiana
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Check local ordinances in urban counties.
Iowa
Generally permitted. Minimum 2 ft depth, well away from any water source.
Kansas
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Rural areas typically have no restrictions.
Kentucky
Generally permitted. Minimum 2 ft depth. Keep 150 ft from water sources.
Louisiana
High water table in many parishes makes home burial difficult. Check parish regulations.
Maine
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 3 ft depth. Keep 100 ft from any well or water source.
Maryland
Generally permitted outside municipal limits. Baltimore City and many suburban counties restrict home burial.
Massachusetts
Regulated by town. Most urban and suburban areas prohibit home burial. Rural towns generally permit it. Check with your town's board of health.
Michigan
Generally permitted on private property outside city limits. Minimum 2 ft depth. Check township ordinances.
Minnesota
Generally permitted. Minimum 3 ft depth. Keep well away from lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Mississippi
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Rural areas typically unrestricted.
Missouri
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. St. Louis City/County and Kansas City have more restrictive local ordinances — check before proceeding in metro areas.
Montana
Generally permitted. 3 ft depth recommended. County regulations vary.
Nebraska
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Rural areas typically unrestricted.
Nevada
Las Vegas and Reno generally prohibit home burial. Rural counties typically permit it. Check county regulations.
New Hampshire
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 3 ft depth. Check town regulations.
New Jersey
Regulated by municipality. Many NJ towns prohibit home burial. Check with your local health department before proceeding.
New Mexico
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Keep away from water sources and irrigation channels.
New York
NYC and most urban areas prohibit home burial. Upstate and rural areas generally permit it. Minimum 3 ft depth.
North Carolina
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 3 ft depth, 200 ft from water. Check county ordinances in metro areas.
North Dakota
Generally permitted. 3 ft depth recommended. Minimal restrictions in rural areas.
Ohio
Generally permitted on private property outside city limits. Major cities prohibit home burial.
Oklahoma
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Rural areas typically unrestricted.
Oregon
Generally permitted outside urban growth boundaries. Portland metro area has restrictions. Minimum 3 ft depth. Keep 200 ft from waterways.
Pennsylvania
Generally permitted on private property outside city limits. Philadelphia prohibits home burial. Minimum 3 ft depth.
Rhode Island
Generally permitted on private property. High population density — check local ordinances carefully. Minimum 3 ft depth.
South Carolina
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth, 150 ft from water.
South Dakota
Generally permitted. 3 ft depth recommended. Minimal restrictions in rural areas.
Tennessee
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Check county ordinances in Nashville and Memphis metro areas.
Texas
Generally permitted on private property outside city limits. Most Texas cities prohibit home burial within city limits. Check HOA rules in suburban areas.
Utah
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Check local ordinances in Salt Lake Valley.
Vermont
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 3 ft depth. Keep 200 ft from water sources.
Virginia
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth, 300 ft from water. Northern Virginia jurisdictions near DC have stricter local rules.
Washington
Generally permitted outside urban growth areas. Seattle and most Puget Sound cities restrict or prohibit home burial. Minimum 3 ft depth.
West Virginia
Generally permitted on private property. Minimum 2 ft depth. Rural areas typically unrestricted.
Wisconsin
Generally permitted on private property outside city limits. Minimum 3 ft depth. Keep 100 ft from water sources.
Wyoming
Generally permitted. 3 ft depth recommended. Minimal restrictions across most of the state.

A note on HOAs

Homeowners association rules operate independently of state and local law. Even where home burial is legally permitted, your HOA may prohibit it. Check your CC&Rs before proceeding. Violating HOA rules can result in fines and in some cases a requirement to exhume — a situation worth avoiding entirely.

If you rent

Renters almost never have the right to bury a pet on their property without explicit landlord permission. Even if your landlord agrees verbally, get it in writing. In most cases, cremation is the more practical choice for renters.

Preparing for the burial

Wrap your pet in a natural fiber — cotton, linen, wool, or a biodegradable burial shroud. Avoid synthetic materials and plastic bags. A wooden box or wicker casket is a thoughtful choice if you want something more formal. Mark the site in a way that is meaningful to you — a planted tree, a flat stone, a small garden marker. Something that will last.

If home burial is not an option, our resources page covers cremation providers and pet cemeteries.