Do I have the right to bury him in my garden?
Yes, but… You are free tobury your little companion in your garden, on condition of respecting a certain number of rules. Your land must be large enough for the grave to be at least 35 meters from the first dwellings and water points (wells, sources, catchment or supply water works), according to article 98 of the Standard departmental health regulations.
Take care to dig a hole deep enough (at least 1.20 meters) to prevent other animals from scratching at this location and digging it up. Never place your rabbit, hamster, cat or small dog in a plastic bag: you must wrap it in a cloth or install it in a box (wooden or cardboard). You can also place his remains on the ground.
Trick
If you live in a housing estate, re-read the specifications to check whether they contain stricter rules.
For an animal weighing more than 40 kilos, you will have no other solution than to immediately notify a knacker so that he can come and remove the remains of your animal within 48 hours (Article L. 226-6 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code). The contact details of the companies responsible for collecting dead animals are displayed at the town hall. It will cost you €80 to €180.
Please note: disposing of the remains of your animal in the wild or any other place may be punishable by a fine of €3,750.
My son flushed his goldfish down the toilet!
Please note, the law strictly prohibits you from getting rid of this type of Bubulle or Sushi (Article L. 226-3 of the Rural Code), even if it is very small. No question either put it in the trash, throw it into the sewers or abandon it in a pond or river (Article 98 of the standard departmental health regulations). You incur a fine of €3,750.
In practice, things are a little more complicated, because you can only be fined if the offense is noticed by a police officer or any qualified person.
Our advice: if you find the corpse of an animalfor example while walking, do not touch it and notify the town hall immediately.
Do I have to leave my dog with the vet who bit him?
No… If you do not wish recover the body of your animal, this is the simplest solution, the veterinarian will contact an incineration company so that they can do what is necessary.
The cheapest is to opt for collective cremation (it will cost you €50 to €180, depending on the weight of your animal). But you won’t be able to get his ashes back. You must make a request to the veterinarian who will transmit your wish to the cremation company.
You can also contact a animal crematoriumfor collective or individual cremation (€80 to €280).
Our advice : remember to return part B of your animal’s identification card to the Central Canine (or Feline) Society after having written the date of its death. You can also contact the I-cad (identification of domestic carnivores) to report the death of your dog, cat or ferret. On request, a death certificate can be issued which will allow you to cancel special animal insurance and the payment of a possible death benefit.
How do I buy a cemetery plot for my cat?
There are around forty animal cemeteries spread across France, your town hall will provide you with the addresses. The services and prices offered vary greatly and the range is wide:
- from €140 to €3,500 for a concession renewable for up to 20 years;
- count on €160 to €600 if you opt for burial in a coffin;
- around €400 in a pit in the ground;
- almost €1,000 in a concrete vault.
Those who wish can then place a wooden panel there to identify the grave, have a tombstone placed or place some ornaments there (engravings, photos on porcelain, etc.). A funeral service can also come and pick up your animal to take it to the cemetery (from €50 to €100).
Our advice : find out beforehand. Indeed, in addition to cats and dogs, many other animals (mice, hamsters, fish, birds and even horses) are also welcomed.
Can I keep my rabbit’s ashes at home?
Yes… But on the condition that you have your pet’s individual cremation carried out in a animal incineration center. If you opt for collective cremation, the ashes cannot be returned to you but they will be buried in a site provided for this purpose.
It costs from €25 to €200 (depending on the weight of your little companion), to which should be added the price of an urn (from €30 to €250 depending on the size and material used).
Your pet’s body can be removed at your home (or at a veterinarian’s office). Additional transport costs may be required.
Our advice : if you wish, you can ask attend the cremation of the animal (only in the case of individual cremation).
I would like to have my parrot stuffed
According to taxidermists, naturalization allows you to preserve “a three-dimensional image” of your companion. Although this practice is legal, it remains very expensive (at least €300). There is also a waiting period of three to six months.
Our advice : take the time to think about it, this is not a trivial decision. Furthermore, over the years, the stuffed beast loses its shine.
Virtual cemeteries for animals
You can honor, on websites dedicated to this purpose, the memory of your deceased animal. Registration is free. However, certain options (additional photos, book of condolences, virtual grave, etc.) are charged.