Peace and quiet in the countryside - Can you bury your dog in the garden in Austria?

Why do many people want to bury their dog in the garden?

The bond between humans and dogs is deep. For many, the dog is a fully-fledged member of the family, often even the best friend. That's why the thought of having him buried somewhere anonymously after his death seems hard to bear. In contrast, your own garden seems like a peaceful place where you can continue to be close to each other - a place where you regularly walk past, plant flowers, perhaps place a small memento.

Emotionally understandable, but not automatically allowed.

Legal basis in Austria

In Austria, the burial of animals, especially pets such as dogs, is regulated by the Animal Materials Act and the provincial laws. These laws not only serve to protect the environment, but are also intended to safeguard public health. After all, an improperly buried animal can be a source of danger - for example to groundwater or other animals.

What does the federal law say?

According to Section 4 (3) of the Animal Materials Act, the burial of animal carcasses is generally prohibited unless there is an exemption permit or special regulations under state law. And this is where it gets interesting, because the federal states have different regulations.

Differences depending on the federal state

Whether you are allowed to bury your dog in the garden depends primarily on which federal state you live in. Here is an overview of the most common regulations:

Vienna

In Vienna, burying dead pets in your own garden is not permitted - not even with permission. The only legal way is to hand them over to a rendering plant or cremate them in an animal crematorium.

Lower Austria

In Lower Austria, the burial of a pet on your own property is permitted under certain conditions:

• The property must be private property.
• The dog must not have died of a notifiable disease.
• The dog must be buried at least 50 cm deep.
• The distance to the nearest water source or groundwater must not be too short.

Often an informal notification to the municipal office is sufficient, sometimes a permit is required. To be on the safe side, you should ask your local authority.

Upper Austria

In Upper Austria, burial in the garden is also permitted under certain conditions. The regulations are similar to those in Lower Austria. Compliance with hygiene standards and adequate protection of the grave (e.g. from wild animals) are important.

Styria

In Styria, the provincial law also allows pets to be buried on their own property if

• the animal's body was not contaminated by disease,
• the property is not located in a water protection area,
• certain minimum distances are observed.

Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia, Vorarlberg, Burgenland

Some of the rules in these federal states are similar to those described above - but: there is no uniform practice, some municipalities are very strict, others allow more leeway. Therefore, always check with the relevant district authority or municipal office before you act.

You must meet these requirements

If your federal state allows burial in the garden, you must comply with certain requirements. Here are the most important points:

Property ownership

You may only bury the dog on your own land, not on leased land or the land of a friend.

Depth of the grave

The grave should be at least 50 to 100 cm deep, depending on the size of the dog. This will prevent other animals from digging up the body.

Secure wrapping

You must not wrap the dog in plastic sheeting or other non-biodegradable materials. A cotton or linen cloth is recommended so that the decomposition can run off naturally.

Distance from water sources

The minimum distance from wells, rivers or groundwater must be maintained. This serves to protect the drinking water.

No danger from diseases

If your dog has died from a notifiable disease (e.g. rabies), it must not be buried in the garden. In such cases, a veterinary report and disposal via the rendering plant is mandatory.

Alternative: pet cemeteries and crematoriums

If you don't have a garden or local regulations don't allow it, there are other ways to give your dog a dignified farewell:

Pet cemeteries

In many regions, there are pet cemeteries where you can rent a grave site - with headstone, flowers and everything that goes with it. The fees vary, but are often between 150 and 600 euros per year.

Cremation

For cremation, you can choose between individual and collective cremation. With individual cremation, you will receive your dog's ashes back - e.g. in an urn for your home or even made into a piece of jewelry.

Tips for a dignified garden burial

If you have permission to bury your dog in the garden, you can personalize the place:

• Plant a tree or shrub by the grave.
• Use a small headstone or a hand-painted plaque.
• Create a memorial corner with photos, toys or your dog's favorite blanket.
• Take time for a personal farewell, perhaps with family or friends.

Between the heart and the law

The idea of burying your dog in your own garden is comforting for many - but not always allowed. In Austria, a lot depends on where you live and the local regulations. That's why you should always check with the municipality or local authority in advance.

However, if you comply with all legal requirements, nothing stands in the way of a quiet, loving farewell in your own garden.

And now you:

Have you ever buried a dog in your garden or would you like to?
What do you think about pet cemeteries or cremation?
Feel free to write in the comments - I look forward to hearing your experiences and opinions.