How To Legally Bury Your Dead Pet In The Backyard In Illinois

Okay... Losing a beloved pet is never easy, and while it’s a difficult and emotional topic to think about, it’s something many of us sadly have to face at some point. When it comes to the question of whether it's legal to bury a pet in your backyard, the short answer is yes—in most places, it is legally allowed, although there may be specific local regulations to consider.

Let’s not get too deep into the weeds on this topic, as it’s a tragic one. First, the overall laws in Illinois are fairly straightforward.

The Pet Burial Laws In Illinois

This is the over all and most state law,

By law the burial must be on the premises owned and operated by the owner of the dead animal. Producers must ensure appropriate burial depth as well as distance from streams, potable water supplies and residences and all other rules found in the Illinois Dead Animal Disposal Act Section 90.110, On-The-Farm Disposal.

Illinois is a bit stricter compared to other states like Iowa. Honestly, Iowa is very simple and basic. The state requires the disposal of any dead animal within 24 hours of its death as well. You must do one of the following, according to an ISU write-up on the matter:

The disposal can be by composting, cooking, burying, or burning or by disposing of it to a person licensed for disposal of animals.

Yes, you read that right — cooking. As mentioned earlier, if a pet passes away, the owner is required to properly dispose of the deceased pet within 24 hours of becoming aware of its death. You can find more information about the DADA here.

The Pet Burial Laws In Illinois

In Illinois, it is legal to bury your pet on your property, but there are specific regulations you must follow. The main considerations include distance from water sources and property lines, burial depth, and restrictions on what can be buried with the pet.

You can see more here.

You must bury your pet at least 200 feet from any residence that you don't own or occupy.

Hopefully your pet can have a beautiful burial, and be remember for the great pet they were.