Spreading your pet’s ashes after they pass is a popular choice for most pet owners—however, there are a few things you need to know in advance before doing this. A lot of people will choose this type of memorial because it provides peace and closure after losing your best furry friend. Individuals will go to several places to scatter pet cremains, so ensure you’re deciding on suitable locations by learning more about the various places you can or can’t go.
How To Receive Your Pet’s Ashes
To start, you must use pet cremation through a trusted crematorium, like Eternity Pet Memorial, to create the ashes of your late pet. When you send your late dog or cat to us, we gently cremate them and place their ashes in a container or urn so we can return them to you. Once you receive them, you can either keep them in the urn or take their ashes and spread them in a final resting location.
Is It Legal To Spread Pet Ashes in the United States?
It is legal to spread your pet’s ashes in the United States; however, doing so on different types of property may come with different rules or regulations the pet owner must follow. Below, we’ll go over different places you might go to scatter your pet’s ashes and whether or not it is legal. To note, if you are going to a place other than the land you own, be familiar with the rules of scattering pet remains in that particular location.
Use our guide below to help you determine the best place to lay your furry friend to rest.
National Parks
While each individual national park might have its own stipulations, it is generally legal to scatter the ashes in the wind, but you cannot spread them in a body of water. Albeit, you must ask for permission from the chief park ranger and have a permit to legally do this on this type of land. You will be asked to keep the ashes away from trails and other densely populated areas where other travelers frequently visit.
If your request is denied, never spread the ashes anyway. Doing so without permission is illegal, and you could get yourself in trouble. Respect the national park and your pet when considering this option for scattering ashes.
Private Property
If you own the property, you can scatter your pet’s ashes how you see fit. If the private property is owned by someone other than yourself, you must ask for permission first. If the land owner agrees, consider receiving written consent so you have something on record stating you could scatter pet cremains.
If the owner declines your request, politely thank them and find somewhere else to spread the ashes. Do not secretly enter the property and spread them anyway—this is considered trespassing, which will get you into a whole world of trouble.
Golf Courses, Amusement Parks, or Sports Stadiums
Many consider golf courses, sports stadiums, amusement parks, and museums as publicly owned property, but this isn’t always the case. These attractions are usually considered private property, and scattering ashes at them is most likely prohibited. You can try asking for permission, but you may want to save time and try other areas in your local area first.
If you leave the ashes or scatter them anyway, chances are the owner will gather them, remove them, and place them in a different location. Either way, the remains will not stay there, and it won’t be a true final resting place for your pet. Skip these locations altogether to save yourself the headache.
Seas & Other Bodies of Water
Did you know according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, it is legal to scatter ashes and remains at sea? There are a few rules and regulations you must follow, though. For pet remains, you will need a special permit and must notify the EPA within 30 days of scattering. You cannot spread the ashes within three nautical miles of the shore, so ensure you’re traveling further than this before letting the ashes go in the water.
There may be other rules to follow if you’re going to a different body of water, such as rivers, lakes, or ponds. If this is an option you’re considering, contact your local health or environmental agency within the state to learn more about how they govern residents spreading pet cremains in bodies of water.
Vacant Public Land
Vacant public land is different from private property. This type of location could include wilderness areas or forests, which are great final resting places for a pet because they’re very peaceful. Laws are different in varying states; contact local authorities to ensure you’re legally spreading the ashes before doing so. If you get the go-ahead, do not leave the ashes in heavily populated areas—go to a location on the land where others do not usually go.
Keep Others in Mind
One of the biggest things you need to know before spreading your pet’s ashes after they pass is to be mindful of others. Many people visit the above locations, so it’s important to be courteous of them before spreading your late companion’s remains. Some people might be disturbed if they find a pile of ashes, so you must scatter them in unpopulated areas of the location.
To ensure your dog or cat can rest in peace, find a quiet location that is out of the way from people. Do not dump the ashes directly on the ground; rake them into the soil so they aren’t apparent. If you’re scattering them in the wind, put your back to the wind; otherwise, the ashes might get all over you.
The majority of pet owners choose pet cremation over burial because you have more options for what you can do with your pet’s remains afterward. Scattering their ashes in an area special to both of you would be their perfect resting place. Do not decide on a location and spread the ashes before understanding the rules and laws because you could get in trouble. Use this guide to determine which place is perfect for laying your pet to rest.
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