When a pet dies, owners face hard decisions about how they would like to memorialize them.
In Jefferson City, those decisions may soon look slightly different, as the city's animal shelter is considering ways to scale back the number of private cremations it provides. That's prompting questions about what alternatives are available under Missouri law.
Pet owners often know of their pet's departure from the physical world before it happens. A euthanizing appointment at a veterinarian's office is made in advance, allowing for a bittersweet time between companion and owner.
Jared Wade, owner of Wade's Pet Cremation, said roughly 25 percent of potential clients call in advance to say they are considering or have scheduled an appointment for their pet's euthanasia.
Choosing to cremate or bury a pet is often debated -- especially in recent times as owners are accepting their pets as true family members -- with cremation becoming a popular choice. But if an owner is considering a proper burial, there are laws and guidelines to follow.
Jefferson City municipal code requires owners to dispose of the body of any animal that has died from any cause within 24 hours after becoming aware of the death.
Those who consider burying are also required to call 811 at least three days before digging so that utility companies can mark underground utility lines. Striking utility lines like buried gas, electric or water lines can cause injury or property damage on top of legal penalties.
According to a publication by the University of Missouri's MU Extension, the burial of deceased animals is the least desirable method due to the risk of water pollution. Additionally, federal environmental guidance notes from the Missouri Department of Agriculture state that poorly sited or shallow burial pits can pose risks to groundwater quality.
Buried, euthanized pets also pose an environmental risk. Wade suggests that owners who are considering burial do it properly due to the risk of harming the environment. He said the euthanasia drug can harm wildlife who may dig up or find the animal.
State law was written in a broader context to include livestock and agricultural situations; guidelines for pet owners of domestic, indoor pets are not uniquely spelled out. However, veterinary experts offered some tips to help explain.
Weathered Rock Veterinary Clinic provides a "Pet Home Burial" brochure to pet owners to clarify Missouri's requirements for proper burial. It says:
Burial locations must not be in low-lying areas subject to flooding.
The lowest elevation of burial pits are to be 6 feet below the ground surface.
Animal remains must be immediately covered with at least 36 inches of soil.
Additionally, the brochure specifies the separation distances of burial sites:
At least 300 feet from any wells, public water supply, lakes, springs, sinkholes or surface water intake structures.
More than 100 feet from any body of surface water, i.e., lakes, springs or sinkholes.
At least 50 feet from an adjacent property line.
The brochure also recommends pet owners not bury their pets on a property with a groundwater source, which can pose a contamination risk for the euthanasia solution to seep into the home.
Additionally, it says to be sure the weather can permit a proper burial within 24 hours.
Susan Sczepanski, doctor and owner of Forum Animal Hospital in Columbia, said a grave must be 30 inches deep at a minimum, not including the pet.
"So if the pet is 12 inches wide, the grave must be 42 inches to the bottom," she said.
She said most clients "opt for cremation," and that most Columbia veterinary practices contract with a local crematoria or cremation services.
Any digging requires a call to 811, she said, adding that while there are clients who call in advance to euthanize, it's the exception and not usually the rule.
Other cremation services continue to operate in the area, including private providers such as Wade's Pet Cremation Services in Jefferson City. Veterinarians may also be able to refer families to additional licensed cremation services outside the city.
Contributed photo: A shadow box featuring a clay paw print are one of the memorial services provided at Wade's Pet Cremation.