What to Do When a Pet Dies

Losing a pet is very sad. Some die of old age, others die young, victims of accidents or illnesses. In addition to the fright, the owner is faced with a problem: what to do with the pet’s body after its death? Does bury is the best option?

Veterinarian Luiz Henrique Guimarães Franco, from Santos (SP), specialist in environmental management, explains that the best alternative is look for a veterinary clinic. “The veterinarian will forward the animal’s body to the city hall. Treated as hospital waste, it will be incinerated. Another option is to look for private cremation services in the city”, he guides. “Under no circumstances bury it in the backyard or place”, warns the veterinarian. The practice poses risks to public health. “The decomposed body produces necrochorume, a liquid that, loaded with bacteria and toxic substances, contaminates the soil and groundwater, causing diseases such as tetanus and hepatitis.”

In some cities, there are cemeteries that house animals. These places must have permission from the city hall for their operation, and must follow the requirements of Organs competent bodies (CETESB, Sanitary Surveillance). If the animal has the RGA (animal registration), required by some municipalities, it is also necessary to notify the city’s Zoonoses Control Center.