Running Out of Room: Why Burial Isn’t a Sustainable Option

As urban and suburban communities continue to grow, the question of how we use our land becomes more important—and pet burial is often left out of that conversation.

The truth is, burial takes up space most households can’t afford to give. In high-density areas, zoning restrictions or HOA policies often prohibit backyard burials altogether. Even in rural communities, land use is shifting: small farms are being subdivided into residential lots, and land that once seemed private and permanent can be sold, rezoned, or developed.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), urban land area has increased by more than 20% over the past two decades, while average lot sizes have decreased. This means less space for pet burial—and more neighbors nearby who may object to it.

And even when burial is allowed, the grave may not be permanent. Moving homes, selling property, or facing city expansion can lead to the emotional strain of leaving a beloved pet behind—or even exhumation. In some states, you may not be allowed to rebury a pet elsewhere without permits (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, 2022).

Choosing aquamation doesn’t take up land, doesn’t tie your pet’s memory to a specific address, and allows you to keep or scatter their ashes wherever feels right. It’s a sustainable, portable, and environmentally conscious alternative.

Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Urban growth in the United States: Trends and impacts. https://census.gov

• National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. (2022). Animal remains and burial guidelines by state. https://nasda.org

• Trent, L. (2021). Land, loss, and legacy: Rethinking pet burial in America. Journal of Urban Ecology, 5(1), 33–40.