What to Expect at a Natural Pet Burial
Getting Here
Nestled within the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific Northwest, Great River Natural Burial lies just 3 miles from the quaint, rural town of Mosier, Oregon. Conveniently situated right on Interstate 84, Mosier provides accessibility for those coming from near or far. Parking is available on-site, and carpooling is encouraged. Journeying to Great River is a transition from the bustle of everyday life to a serene natural environment and a peaceful and meaningful experience.
Navigation apps are generally correct when providing directions to Great River Natural Burial. As you travel to Great River, the road will switch from a paved road to a gravel road where slower speeds are recommended.
Arrival
Transportation of your pet companion is arranged by the family, either personally or with the help of a friend or chosen service.
Just beyond the Great Rivet entrance gate is a kiosk with a map of the Great River site and directions to the natural burial ground. After following signs to the natural burial ground, and parking in the designated parking area, cemetery staff will greet family and friends.
What to Wear/Bring
Because the burial will be outdoors in a natural setting, we recommend wearing sturdy outdoor footwear and dressing for the weather (check the weather). Drinking water and a portable toilet are available at the burial grounds.
Accessibility
The roads within Great River are paved, and handicapped parking is available near the human burial area, where the trail to Paws in Peace begins. The trail itself starts with a short, gentle slope followed by a level gravel path approximately one-fifth of a mile in length.
If additional assistance is needed, families are encouraged to contact Great River in advance so we can help arrange support, ensuring that everyone who wishes to participate can be included.
Service animals are always welcome.
The Burial
If family or friends are present for the burial, they meet collectively at the trail head and are invited to take part in the procession — carrying their beloved companion to the gravesite or using our hand-drawn burial cart. The use of a shroud or casket is optional.
THE GRAVE
Graves are typically dug by hand to a depth that ensures at least 18 inches or more of earth above the shroud or casket. As with our human burials, the grave floor and the mound of excavated soil are adorned with evergreen boughs.
SERVICE
Families may choose to honor their pet with words, ceremony, or ritual, or to lower them directly into the earth in quiet simplicity. The focus is always on honoring the life and memory of your pet in a way that feels meaningful and true to you.
LOWERING THE BODY
Your pet companion is lowered gently by hand into the earth. Larger animals may require a shrouding board and lowering straps to lower them gently into the earth.
Some families choose to place flowers or natural, biodegradable personal tokens into the grave, while others may simply stand in quiet reflection.
Before the soil is returned, your companion is “tucked in” with a blanket of evergreen boughs, the same as our human burials.
Families are welcome to participate as much or as little as they wish throughout the burial.
CLOSING THE GRAVE
Family and loved ones are welcome to participate, if they wish, by gently returning shovelfuls of soil to the grave and helping to decorate the burial mound. Cemetery staff may also place natural materials such as sticks, rocks, and other biomass into the grave during backfilling, helping to maintain a healthy, active soil layer.
Once the grave is filled, a soft mound of earth remains. This mound is adorned with evergreen boughs and flowers, if desired, and will gradually settle over time. Cemetery staff tend the site as needed over time until it returns to the natural soil horizon.
If the family has chosen to have a natural stone (or wood) grave marker installed, this may be installed at the time of burial or in the future after the ground has settled.
See our Pet Cemetery FAQ page for answers to frequently asked questions.
