Pet Cemetery FAQ
A natural pet burial is an eco-friendly alternative that returns your pet’s body gently to the earth in a biodegradable casket or shroud, without vaults, plastics, or chemicals. Click here for more information on what to expect at a natural burial for a pet companion.
Unlike cremation, your pet’s body is laid to rest intact, allowing natural return to the soil, not an ending but a continuation of life through the soil, the trees, and the creatures who share this place.
Unlike conventional burial, natural burial avoids non-biodegradable materials and focuses on nurturing and restoring the land.
At Great River, all burials take place within our dedicated cemetery grounds. We have two areas for pet companions: Paws in Peace, reserved exclusively for pets, and the Whole Family Section, where pets and humans may be laid to rest side by side in adjacent plots — keeping families together in death as they were in life.
If your pet’s death is expected or scheduled, you are welcome to contact us ahead of time. This allows you to preplan their burial, take a tour if desired, and select a plot. If you prefer, we can help you choose a plot remotely through photos and video, or select a plot on your behalf.
If your pet has already passed and immediate burial is needed, please contact us as soon as possible. We may need up to 48 hours to prepare the grave.
Families may bring their pet directly to Great River Natural Burial, or work with a friend, veterinarian, or pet transport service.
There is no need to rush. Many families find comfort in taking time to sit with their pet, sharing final goodbyes in the quiet of home.
When you are ready, place a protective layer on the floor, such as plastic with newspaper, or a blanket, and gently lay your pet on top. Cover them with another blanket or towel. If you wish to keep your pet at home for a little while, you may use ice packs or dry ice to help keep the body cool. Your veterinarian may also be able to provide refrigeration until burial.
There is no need to rush. Most veterinary clinics can provide refrigeration until the time of burial, giving you time to decide what feels right. You may choose to bring your pet home for final goodbyes or arrange to pick them up from your veterinarian prior to burial.
All burial containers and shrouds must be made of natural, biodegradable materials. Simple wraps or shrouds of cotton, linen, or other natural fibers are welcome, as are rigid containers made of wood or wicker. Caskets may require a bigger grave, and an additional fee may be charged.
Most families who use caskets or urns purchase them from a third party, we can also provide one for a fee, if desired. Shrouds can be simple wraps made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool, or hemp. For families who wish to use it, Great River offers hemp sheeting available for purchase.
Yes, many families choose to pre-plan for peace of mind. Choosing a plot and pre-payment ensures your wishes are recorded and relieves the burden of those decisions at a difficult time. It also guarantees pricing.
Graves are hand dug and the grave floor is decorated with evergreen boughs. If chosen, a natural stone or wooden memorial marker may be placed at the gravesite. Whether a memorialization marker is chosen, burials are always recorded in our permanent cemetery records.
Yes, families and friends are welcome to participate as much or as little as they wish throughout the burial. Some ways you may participate include carrying or lowering your pet companion, “tucking” them in with evergreen boughs, gently returning soil during the closing of the grave or placing flowers in or on the grave.
Memorialization options for pet companions are the same as for their human companions. Choose a natural boulder or a salvaged timber headstone, and/or a living tribute tree.
All of our plots in each of our two pet companion burial areas are the same price respectively. The cost of the opening and closing of the grave varies depending on the size of your pet. For example, the cost for opening and closing of a large dog’s grave will differ from that of a cat. See our pet cemetery pricing.
Yes, you are welcome to hold a service that feels meaningful to you.
Small, 100% natural and biodegradable personal tokens are welcome in or on the grave.
The trail itself starts with a short, gentle slope followed by a level path approximately one-fifth of a mile in length. If requested and arranged in advance, we can provide additional assistance accessing the pet cemetery.
Yes, adjacent plots can be combined to form companion plots in Paws in Peace and, in our Whole Family Burial area, multiple pets can be buried in a single plot. Multiple names can be engraved on a headstone if chosen.
Families are welcome to visit during our open hours. See our Burial Site Rules for details.
