When Judy's fourteen year old cat passed away, she was faced with a decision: Should her beloved pet be brought to a vet for disposal, or buried in her own backyard?

Judy is not sure about how to proceed with the cat funeral. But she knows she cannot just put her beloved companion into her garbage can. She finds that wrong because it does not honor the spirit of that long-time companion. What are the options for a cat-lover, then?

One should begin by checking with her city or other local government about whether any laws govern pet burials. Some towns forbid the burial of any kind of animals on private property, whether or not they are pets.

If there are laws, one should talk to the local vet and find out if they are actually enforced. Has a pet owner ever been taken to court or forced to send the corpse to an official disposal site?

In this situation, a vet might also offer to take care of the cat's dead body. In some cases, it's best to let another trusted person handle the situation. The vet won't share details about how the carcass was disposed of, and the owner shouldn't ask.

If you decide to bury your pet at home, a few simple steps will ensure success. The first step is to pick a site. Decide on an area that will not likely be disturbed anytime in the foreseeable future. Choose carefully, as you will have to avoid digging in that area for at least 5 years.

The site can be decorated with a stone and flowers. It should be designed and situated in a way that will provide comfort and pleasant memories for you.

It is helpful to dig at least a 2-foot hole. Be sure not to allow any larger animals in your yard that could uncover the carcass. That would not be a pleasant site. This applies to dogs such as Terriers. Also beware of raccoons. For the most part, you'll be most content with your decision if you gather all necessary information and investigate the facts.