How to Dispose of a Dead Animal in Berlin and Germany

We usually outlive your pets. Dogs can live for about 9 to 12 years. Cats can live for about 12 to 16 years. Medical complications can also lead to the loss of pets. When this moment comes we have to get rid of the carcass. There are laws for the proper disposal of dead animals in Germany. What do you do when the inevitable happens?

Do not put the animal in the trash

Whatever you do, do not dispose of your dead pet in the bio trash. It is an offence to do that in Germany. If you are caught you will be fined.

However, for small animals like mice, you can put them in a plastic bag and put them in the trash.

Can I bury my pet?

You cannot bury a dead animal anywhere. Only when you have your own garden or are a landowner. Though it is also not as simple. Laws defer from state to state and city to city.

Burying a pet in Berlin

In Berlin, you can bury your pet in your backyard if

It is not in a water conservation zone(Wasserschutzgebiet)
It is not in immediate proximity to paths and public spaces

The dead animal should be buried at least 50 meters deep.

How to dispose of an animal carcass in Berlin

If you do have a backyard to bury your dead pet, here are your options.

Small animal practices: Small animal practices offer disposals for a small fee

Animal Cemeteries: You can bury your friend in any of the animal cemeteries.
Pet Crematoriums: You can have your pet cremated at any crematorium for a fee of about 50 to 350 Euros
Call SecAnim: The state of Berlin has a contract with SecAnim GmbH to properly dispose of dead pets and farm animals for a small fee(between 10 to 30 Euros). You can call them on 033926 8990.