More than just one place: Leverkusen is planning the first animal cemeteries!

In Leverkusen, there are new efforts to expand the possibilities of animal burial. The Opladen Plus initiative has advocated that pets can be buried in the Birkenberg cemetery in the future. Markus Pott and Stephan Adams, the initiators, emphasize the wish of many people for a dignified place for their late pets.

The proposal includes that animal burials are only allowed in the form of urn burials. There is enough space in the cemetery itself because the urn burials have increased in recent years while coffin burials had decreased. However, it is currently the case that animal burials are not permitted in urban cemeteries, which would require a change in the cemetery statute.

sustainability of the burial for pets

There are currently no own animal cemeteries in Leverkusen. A council decision from 2010 stipulates that such a cemetery is to be set up as soon as a private operator is found. Gerd Kortschlag, the head of the Opladen animal shelter, expressed the idea of building an animal cemetery behind the shelter. Matthias Itzwerth, the deputy district mayor, was pleased with the proposal.

The city administration is currently examining the admissibility of this project, but sees hurdles due to the adjacent landscape protection area. Another proposal from Kortschlag includes the use of part of the Reuschenberg cemetery for animal burial. The city administration points out that the establishment of an animal cemetery is not part of its compulsory tasks and refers to financial restrictions. However, the operation could be carried out in private sponsorship if a suitable operator is found.

A growing trend towards cremation of pets is clearly noticeable. The costs for this are between 300 and 500 euros. For comparison: Depending on the design, human graves cost between 64 and 181 euros per year. In 2022, the city of Leverkusen took over 3 million euros in fees. It should also be noted that small pets can be buried in your own garden, but not on public reason.

In another report, the professional aspects of animal burial are discussed. The implementation of animal burials and the operation of animal crematoriums require trained staff. Since 2019 there has been an official IHK qualification for animal leader: inside, whereby there is no classic training in the field of animal burial. Animal burial companies often work closely with local veterinary practices to deal sensitively with mourners and to clarify them about funeral options.

The demands on service quality are high, and animal leader must show compassion and understanding for the emotional reactions of the mourners. Important aspects here are that the wishes and ideas of the pet owners are preserved for a reasonable farewell. Memorial portals that enable the creation of commemorative pages for deceased animals promote the exchange between animal owners and support them in coping with grief.

A long -term aspect are the growing communities among mourners who often lead to new friendships and help the animal owners to let new animals into their lives again after the loss.