Yes, burying a pet in your yard is generally legal in Oregon, provided compliance with state and local regulations. Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 608.005 exempts household pets from livestock disposal laws, but local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not regulate pet burials, shifting oversight to county and municipal governments, which may require permits or prohibit burials in certain zones.
Key Regulations for Burying a Pet in Your Yard in Oregon
- Local Permit Requirements: Many Oregon counties, such as Multnomah and Washington, mandate a burial permit for pets weighing over 50 pounds or if the burial site is within 100 feet of a water source. Check with your county environmental health department for specific forms.
- Depth and Location Restrictions: Oregon’s Model Wellhead Protection Ordinance (2026 draft) prohibits burials within 200 feet of a well or 50 feet of a stream. Minimum depth requirements (typically 3–4 feet) must prevent scavenger access and groundwater contamination.
- Prohibited Areas: Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) in cities like Portland often ban yard burials entirely. Rural areas may allow them but require soil testing to ensure no risk of pathogen leaching into aquifers.
Violations may result in fines or mandatory exhumation. Always verify with your county’s planning or environmental services division before proceeding.