A century of the worlds best pet cemeteries

Before pet cemeteries became a thing in the mid-19th century, few options existed for disposing of a beloved dog or cat (or parrot or monkey).In Paris, 5,000 dead animals a year were tossed in the Seine, while north of London 750 deceased dogs a week were taken for “rendering” and turned into manure.But when animal owners tried to bury their prized pets in human cemeteries, people revolted.

In Scotland in 1885 a woman had a wake for her dear cat Tom and the neighbors paid their respects, but when she attempted to inter him at a local burial ground a riot broke out.Tom was pulled from his casket and his corpse returned to his owner.“In Los Angeles, an attempt by a widow to bury her husband’s dog alongside him resulted in a court hearing in which her mental competence was put on trial,” writes Paul Koudounaris in “Faithful Unto Death: Pet Cemeteries, Animal Graves & Eternal Devotion” (Thames & Hudson, out now).The first plot of land put aside to bury a family pet was in London in 1881, when a friendly Maltese named Cherry was laid to rest in Hyde Park.

Cherry spent many happy days in the park, so when the dog passed his family asked the caretaker to bury Cherry beside his cottage.When the man agreed, many similar requests followed and were granted, turning his property into the first pet cemetery.“His garden became a visible message in a public park .

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that pets deserve a death with dignity.” A second pet cemetery was established in Huntingdonshire, built as a commercial venture. It proved the final resting places for cats and dogs but also “rabbits, parrots, snakes, monkeys, and mice,” all buried for a price between 5 and 13 shillings, size dependent.  For a few pence more “turf and bulbs” were added to a plot, a classy touch that convinced the King of Belgium and two Siamese princes to bury their furry friends there.Perhaps the most famous animal resting place is Le Cimetière des Chiens in Paris.Prior to its existence pe...