The dogs, cats and other scaly, furry and beaked creatures of Andalucía’s second-largest city can look forward to a little more dignity in death than eternal rest in a half-forgotten, ash-filled cardboard box, after Málaga city council announced plans for Spain’s first public pet cemetery.
According to a statement from the council, the “pioneering” facility, which is due to open at San Gabriel municipal cemetery in Málaga towards the end of this year, will cost just over €1m (£865,000). Although four Spanish cities already have private pet cemeteries, the council says its public animal graveyard and crematorium will be something special and is being created to respond to the “growing social sensitivity when it comes to respecting and caring for animals”.
“The facility has been built according to sustainability and energy efficiency criteria and will include a client service building – featuring a reception area, an administrative office, a vet’s office and toilets – a crematorium and a farewell room,” the statement said.
“The site will also include a green space where ashes can be deposited, and a burial area. As well as cremations and burials, the cemetery will offer other services such as the removal of dead animals, farewell services, the renting of niches and columbariums and the removal of animals from the pet register.”
A basic cremation for an animal weighing up to 30kg will cost €170, while an urn spot or burial plot in the “remembrance park” will cost €250 for an animal of the same weight, and will include 10 years of maintenance.
The council said it had set its prices after looking into charges across different pet cemeteries and crematoriums around the country, and carrying out a viability study.
Figures from the Official College of Veterinarians show that there are more than 350,000 registered pets in the province of Málaga, with more than 100,000 dogs registered in the city alone.
