Pet Cemetery & Pet Crematorium

"Pet cemetery" means any land, place, structure, facility or building provided by any person for a fee, whether or not for profit, to veterinarians or members of the general public for use, or reservation for use, for the permanent interment or inurnment above or below ground of pet remains.

"Pet crematorium" means any land, place, structure, facility or building provided by any person for a fee, whether or not for profit, to veterinarians or members of the general public for the cremation of pets.

It is the responsibility of licensees to understand the Pet Cemetery and Pet Crematorium License Law.

Term of licensure is two years
 

laws, rules and regulations

• Submit a completed application and the required fee to the Department of State.
• Any pet cemetery which buries five or more animals per year:

1. should consist of at least 5 acres of real property in total area (this requirement is waived for pet cemeteries or pet crematoriums in existence prior to January 14, 1993).
2. must establish a trust fund for the permanent operation and maintenance of the cemetery in the amount of $12,000 before the acceptance of any monies as annual maintenance fees.
3. must file a dedication restricting the real property be used only for the operation of a pet cemetery. A certified copy of that dedication must be filed with your application. Filing must include a copy of a survey map and zoning approvals.

There are fees associated with a Pet Cemetery and Pet Crematorium license. You may pay these fees by check or money order made payable to the Department of State or by MasterCard or Visa using a credit card authorization form. DO NOT SEND CASH. Application fees are nonrefundable. A $20 fee will be charged for any check returned by your bank.

• $150 - Initial Application
• $150 - Renewal
• $60 - Late Renewal Penalty
• $25 - Duplicate License/Registration Request
• $10 - Change of Personal Name and/or Address (No fee is required if a name change is the result of a change in marital status)

Renew Your License

You are eligible to renew your license 90 days prior to your license expiration date. Your license expiration date is printed on the license.

Renewal forms are mailed approximately 90 days prior to the license expiration date. Complete and submit the renewal form to the address on the form.

If you are eligible to renew your license and you have not received a renewal form, email the Division of Licensing Services and request a form. Your email must include your full name, mailing address, license type, unique identification number and expiration date of your license.

Update Your License

To update your personal name, business or residence address download, complete and submit the Change Notice to the address on the form.

To request a duplicate license certificate, complete and submit the Duplicate License/Registration Request to the address on the form.

To apply for a Pet Cemetery or Pet Crematorium license, submit a completed application to the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.

Who should apply for a pet cemetery or pet crematorium license?

Anyone who wishes to operate a pet cemetery or pet crematorium.

What other laws may apply to pet cemeteries and pet crematoriums?

The Environmental Conservation Law - Article 27 - Section 27-0701 - Title 7 - Solid Waste Management & Resource Recovery Fund. You may wish to consult with the Department of Environmental Conservation for additional information.