The History of Pet Cemeteries

Be afraid, be very afraid. No, don’t go running for cover; we’re not going to talk about something out of a Stephen King novel. But, his book Pet Sematary was quite a thriller.

There is a pet cemetery in Asnieres-sur-Sine, Ile-de-France, France that is said to be the first-ever pet cemetery. Opening in 1899, the Cimetiere des Chiens is translated as "Cemetery of Dogs." But it’s not just dogs that are interred there. They call this historic landmark a zoological necropolis as it is the burial site for lions, horses, monkeys, fish, and other pets. More than 40,000 animals have been buried in this well-known pet cemetery in France. This seems a little morbid, but the cemetery was created as a result of an ordinance in Paris city government in 1898 making it illegal to toss dead pets out in the trash or into the Seine River.

This original pet cemetery caters to a very wealthy and elite clientele and is located in a suburb of Paris, France. There are a few American film stars (dog celebrities) that are buried here, including Rin Tin Tin. The police department also has recognized the service of several police dogs that were awarded service medals or died in the line of duty by burying them in the pet cemetery.

One legend has it that the cat of Henri of Rochefort, died of sorrow four days after his Master and a monument is erected for this cat, named Kroumir. There are also pets buried there that belonged to princes, dukes, and other noble dignitaries and royalty.

The pet cemetery was originally a private venture, but is now city owned and became an official history monument in 1987.

The cemetery is actually a tourist attraction, enticing many visitors to stroll its grounds to admire the beautiful statues and monuments. One such large monument is for a St. Bernard named Barry, who is said to be the world’s most famous St. Bernard who saved 40 people trapped in the snow. Barry was a mountain rescue dog who died in 1814. He lived with retired monks at an old folk’s home. There is also a monument to the stray dog that was run over and killed by a car near the graveyard’s gates in 1958. It was the 40,000th animal buried inside the cemetery.

While there are some cats buried in the Cimetiere des Chiens, there are also quite a few live cats living there as well because there is a shelter for them on the grounds. The visitor’s information regarding the cemetery indicates that the cats like to sun themselves on the tombs.

The Cimetiere des Chiens is open Tuesdays through Sundays year round and has varying hours during the different seasons. They do allow you to bring your pets to visit the cemetery, as long as your dog is kept on a leash.

Burying pets goes back to ancient traditions. Egyptians used to mummify and bury cats because they considered them to be something worthy of worship. Romans did something very similar and would create an area of many acres where they would erect large stone monuments in dedication to their beloved pets.

In the United States today there are approximately 500 pet cemeteries, the oldest of which is considered to be the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in New York that opened in 1896. The largest pet cemetery in the U.S. is also located in New York. Fewer than 10% of pets are buried in pet cemeteries today.

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