From Limassol, Paralimni to Paphos, families travel miles to bury their four-legged friends in a quiet place in Deftera, Nicosia district. The reason for the animal cemetery "Angels Pet Cemetary", an unprecedented initiative for Cypriot data which was implemented in 2022 and today hosts around 350 animals: dogs, cats, even... guineapigs. The sole goal is for our beloved pets to be buried with respect and dignity and to keep their memory alive.
Angels Pet Cemetery is located in a specially designed private space of 1000 square meters. What one sees as soon as one enters the cemetery is the so-called memory tree, a "memory tree" painted on a wall, where those who wish to hang a small object in memory of their pet. Then, in the center of the site, six corridors unfold with graves on the right and left, manicured and decorated with pet toys, stuffed teddy bears, flowers and colourful windmills, and in some cases there are even small iconostasis with a candle. Each grave bears its own tombstone where the name of the pet is written. In fact, in some cases, names are imprinted in Russian, Hebrew and even... Mandarin. At the back of the space is the common sepulchre, which is surrounded by a wooden structure on which plaques are also placed in memory of the dead animals.
How the idea started
The idea was born many years before it became a reality and, as the owner of the cemetery, Angelos Petevinos, told "F", the efforts began in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The reason was the hospitalization of his own dog in intensive care. "I asked what procedure is followed and learned that pets are burned in animal waste treatment plants. So, knowing how difficult the loss is, I decided to create my own animal cemetery," he said. A rather difficult and complex process followed, as it took about three years to secure the necessary permits provided by law. The cemetery is harmonized with the relevant European regulations, observing all the instructions of the competent state services.
Asked why someone should choose the animal cemetery despite the usual procedure, Mr. Petevinos blamed the fact that the Cypriot state treats dead pets as common waste. This, he added, prompts owners to bury their beloved pets in private and public spaces without the necessary precautions, which provides for a fine and reserves health risks. At Angels Pet Cemetery "we make sure that the pet is taken to its last place of residence, with respect, love and dignity".
The services and the cost
The services offered concern the transport and burial of the animal, while there is also the possibility of cremation and return to an urn, in collaboration with a private company. As Mr. Petevinos explained, in the event that a pet dies at home or in a veterinary clinic, the owner can contact him in order to arrange the receipt of the animal, its transfer to the cemetery and the preparation for burial. Owners can attend the site during the burial process.
The burial service is divided into two parts, the individual and the group. In the individual, the pet is buried in its own space. Burial costs vary depending on the size of the animal. For a small individual grave, the cost is €300 for three years. After the lapse of three years, this amounts to €80 per year. If the owner does not wish to continue renting an individual grave, then the animal is transferred to the communal grave. For a large grave, the cost is €400 for three years and then €100 per year. In mass burial, the pet is buried in a common area. The cost amounts to €100 and does not include additional charges over time.
The communal.
At the same time, there is the possibility of making a commemorative tomb (which is included in the above prices) depending on the owner's requirements. The name of the pet, the date of birth, the date of death, the burial number and a small paw that indicates the type of pet are written on the marble slab with a paw. The name of the pet, the date of birth, the date of death, the burial number and a photo of the pet are written on the marble slab with a photo. In addition, the possibility of a personalized coffin is offered in addition to the choice of burial and grave.
At the same time, there is the possibility of making a commemorative tomb (which is included in the above prices) depending on the owner's requirements. The name of the pet, the date of birth, the date of death, the burial number and a small paw that indicates the type of pet are written on the marble slab with a paw. The name of the pet, the date of birth, the date of death, the burial number and a photo of the pet are written on the marble slab with a photo. In addition, the possibility of a personalized coffin is offered in addition to the choice of burial and grave.
At Angels Pet Cemetery, the farewell doesn't end on the day of the burial. Owners can return to the site, take care of their pets' graves and keep their memory alive on a 24-hour basis. On weekends and weekdays, the cemetery has its doors open, as a code is provided to the owners so that they can enter the space whenever they feel the need.
