New Pet Cemetery in Hailsham Now Open to the Public

Hailsham Town Council is pleased to announce that its new dedicated pet cemetery at Hailsham Cemetery in Ersham Road is open to the public, providing residents with a peaceful and respectful place to remember their much-loved pets.

The opening of the new pet burial ground follows preparatory and landscaping work carried out over recent weeks, after research being undertaken by the Town Council last year into the availability of pet burial and remembrance facilities in the local area.

The findings showed that the nearest designated site for the interment of domestic pet ashes is currently located in Ringmer, near Lewes. The new facility in Hailsham therefore provides a more accessible and compassionate option for local families.

Located on a previously unused section of land near the main entrance to Hailsham Cemetery, the area has been refurbished and landscaped to create an attractive, peaceful and well-maintained setting suitable for the respectful interment of small domestic pets such as cats and dogs.

Individual burial plots, measuring approximately 12 inches by 12 inches, are available and will be hand-dug by the Council’s cemetery staff. For a set fee of £99 per plot, the service includes:

• A dedicated burial plot for pet ashes

• Plot preparation and interment by cemetery staff

• A flower vase

• A certificate of ownership

A second pet may be interred in the same plot for an additional fee of £99.

Families wishing to add a small marker/memorial plaque showing a pet’s name and date of death may do so at an extra cost of £40. The plaque, measuring 5 inches by 3 inches, will be sourced and provided by the Town Council.

To ensure the area remains tranquil, respectful and visually cohesive, the site has been landscaped to a high standard. Features include newly planted shrubs, seating and a gravel finish consistent with the cemetery’s existing memorial gardens. To maintain a uniform and dignified appearance, additional items or paraphernalia are not permitted. The site is expected to accommodate approximately 120 plots.

Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Council’s Assets Management Committee, said: “For many people, pets are beloved members of the family, and their loss can be deeply felt. This project aims to provide a dignified and local place where residents can lay their pets to rest and remember them in peaceful surroundings.”

“The concept has been carefully considered to ensure the area is respectful, attractively landscaped and well maintained, giving families a special place to visit for years to come. By providing this service locally, we are also helping residents avoid the difficulty and cost of travelling further afield.”

Cllr Laxton added: “I’d like to thank all staff involved for their hard work in getting the new pet cemetery up and running, including our Cemetery Superintendent and outdoor works staff. They should all be proud of their achievements!”

Tony Lee, the Council’s Operations and Facilities Manager, added: “We’re very pleased to have been able to complete the preparation work and open the facility. The area has been carefully prepared by our team to ensure it provides a calm, well-maintained and fitting environment where residents can remember their pets with dignity.”

For further information, please visit the Town Council’s dedicated pet cemetery web page or call 01323 841702. To request a burial plot for your pet, please download the application form.

Hard copies of the application form are available at the Town Council Offices in Market Street.