In a quiet corner of the city of Milan lies a special place for all those who have had a four-legged companion in their lives. A place where the nostalgia of good times and the lack of a meow, squeak or bark find peace in seeing an indelible name carved in stone. “The Fido Guardian” in Milan is the largest pet cemetery in Europe. It is located in the Quinto Romano area, in the heart of the South Park. Here rest dogs, cats and rabbits, but also a few horses, hamsters and even a salamander.
The services and costs of “The Fido Keeper”
The idea came from Fabio Bianchi, who brought the initiative forward with the intention of giving families a place of remembrance for their four-legged friends. “Il Fido Custode” offers numerous services, from burial with graves that can be personalized with epigraphs and photographs, to individual cremation with ashes delivery, to psychological support services for owners.
Costs vary according to the needs and wishes of the owners, with the goal of providing an affordable dignified burial. For example, the fee for a collective cremation is around 50 euros, while for an individual cremation the cost is higher, between about 200 and 300 euros, including delivery of the cinerary urn. As for burial, prices can range on average between 80 and 500 euros, depending on various factors such as the weight of the animal and the customizations chosen for the grave. The cemetery also offers services such as home pickup of the remains and mandatory veterinary certification.
For Fabio and many others, coping with the loss of an animal that, in the long run, becomes a full-fledged family member can be difficult. A place like “The Fido Guardian,” where they can visit their companion, can help with the grieving process as well as make their four-legged friend feel closer. The emotional value and relationship between humans and pets are thus becoming more and more considered and important in today’s culture, so much so that, as of January 1, 2025, in Milan, it is possible to be buried together with your pet.