ARPA Proposes Pet Memorial Garden 'Ca l’Amic' in Andorra

The Animal Rescue and Protection Association (ARPA) has proposed a public memorial garden for pets in Andorra, positioning it as a practical alternative to a full animal cemetery given the nation's land constraints and technical hurdles.

Dubbed "Ca l’Amic," the space would occupy 800 to 1,500 square metres of public land in a serene, accessible natural setting. It would serve as a remembrance garden with symbolic elements, including a landscape-integrated wall for small plaques bearing pet names, lifespans, and brief messages. QR codes on the plaques would link to digital photos or videos via smartphones. The design incorporates native Pyrenean species such as black pine, birch, and juniper, along with tree dedications, stone paths, benches, and reforestation efforts in fire-damaged or degraded areas through seed scattering and restoration techniques. The plan avoids any burials or remains storage to eliminate health and environmental concerns.

ARPA argues the project would celebrate bonds between people and animals, foster coexistence, and boost pet welfare awareness in Andorra, where companion animals are common in households. Currently, no public site exists for such symbolic tributes.

In parallel, ARPA submitted a separate study to the government outlining legal, environmental, and technical needs for a possible future burial area. This would inform any later initiatives but stands apart from the main garden proposal.

The group will present the concept at the Serenalla event in La Massana from Thursday to Sunday, alongside the children's book Ja tinc un gos ("I Have a Dog"), aimed at nurturing early empathy and understanding of pet behaviour. ARPA notes prior cemetery studies proved unfeasible due to their challenges, though not entirely ruled out, with progress hinging on government collaboration aligned with sustainability goals.