Can Pets Be Buried With Their Owners? Laws and Options

For many people, a dog or cat is family, and the wish to rest together is completely natural. Whether it's allowed depends on the law where you live and on the individual cemetery. Here's how it usually works.

The usual answer: check first

Most traditional human cemeteries do not allow animal remains, either because of local law, religious rules or their own bylaws. That said, attitudes are changing, and a growing number of cemeteries offer options. Never place a pet's remains in a grave without written permission.

Where it may be allowed

Some U.S. states have changed their laws. New York, for example, lets cemeteries choose to accept a pet's cremated remains with its owner. Other states have their own rules.
Whole-family or pet-friendly cemeteries have sections where people and pets can be buried together.
Pet cemeteries sometimes accept human cremated remains alongside a pet.
Private family land, where local law permits home burial — see home burial on private property.

In Canada, rules are set provincially and by each cemetery, so ask locally.

Ashes are easier than bodies

Where it is allowed at all, it is usually for a pet's cremated remains, placed in the owner's casket or grave. Whole animal burials in human cemeteries are much rarer.

If it isn't allowed

Put the pet on the headstone — a name, a paw print or an etched portrait. See adding a pet to a headstone.
A small pet memorial stone at home — see pet memorial stones.
Scatter both sets of ashes in a favourite place, where rules allow — see scattering ashes rules.
A keepsake urn holding a little of each.

Planning ahead

If this matters to you, put it in your funeral wishes and ask your chosen cemetery now. Getting written confirmation ahead of time saves your family a hard conversation later. See pre-need headstone planning.