Can I Be Buried With My Pet?

Legacy of Love Lists Options For You and Your Pet to Be Buried Together

This is a question people ask our Legacy of Love funeral planning counselors all of the time.

For many people, pets are family and it’s natural to want to stay close to them even after death. Whether or not you can legally be buried with your pet depends on where you live and how you plan your burial.

What Do Pet Burial Laws and Regulations Allow?

In most states, humans and animals can’t be buried together in the same traditional cemetery plot. Laws typically separate human and animal burial grounds for health and regulatory reasons.

However, some states—such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia—have approved special cemetery sections that allow humans and pets to be buried together under specific conditions.

The easiest way to find out if this is allowed in your state is to check your state’s regulations, contact your local cemetery, or work with a funeral pre-planning counselor.

Laws change often, and local cemeteries may interpret these laws differently. Some cemeteries may have their own policies that prohibit combined burials, while others have waiting lists for these services. It’s important to do your research.

Are There Options for My Pet and I To "Stay Together”?

If joint burial isn’t allowed, there are several other options to help you stay close with your beloved pet.

• Pet cremated remains in the human casket: Some states permit small cremated remains of pets to be placed in your casket. Some regulations may require the pet remains to be in a separate container from the human remains, even if they are in the same plot. Once you determine what is allowed, this offers a symbolic way to stay together without breaking regulations.
• Side-by-side burial in adjacent plots: Many cemeteries will arrange companion plots that allow you and your pet to be buried side-by-side.
• Cremation memorials: If you choose cremation, you can have both your and your pet’s ashes placed in a shared urn or memorial niche, depending on cemetery policy.
• Cremated human remains in a pet cemetery: A few states allow human cremated remains to be buried in a pet cemetery, but this is often limited to pet cemeteries only.
• Home memorials: Some families keep both sets of ashes together at home or in a private memorial garden.

Plan Ahead If Being Buried With Your Pet Is Important

If being buried with your pet is important to you, then it’s critical to pre-arrange your final wishes. You don't want to assume it's OK or make a funeral plan that includes burial with your pet only for your loved ones to find out that the cemetery you picked doesn't or can't support that option. By planning ahead, and utilizing expert resources like your local Legacy of Love counselor, you’re able to ensure you pick a cemetery that can honor your request or an alternative option that still honors your intentions.

Summary

Desiring to "stay together" and be buried with your pet is asked more frequently than you might imagine. While prohibited by some state laws or local cemetery policies, there are alternative options available to you so that some form of your wish can be honored. It's vital to do your research ahead of time, incorporate your wishes into a documented funeral plan, and strongly consider consulting with expert funeral planners.

Legacy of Love Funeral Planning can help you research options available in your area and finalize your wishes in writing. Our caring team is here to guide you every step of the way. You can start exploring your options while making your free online funeral plan today HERE, or call Legacy of Love at 833-888-0355 or fill out our online form and we'll reach out to guide you through this process.

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