Beyond the Rainbow Bridge: Exploring Shared Burial of Pets and Owners

Credit: Eric Ward via Unsplash

The bond between humans and their pets is a special and enduring connection that transcends words. For centuries, animals have been cherished members of our families, offering companionship, comfort, and unwavering loyalty. It’s no wonder that many people want to remain close to their furry friends even in death. It is considered “normal” to be buried with your spouse or your parents, so why not your cat or dog? The practice of shared burial with your pets is not only possible, but is also becoming more popular.

Human-pet co-burial is not a new practice. One of the most studied examples is mummification of cats and other animals in ancient Egypt. Pets were extremely important in ancient Egyptian culture, so it was common to find their mummies in the same tomb as the owner. The purpose was to ensure that the pets would be able to accompany people to the afterlife. For example, the High Preistess Maatkare was buried with her pet African green monkey. 

Earlier this month we featured a couple who is planning to be buried near their pet. Jack Webb shared about his experience with his partner Nancy Allen constructing their own all-natural burial vessels at Moss and Thistle Farms in North Carolina. While Jack wove his casket and Nancy her urn basket, they also built a casket for their beloved dog, Pal. Last year, Pal died, and the couple held an intimate funeral for him. They buried Pal on the same plot of land where they will be buried after they die.

Pal was buried in a handmade wicker basket on the same plot of land where his loving owners will be laid to rest.

The desire to be buried with one’s pets is a strong and sentimental tradition for many people today. For many of us, our pets are more than just animals; they are family members who have shared a lifetime of experiences, both joyful and challenging. It makes sense that many people wish to continue their journey with their pets together into eternity.

More Cemeteries Allowing Shared Burial with Pets

For those who wish to be buried with their pets, it is essential to research and understand local laws and regulations. In most states in the U.S., it is generally not legal to be buried at the same cemetery as your pet. However, that is changing with new models of cemeteries and new laws. In California, a new bill may make this possible in 2024. In other areas, it is feasible in varying degrees. According to a law that has been on the books since about 2006, Pennsylvania permits cemeteries to have three sections – one for humans, one for pets and an area for both. Virginia passed a law in 2014 allowing cemeteries to have clearly marked sections where pets and humans may be buried alongside one another. The pet must have been a companion animal under Virginia law and must have its own casket.

Another option is “whole-family cemeteries,” which allow full-body burials of a pet’s remains in the family cemetery plot. Green Pet Burial Society has a directory of nation-wide cemeteries that offer this option.

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Of course, many organizations offer alternative options, such as cremation, which allows individuals to keep their pets’ ashes or have them interred together in a pet cemetery. 

The decision to be buried with a pet is deeply personal, and it is often made by people who have shared their lives with their animals for many years. It speaks to the profound emotional connection that exists between humans and their pets. This connection is so strong that many people find solace in knowing they will rest alongside their beloved companions, preserving their bonds for eternity. For those who have experienced the unique joy and companionship that comes from sharing their lives with animals, shared burial is a heartwarming tribute to a love that knows no bounds.

The author Erin with her beloved dog, Edie