In most California households, pets are more than furry friends. They’re family. They join you on trips to the park, car rides and vacations.
But how much do you love your pet? Do you love them enough to be buried alongside them?
Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, a Southern California Democrat, is introducing a bill that would allow cemeteries to create separate sections where pets can be buried with their owners.
“Humans spend over a decade of their lives with their pets, building strong and irreplaceable bonds,” Irwin was quoted in the bill analysis. “It is natural for owners to want to keep their furry members close in the afterlife.”
The bill has passed both Assembly and Senate committees with no votes against it and no registered opposition.
How would the legislation work?
If a cemetery in California chooses to create a space for co-burials, pet and human remains must be in separate containers, but can be placed in the same plot, niche, crypt or vault, according to the bill’s text.
“Through this bill, both public and private cemeteries will be given the option to decide for themselves whether or not they allow pet and human co-burials,” Irwin said.
As for the limits on the types of pets and size guidelines, Irwin said that will also be left for individual cemeteries to develop guidelines.
Do any states allow co-burials with pets?
A few states have recognized the increasing desire of owners wanting co-burials with their pets, according to the bill analysis.
These states currently allow co-burials:
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
