Cuomo Signs Bill Allowing Pets to Be Buried with Their Owners

Dogs and cats, as well as other domesticated animals, hold a special place in our lives.

You probably know someone who says “fur babies” when talking about them.

Realizing the importance of our pets, Governor Andrew Cuomo this past week signed into law legislation that allows New Yorkers to be buried with their pets at nonprofit cemeteries.

“For many New Yorkers, their pets are members of the family,” Cuomo said.

“This legislation will roll back this unnecessary regulation and give cemeteries the option to honor the last wishes of pet lovers across New York,” he said.

The bill Cuomo signed allows humans to be buried with their cremated pet with the cemetery’s written consent, according to information from the governor’s office.

Cemeteries must then place all payments for the pet internment in its permanent maintenance fund and give the customers a list of charges pertaining to the pet’s burial.

This law does not affect cemeteries owned or operated by religious associations or societies.

The Hudson Valley has long had a cemetery dedicated to people’s pets.

Hartsdale Pet Cemetery and Crematory was established in 1896 in the Town of Greenburgh.

According to its website, nearly 70,000 pets, including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and a lion cub, are buried there.

State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, R-District 61, said he was pleased that Cuomo signed the law.

“For years now, New Yokers have desired to have their pets interred in their grave, and cemeteries will not be able to offer this burial option as a result of this new law,” he said.

Photo credit: Google Maps.