Death Need Not Part Owners and Their Pets: Regulating Pet Cemeteries Through Zoning Regulation

Pet ownership in the United States has grown substantially over the years. In the past, when a family pet died, it was typically buried in the back yard or cremated by the local veterinarian who might return the ashes to the owner if requested. Today the relationship between people and their pets is different. In many cases pets are treated like members of the family, and a growing number of people wish to be buried alongside their pet either in a burial ground for human remains or for animal remains. Others wish to inter their pets in a specially designated pet cemetery where they can visit regularly. This article reviews how state and local governments are regulating the burial of pets in pet cemeteries and how they are grappling with questions of burials for pets and humans together