In 2011, a New York City police officer asked to be buried in the cemetery where his dog lay, and calls for official permission grew. In 2014, New York State announced that pet cemeteries may bury human ashes.
CNN.co.jpWhen my own time comes, can I have their things (treats, ashes, collar) placed in my coffin with me?
What people do around the world
Be buried together with your pet's ashes
New York State, US: only if the cemetery agrees
Western New York Public Broadcasting AssociationPet cemeteries may also bury human ashes
New York State, US: announced in 2014
CNN.co.jpPeople and pets buried side by side in a separate cemetery section
Virginia, US: proposed in a 2014 bill
ABA JournalA grave with a separate chamber for pet remains
Tokyo, Japan: graves at one temple
nippon.comA grave for the dog inside the owner's family plot
Tokyo, Japan: Hachiko at Aoyama Cemetery
nippon.comOnly a little food and a few photos or letters in the coffin
Sendai, Japan: city crematorium guidance
仙台市Keep metal and plastic items out of the coffin
Nagoya, Japan: city crematorium guidance
名古屋市Updated 29 Oct 2026.