Brazil passes a law allowing pets to be buried with their owners

TimesPets Bureau | Feb 12, 2026, 12:33 IST
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Brazil passes a law allowing pets to be buried with their owners
Brazil passes a law allowing pets to be buried with their owners
The state of São Paulo in Brazil has now passed a new law permitting the burying of pets in family graves and mausoleums. The rule officially acknowledges the strong emotional bond between people and their animals.
The state of São Paulo in Brazil has now passed a new law permitting the burying of pets in family graves and mausoleums. The rule officially acknowledges the strong emotional bond between people and their animals.

The country now has about 160 million pets, placing Brazil among the first in the world ranking regarding this segment, according to the Pet Brasil Institute. The new law was inspired by a dog named Bob Coveiro. After his owner's burial in a cemetery, for almost ten years Bob remained there. When he died in 2021, he was buried next to his owner. Now, with the "Bob Coveiro Law" signed by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, such burials can take place all over the state.



The pet industry is a growing segment in Brazil because of the robust pet culture and the changing family structure of Brazilians. Brazilians have fewer children and more live in smaller families, and therefore, they treat their pets as a regular member of their families. Many Brazilians even celebrate the birthdays of their pets.


The new law regarding burials is a sign of how much pets are respected and valued in Brazilian culture. The legislation provides solace to those who want to be close to their beloved pets, even in death.



Why Ancient Temples Trusted Animals More Than Humans
Thu, 28 Aug 2025 ,
By Aparna Jha
Throughout history, animals have played an important role in human spirituality, culture, and society. From serving as companions to acting as symbols of divine forces, animals have always been interwoven with the sacred. One of the most fascinating aspects of this relationship is the presence of animals in ancient temples. Across civilizations, animals were not only revered as symbols of gods and goddesses but also lived within temple grounds as guardians, caretakers, and even sacred beings themselves. These animals, often overlooked in modern discussions, were the forgotten keepers of sacred spaces, maintaining a balance between human devotion and nature’s presence.
Throughout history, animals have played an important role in human spirituality, culture, and society. From serving as companions to acting as symbols of divine forces, animals have always been interwoven with the sacred. One of the most fascinating aspects of this relationship is the presence of animals in ancient temples. Across civilizations, animals were not only revered as symbols of gods and goddesses but also lived within temple grounds as guardians, caretakers, and even sacred beings themselves. These animals, often overlooked in modern discussions, were the forgotten keepers of sacred spaces, maintaining a balance between human devotion and nature’s presence.
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