Overlooked family members get the recognition they deserve as reforms bring comfort in this state

For many of us who've shared decades with a loved one, the thought of being separated in death feels unthinkable.

If you've ever taken care of a pet before, you'll understand why this reform recognises what many animal lovers have always known—these aren't just animals, they're family.

Victoria has become the second Australian state to allow people and their pets to be buried together in cemetery plots.

This reform marked a significant shift in how we honour this bond.

The landmark reform was recently passed through Parliament, with Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell championing the change after discovering that her own wish to rest alongside her beloved animals was illegal.

A return to ancient traditions

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What many Australians don't realise is that human and pet joint burials were a normal practice hundreds of years ago.

During the rise of Christianity, it became illegal due to the belief that animals don't have souls.

This historical context makes Victoria's law change particularly meaningful.

The open secret everyone knows about

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However, just because joint burials are illegal doesn't mean cemeteries aren't full of beloved pets buried with their owners.

Industry stakeholders allow families to bury their pets in the family grave. Funeral directors often discreetly place urns containing pets' ashes inside the coffin prior to burial.

This is happening in all states of Australia on a regular basis because the funeral industry recognises the powerful bond between humans and animals.

The fact that this compassionate law-breaking has been happening quietly across the country for years shows just how outdated the official regulations have become.

Where Australia stands on pet burial laws

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Victoria joins New South Wales, which amended their legislation in May 2025, as the states explicitly allowing human-pet joint burials.

What about the rest of Australia?

For Australians outside Victoria and NSW, backyard burials on private property remain the main legal option, as long as they follow environmental and health guidelines.

However, strata and rental properties are usually excluded. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) recommends burial at least 1.5 metres from any watercourse.

The practical reality for pet owners

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The limitations of current options explain why many Australians have been quietly breaking the law.

Burying pets in the back yard is the most common, easiest and cheapest way to bury pets. However, it's a temporary burial with no guarantees that the remains won't be disturbed in years to come.

This is particularly relevant for older Australians who may be considering downsizing or moving into aged care—that beloved pet's resting place in the garden might not be protected forever.

For renters and those living in apartments, the challenges can be greater. Strata by-laws and rental agreements almost universally prohibit burying pets on common property, and urban councils may prohibit backyard burial altogether.

What the Victorian law means in practice

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While specific details about implementation are still being finalised, the reform allows pets to be buried in family plots for the first time.

This groundbreaking change recognises what Georgie Purcell, an animal lover herself, calls the deep bond Australians share with animals.

Animal welfare advocate Deb Tranter supported the push for legal change and emphasised its significance.

The ripple effect across Australia

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With Victoria becoming the second state to recognise joint human-pet burials, and evidence of widespread community support, other states may well consider similar reforms.

This is an issue that every pet owner will face, and having the ability to safely and legally choose joint human and pet burials within government cemeteries is needed.

Practical considerations to keep in mind

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For those interested in taking advantage of these new laws, there are practical matters to consider.

Cremation has rapidly become the most popular aftercare option for Australian pets, especially in urban and suburban settings.

Pet cremation offers both dignity and flexibility, allowing families to choose how to memorialise their beloved companion.

A new chapter in saying goodbye

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The changes in Victoria and NSW represent more than just legal reform—they acknowledge the profound role pets play in our lives.

As pet memorialisation evolves, it's worth considering your own wishes and discussing them with loved ones.

Whether that involves advocating for similar changes in your state or simply ensuring your family understands the depth of your bond with your furry, feathered, or four-legged family members.

Have you ever considered being buried with a beloved pet? What are your thoughts on how we should honour our animal companions in death? We'd love to hear your experiences and opinions in the comments below.