Local Cemetery Allows Pets, Owners To Be Buried Together

A local cemetery said it's trying something new for customers who own pets. It will make it possible for the owners and their pets to be buried together.

It may seem like a strange idea at first, but you might be surprised at how popular it is.

Jerry Dillon of Dillon Smith Funeral Service has a new idea for the new plots at his cemetery. Starting January 1st, families will be able to share their grave sites with their pets.

"So what we're wanting to do is listen to what the needs of families are in the time of loss and grieving, how can we make that as meaningful as possible, celebrate the life of their pet," he said.

Dillon said there is a high demand for this unique service.

"The end of life circumstances that we have, happen more often with our pets and pets are as much a part of family as our children are, or sometimes more so because their love is unconditional," Dillon said.

Before your pet gets buried, why not have a service too?

"If they don't want their pet cremated we can have them prepared just like a human body and have an open casket for viewing if that's what they want. Everything is going to be tailored around to what that family wants so that their grieving can be fully embraced in a loving tender way," Dillon said.

He said the additional spots in your plot for pets are a little cheaper than humans because of the smaller size.

A human space in the Peaceful Paws cemetery starts just under $2,000.