São Paulo, Brazil – A new law took effect Tuesday in the state of São Paulo allowing pet owners to bury their animal companions in family graves or mausoleums, formally recognizing the emotional connection between people and their pets. Governor Tarcisio de Freitas signed the legislation, dubbed the “Bob Coveiro Law,” into effect, a move celebrated by animal welfare advocates across the country.
Brazil has the third-largest pet population globally, with an estimated 160 million animal companions, according to data from the Pet Brasil Institute. The law addresses a previously unmet need for many pet owners who wished to maintain a final connection with their animals after death. Prior to this legislation, options for pet burial were limited, often involving veterinary clinics or dedicated pet cemeteries.
The law’s namesake, Bob Coveiro, was a dog who lived for ten years in a municipal cemetery after his owner was buried there. After Bob’s death in 2021, he was permitted to be buried alongside his owner, a gesture that garnered significant public attention and ultimately inspired the legislative effort.
The passage of the law comes at a time of heightened sensitivity surrounding animal welfare in Brazil. Recent outrage followed the brutal killing of a community street dog named “Orelha” (Ear) in Florianópolis, allegedly by a group of teenagers. The case, which drew the attention of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, sparked protests and a national conversation about animal rights and protection.
Although the new law provides a legal framework for pet burial in family plots, specific regulations regarding the process will likely be determined by individual cemetery administrations. It remains unclear how widely the practice will be adopted across the state, and whether additional guidelines will be issued to address potential logistical or sanitary concerns.
