Forever with Fido: New York to allow people to be buried with pets

ALBANY, New York (WABC) -- New York state will now allow people to be buried with the cremated remains of their pet.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law on Monday.

Cemeteries wouldn't have to offer the option, and religious cemeteries would be specifically forbidden from doing so.

Cuomo, a Democrat, says many New Yorkers consider their pets to be a member of the family.

"This legislation will roll back this unnecessary regulation and give cemeteries the option to honor the last wishes of pet lovers across New York," Cuomo said.

With regard to cost, cemeteries will be required to place all payments for the pet internment in its permanent maintenance fund and provide customers with a list of charges pertaining to the burial of the pet.

The proposal is the latest in a series of measures honoring the bond between human and beast in New York. Last year, state lawmakers passed a law allowing dogs on restaurant patios. They also are considering a ban on cat declawing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.