São Paulo Enacts Law Allowing Pet Burials with Owners, Inspired by Loyal Dog

Published 12 February 2026

Highlights

• A new law in São Paulo, Brazil, allows pets to be buried with their owners, inspired by a dog named Bob Coveiro who stayed by his owner's grave for 10 years.
• The Bob Coveiro Law acknowledges the emotional bond between pets and their families, offering a dignified alternative to cremation.
• The law was signed by São Paulo's governor and is part of a broader trend in Brazil, with similar laws in Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina.
• Bob Coveiro became a local icon, comforting mourners at the cemetery until his death in 2021, after which he was buried alongside his owner.
• The law reflects Brazil's large pet population, with 160 million animal companions, and addresses the high costs of cremation.

In a heartwarming development, São Paulo, Brazil's most populous state, has enacted a new law permitting pets to be buried alongside their owners. This legislation, known as the Bob Coveiro Law, was inspired by a dog named Bob who famously spent a decade living by his owner's grave in a São Paulo cemetery.

A Canine Legacy

Bob Coveiro, affectionately nicknamed "the Gravedigger," became a symbol of loyalty and love after refusing to leave his owner's side following her burial in 2011. Despite attempts by family members to take him home, Bob remained at the cemetery in Taboão da Serra, a city near São Paulo. The cemetery staff adopted him, providing food and shelter, while Bob comforted mourners by accompanying funeral processions, often with a ball in his mouth.

Legislative Impact

The Bob Coveiro Law, signed by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, recognizes the deep emotional bond between pets and their human families. It allows dogs and cats to be interred in family plots, provided sanitary standards are met. This law offers a more dignified and accessible option compared to the costly process of cremation, which often led to improper disposal of pet remains.

Broader Context

São Paulo is not the first Brazilian state to implement such legislation; similar laws exist in Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina. The move reflects the country's significant pet population, with 160 million animal companions, according to the Pet Brasil Institute. The law's co-author, Eduardo Nóbrega, emphasized that pets are family members, deserving respect even in death.

A Lasting Tribute

Bob's story has left a lasting impact, with a statue erected in his honor at the cemetery, thanks to a crowdfunding campaign by the animal protection charity Patre. The plaque beneath the statue reads, "Our tribute and gratitude for your lessons in love and loyalty," capturing the essence of Bob's comforting presence.

What this might mean

The Bob Coveiro Law could set a precedent for other regions in Brazil and beyond, as societies increasingly recognize the emotional significance of pets. The legislation may prompt further discussions on animal rights and the role of pets in family life. As Brazil continues to navigate these changes, the law could influence similar policies worldwide, highlighting the evolving relationship between humans and their animal companions.