Bern approves burial with pets: new rules for 2026

Context

In brief

• New cemetery regulation approved in Bern
• Burial with pets in dedicated areas
• Pets interred in urns

Key facts

• What: New cemetery regulation
• When: April 24, 2026
• Where: Bern
• Who: Bern municipal council
• Amount: Not specified

The Bern municipal council approved on Thursday the new cemetery regulation that allows being buried with one's pet. Dedicated areas, called 'Person with pet', will be created specifically for this new burial method. Pets must be interred in urns. This decision is part of a complete revision of funeral regulations that modernizes cemetery provisions.

Among other novelties, people will be able to be buried in sections dedicated to minors up to the age of 18, whereas the previous limit was 14 years. All the planned changes have received cross-party consensus, except for a proposal by the faction composed of Alternative Left, Labour Party, and Alternative Forum, which asked to ban the deliberate killing of animals to be buried with a person. The Council deemed that the cemetery regulation was not the appropriate venue to enact such a provision.

The Municipality was outvoted regarding competencies: in the future, it will be the Municipal Council that decides on major renovations and the suppression of cemeteries, a prerogative that the executive would have preferred to maintain. The Municipal Council unanimously approved the completely revised regulation, waiving a second examination of the matter.

Complete revision of funeral regulations

The new regulation stems from a postulate by the Green Liberals that the Municipal Council had accepted in March 2021. During the project's development, it emerged that cemetery legislation no longer corresponded to current reality and practices, partly based on obsolete legal foundations. A complete revision was therefore opted for. The needs of society have profoundly changed, stated the city executive. In 2024, the share of traditional burials was only 16.3%. Other forms of burial are increasingly requested.

'During the examination of the matter, many issues emerged that the revision has now clarified,' declared in the chamber the municipal responsible Matthias Aebischer (PS). Often, discussions took on a philosophical character. 'The cemeteries of the city of Bern represent a model at the Swiss level,' he stated. 'I am proud of this.'

Cemeteries appreciated as parks

The city of Bern manages three cemeteries: Bremgarten, Schosshalden, and Bümpliz. According to its website, it administers a total of 13,000 graves. The cemeteries are also appreciated as public green areas for nearby recreation. In 1999, the burial field for prematurely born children and the area for Muslim graves were created. In 2018, the city inaugurated the Buddhist burial field, and in 2025, the Alevite one will be opened at the Bremgarten cemetery.

Operational details

• ## Practical implications for cross-border workers

The new regulation on burial with pets in Bern could have practical implications for cross-border workers living or working in Ticino. For example, those who own a pet and wish to be buried with it will need to consider the new provisions. Areas dedicated to 'Person with animal' will be created specifically for this type of burial, which could influence future decisions regarding burial locations.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the revision of the cemetery regulation, it was not possible to be buried with one's pet. The new regulation represents a significant change, in line with the modern needs of society. The possibility of being buried with one's pet reflects a growing interest in animal welfare and their integration into daily life.

Concrete scenarios

Suppose a cross-border worker living in Ticino and working in Bern wishes to be buried with their dog. With the new regulation, it will be possible to choose one of the dedicated 'Person with animal' areas in Bern's cemeteries. However, it will be necessary to inter the animal in an urn, which could involve additional costs and specific procedures.

Concrete procedures

To take advantage of the new provision, citizens will need to follow some concrete procedures. First, it will be necessary to contact Bern's cemetery office for detailed information on the dedicated areas and associated costs. Subsequently, it will be possible to book a specific area for burial with one's pet. It will also be important to consider the provisions for interring the animal in an urn.

Comparison with other forms of burial

The new regulation represents just one of the many forms of burial available in Bern. In addition to traditional burials, the city also offers burial fields for prematurely born girls and boys, areas for Muslim, Buddhist, and Alevite graves. The diversity of options reflects the growing demand for personalized burial methods respectful of different cultural and religious traditions.

Impact on funeral planning

The possibility of being buried with one's pet could influence the funeral planning of many citizens. Those who own a pet may want to consider this option as part of their future plans. It will be important to inform themselves promptly about the procedures and associated costs to ensure that all arrangements are in order.

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Key points

What to do to benefit from the new regulation

To benefit from the new regulation on burial with pets in Bern, it is important to follow some concrete steps. First, contact the Bern cemetery office to obtain detailed information about the dedicated areas and associated costs. Next, book a specific area for burial with your pet. Make sure to follow all procedures for the interment of the animal in an urn.

Concrete steps

1. Contact the Bern cemetery office for detailed information. 2. Book a specific area for burial with your pet. 3. Follow all procedures for the interment of the animal in an urn. 4. Verify the associated costs and ensure that all arrangements are in order.

Useful tools

For further information and to plan the burial with your pet, you can use the funeral cost calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool can help estimate the costs associated with the burial and plan the expenses efficiently.

Conclusion

The new regulation on burial with pets in Bern represents a significant step towards the modernization of funeral regulations. For cross-border workers living or working in Ticino, this new option could influence future decisions regarding burial sites. It is important to inform yourself promptly and follow the necessary procedures to ensure that all arrangements are in order. Using tools like the funeral cost calculator can help plan expenses efficiently and make informed decisions.

Source: tvsvizzera.it