Whenever it is that Shakeema Hutcherson, a dog walker in New York City, dies, she plans to be buried with her family — and that includes her angelic Yorkshire terrier-Chihuahua mix, Tinka, and her frequently demonic cat, Sweetie. Now, when Ms. Hutcherson’s time comes, Tinka and Sweetie will be allowed to rest in peace in her family’s plot: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently signed a law allowing cemeteries for people to inter pets alongside their owners.

“It’s like having a kid, so it’s like having a kid buried next to you,” Ms. Hutcherson, 35, said. Besides, she said, it would make things simpler in the hereafter: “I could talk to God,” she said, asking, “‘What did I do to deserve this cat?’”

The new law permits only cremated remains of pets to be buried. Religious cemeteries are exempt, and cemeteries are not obligated to accept animals. “Four-legged friends are family for many New Yorkers,” Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, said in a statement. “Who are we to stand in the way if someone’s final wish includes spending eternity with them?”