1/19Some of the epitaphs reflect the wonderful quirks owners love about their animals.
Sydney’s pet cemetery reveals our better natures
You can feel the love at Sydney’s only dedicated pet cemetery, where owners express their adoration for pets in a way rarely seen at human burial grounds. We take a tour of the Animal Memorial Cemetery and Crematorium
2/19The Animal Memorial Cemetery and Crematorium was opened in 1967 by Ed and Noreen Jessop.
3/19There are ‘family plots’ where owners bury their beloved pets over a period of many years. Picture: Justin Lloyd.
4/19A moving tribute to Moondah, a seeing eye dog, a “bright star in the darkness of night”. Picture: Justin Lloyd.
5/19Cappuccino’s devoted owners leave bright flowers at the grave.
6/19Shane McGraw in the cemetery’s chapel where pets can be laid out for viewing before cremation or burial.
7/19All creatures great and small are represented at the pet cemetery. Picture: Justin Lloyd.
8/19Many owners have had their own ashes interred with their pets after their death. Picture: Justin Lloyd.
9/19Shane McGraw has run the Animal Cemetery and Crematorium at Berkshire Park for 20 years with his wife Katrina.
10/19Yucko “The Good Boy” rests in peace at the Berkshire Park cemetery in Sydney’s west.
11/19Pets buried at the cemetery had a good life, says owner Shane McGraw, who says his clients come from all walks of life.
12/19Breaking the stereotype of the pit bull, Whitey Flannery is remembered as a dog who loved kids.
13/19Ajax the rottweiler rests in peace surrounded by orthodox iconography.
14/19A cat buried in the early days of the cemetery, which is now nearing 50 years of operation.
15/19The ashes of beloved animals including Scarlett O’Hara and Benji Lambess interred at the cemetery.
16/19Many of the headstones carry poems and words of gratitude to the animal that passed away.
17/19Families also bury their pets together. Here Toffee and Fairfloss the rabbits are laid to rest with Rocky the dog. Picture: Justin Lloyd.
18/19The cemetery is open for visiting 8:30am to 5pm daily.
19/19Owners are able to pay tribute to their animals while finding peace of mind their final resting in place is tranquil and safe..
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