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Photo frame of a dog memorial

The essentials

  • A memorial can help you cope with the death of a beloved pet — Grief that goes unacknowledged can cause increased distress. Memorializing your pet can help you come to terms with the loss.
  • There are many unique ways to memorialize a pet — From paw print molds to funeral services and memory boxes, you are sure to find a way to honor your pet.
  • Your vet can offer you advice on cremation and burial services — They can guide you through the process and explain the options available to you.

Losing a beloved family pet can create a whirlwind of emotions, especially if the death was unexpected. Creating a memorial allows you to remember the good times you had with your pet and helps you heal from the pain of their loss. Here are some ways to memorialize a pet.

Why memorialize your pet?

A pet is an integral part of our lives. We love and care for them as our own family, and they offer us unconditional love and companionship in return. Losing a pet is a devastating experience.

The canine-human bond is similar to that of a child and a parent. Pets offer us emotional support, combat loneliness, and even support managing mental health issues. It’s important to give yourself space after losing a pet to deal with the trauma in your own way. The experience of losing a pet is different for every pet parent. However, a memorial can be a great way to remember your pet and cope with the grieving process.

👉 Some pet insurers cover certain costs of cremation and burial. Check with your pet insurance provider

13 ways to memorialize a pet you’ve lost

Every pet parent’s grieving process is unique. Memorializing your pet can help ease the pain of their passing. Here are 13 memorial ideas to celebrate your pet’s life.

1. Create a nose print or paw print

A plaster cast, ink print, or salt dough mold of your pet’s nose or paw print can be a beautiful memento to honor your fur baby’s life. You can mount them in a picture frame or protect them in a keepsake box alongside other memories.

Many vet clinics offer paw print services during the end-of-life pet care process. Alternatively, you can order supplies online, such as a paw print keepsake kit, to do it yourself.

2. Write an obituary

Words are one of the most powerful tools to express your emotions. Consider writing an obituary for your pet, turn it into a poem or song, or read it to your children to help them deal with the loss of their companion. Things you can add include:

  • Basic information such as their date of birth
  • How and when your pet joined your family
  • Favorite toys, people, food, napping spot, and places to walk
  • Quirky personality traits and cute tricks
  • Other personal memories
  • A touching parting message

Recalling favorite memories of your pet can help you focus on the joy they brought to your life. You can keep your obituary private, share it with selected friends and family members, or post it on social media.

3. Hold a pet funeral

Invite friends and family over to celebrate the life of your pet in a way that’s meaningful to you. Find a special place to hold the memorial service and share uplifting and fond memories of the good times with your pet. Speaking of your pet out loud and finding comfort in the company of others can help you process your grief. If you have your pet’s remains, you can bury them or scatter their ashes.

4. Create a memory box

A memory box is a beautiful keepsake that you can look through. You can add special items that remind you of your pet, such as a photo, collar, paw print, favorite toy, fur clipping, or ashes. Many online companies also offer the option to personalize a keepsake box with a unique engraving.

5. Customize jewelry or art

Personalize a piece of jewelry with your pet’s name, a photo, or a touching message. Many companies do this for you. For example, Jewelry Keepsakes offers engraved pendants with an image of your choice.

Another option is cremation jewelry. Companies like Spirit Pieces use some of your pet’s ashes to create stone necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Personalize your jewelry with your pet’s name, picture, message, or paw print. This way, you can carry a part of your pet around with you.

If jewelry isn’t your thing, you can also purchase custom artwork based on a photo of your pet. These can be created with or without adding your pet’s ashes. You can find services online, like FidoTabby, where you can upload a photo of your pet to be painted and shipped to you.

6. Buy an animal replica

Some companies, such as Petsies, can create a stuffed animal that looks like your beloved companion animal. They can also make other items with an image of your pet, such as blankets, keychains, pillows, and pajamas.

7. Plant a tree

Planting a tree, flower bed, or vegetable patch in your pet’s memory is a wonderful way to honor them. Plant it in their favorite playing spot, digging site, or lounging area. You can even add a personalized plaque or a grave marker to create a lasting memorial of your pet.  If you have your pet’s ashes, you can also bury or scatter them in your backyard.

8. Get a tattoo

What better way to remember your beloved fur baby than to get a permanent tattoo of them on your body? Take a photo of your pet to a local tattoo parlor and discuss your vision with them. You can even create a unique design based on an image of your pet that’s meaningful to you.

9. Make a donation

Help your pet’s memory live on by donating to an animal shelter or humane society in your pet’s name. If you rescued your pet from an animal shelter, consider donating to it to improve the lives of other animals in need.

10. Create a photo journal

Create a photo journal from your phone. Select photos throughout their life to create a lasting chronicle. You can even get the kids involved by turning it into a scrapbook of memories. Young children may love decorating it with drawings, symbols, and words to honor their lost pet. This can help them open up about their feelings and deal with grief.

Alternatively, you can combine short videos and photos of your pet into a slideshow or video to watch whenever you feel like it. Websites like Animoto and Flexclip can help you create a memorial video or slideshow.

11. Create a day to honor them

Creating a day to honor your pet gives you dedicated time to remember and celebrate their life. Go to their favorite place, take a walk or hike to a spot they loved, or stay in and celebrate their life at home. Reflect on cherished memories or do activities that remind you of the joy they brought to your life. To help grieve, read an obituary or plant a tree or flowers in their special spot.

12. Keep some of their fur

Consider preserving some of their fur to keep their memory close. A physical remembrance of them in a glass bottle, a jar, or a wooden box can offer comfort and act as a tribute to their life. Engrave their name, decorate it, or add charms to stylize it to their personality. This tangible reminder keeps your pet close by and always with you.

13. Turn their ashes into diamonds

Another option is to turn your pet’s ashes into a diamond. Services like EverDear allow you to choose from rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Each diamond possesses its own distinct hue from each set of ashes, making it a unique tribute to your beloved pet. These keepsakes keep their memory alive in a tangible and elegant form, serving as a constant reminder of the love and bond you and your pet shared.

Losing a pet is hard enough. Memorializing them to keep their memory alive can help you deal with the grief you’re going through. By creating lasting tributes, you can honor their memory and celebrate their life. These acts of remembrance offer a sense of peace and connection, helping you through the healing journey.

Frequently asked questions

How do you honor a deceased pet?

The loss of a loved pet can be heartbreaking for any pet parent. It’s important to honor the death of your fur baby in a meaningful way that feels right to you. Options you can consider include holding a memorial service, creating a beautiful keepsake box of memories, or customizing a memorial necklace with your pet’s ashes.

How do you make a pet memorial?

A pet memorial can be as unique as your bond with your beloved animal companion.  Try creating a simple memorial garden in your backyard by planting a new tree or flower bed. You can even add a grave marker or memorial stone with your pet’s name and the date of their passing. Other pet memorial ideas include creating a memory journal of your pet’s life and getting a tattoo that reminds you of them.

What do you give a grieving pet owner?

If a friend or family member has just lost a beloved pet, a thoughtful gift can show them you care. Try to find a gift that will preserve a special memory they have with their pet, such as a personalized ornament or artwork. If you are more creative, you can make a scrapbook for them with photos of their deceased pet and other touching memories.

What helps with the grief of losing a pet?

Pets are a part of the family, so we can feel intense loss when they are suddenly gone. The most important thing is to allow yourself the time and space to process your grief. Expressing your emotions through a heartfelt obituary or speaking to family and friends will also help. When you’re ready, find a way to memorialize your pet to ensure their memory lives on.