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Pet Memorial Ideas: 53 Ways To Honor Your Pet

(Pet Memorial Ideas updated 03/13/2024)

Losing a pet is difficult.

They become such an integral part of our lives that it’s hard to image life without them. 

But the reality is, for most of us, we will need to say goodbye to our loyal friend sooner than we are ready to. 

Because they are an important part of our lives we want to honor them in death, just like we would for a family member or close friend.

But you may be wondering what you can do to honor your pet. 

Pet Memorial Ideas - Happyoodles.com  TP

Here you will find 55 meaningful pet memorial ideas that can easily be used for a dog, cat or any beloved pet. Including many ideas that are free ways to honor your pet.

Dealing with Pet Loss

Pet Memorial Ideas - Pet loss title page

Experiencing the death of a pet can leave us with a deep sense of loss.  In a society where some people view their pets as family and others view them as property; it’s hard to navigate those feelings if you believe in the former.

It’s also hard for people to understand your sense of loss if they believe that you can just replace your dog or cat with another one.

So what can you do to cope with the death of a pet?

Some people need to take actionable steps, this includes dealing with the remains, but it can also include honoring your pet just as we do when a person dies.    

Remember if you are struggling with the loss of a pet you are not alone. Reach out to friend or family member you are comfortable with or look for a pet loss and bereavement support group.

You can find a pet loss and bereavement support group through local veterinarians or rescue groups. Tufts’ Cummings School of Veterinary School offers a Pet Loss Support Hotline.

You can also find some pet loss groups on Facebook.

Pet Memorial Ideas For Dogs

Note: As an affiliate with Amazon and Etsy.com, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases form these places. However many of the links are not affiliated links.

Memorial Service Ideas

When a person dies, we honor them with a funeral.  This serves a few purposes.  The first is to face the reality that the person is gone. 

When someone dies we often want to rebel against this reality.  Seeing the body laid out and then placed in the ground confirms in our mind that the person is gone. 

The next is remembering the person and the third is to find support and comfort from other people who knew the deceased.

Although traditional funerals are not common for pets, it’s still important to have the same support and closure for when our pets die.   

Pet Memorial Ideas - Picture of two small graves

Hold a funeral service

Just because funerals are not common for pets, that doesn’t mean you can’t have one for them.  

Whether you plan to bury your faithful friend in the yard or at a pet cemetery, gather family and friends to say their last goodbyes.   

If you plan to have your pup cremated, ask the pet cremation center what options they have for a pre cremation service.

Need some help finding a pet cemetery? Check out our post Pet Cemeteries: A practical guide to burying your dog. It lists over 200 pet cemeteries across the U.S.

Share special memories

Take the time to remember your pet. Have a family dinner or get to together with people who knew your pet and share memories of them.

These memories can be special moments in your pet’s life, like the time you first brought them home or the funny things they have done. 

You can also reminisce about their daily habits and activities. Anything you want to talk about is fine.

Hands holding candle

Light a candle in their honor

For many a candle symbolizes light in a time of darkness and also life itself.  When we light a candle for a deceased love one, we are honoring their life. 

You can honor your pet’s life in the same way. If you are lighting the candle in a group setting ask each person to share a memory of the deceased before lighting the candle.

To make the candle lighting special, use a candle that is only lit when you are honoring your beloved pet. 

Although any candle that is reserved for this purpose will do, you can also get a personalized candle that is just for your cat or dog.    

Custom Pet Memorial Candle

This memorial candle features a image of your pet’s face along with a short personalized message.

Average burn time of our candles is a long-lasting 50-60 hours

Details:

  • Made from 100% natural soy wax
  • 100% cotton wick

You can find it at Etsy.com

Dog’s Angel Candle Holder Statue

If you are not a fan of having an open flame in the house another option is this angel holding a dog candle holder statue. It comes with an flickering LED light to mimic a real candle.

Details:

  • Handmade
  • Height: 8.3 inches
  • Width: 4.5 inches
  • Depth: 3.9 inches

You can find this on Etsy.com

Create a picture memorial

Place pictures of your pet around a room or create an altar for the pictures. Then invite people to view the pictures and share their memories.

Another idea is to create a picture collage in one frame. You can do this by gathering pictures of your dog from puppy hood and up. Then tape them together to fill in the space inside an inexpensive frame.

If you would like to give your collage a unique twist you can use a printed silhouette as a border for your collage like the one shown here.

Dog Silhouette for picture frame
Pet Silhouette by Rolling Hills Memories – Digital product can be found on Etsy.com

Or you can use a custom collage frame that features your dog’s name. Like the one shown here.

Pet Memorial Ideas - Picture frame with name

The shown frame by Wood In Out features space for 10 photos with the person or dog’s name in the middle.

Sizes of photos:

  • 6 pieces of 10x15cm (4x6in)
  • 4 pieces of 18x13cm (5x7in)

You can find this item at Etsy.com

Create a video

Combine short video clips from over the years to create a memorial video for your cat or dog.  Don’t forget to add music.  Once it’s done share it with family and friends. 

If you are having an in-person service you can play it during the service.

Pet Memorial Activities

People tend to think of a memorials as an object that you display to remember a pet.  The most common pet memorial ideas include memorial stones or plaques.  But memorials can also be an activity that you do to honor a pet; like a funeral that we mentioned above.   Here are some more memorial ideas that you can do:  

Go on a picnic

Organize a picnic with your family and friends in your dog’s favorite spot. It could be at their favorite dog park or just in the backyard. 

Bring your dog’s favorite human foods and share stories of the times you spent with your pet in this spot.

Floating Lanterns

Probably the largest and best known floating lantern memorial is the Lantern Floating event in Hawaii. In the past the lanterns were floated out to sea. However this is not Eco-friendly.

Starting in 2022 participants will have an opportunity to write remembrances, and prayers on lanterns to float in a water feature on site. There is also a virtual option.

A word of warning: Sky Lanterns are illegal in many states due to the risks involved with them. Both the Floating Lanterns and Sky Lanterns pose a risk to the environment.   These risks include starting a fire and littering.   Discarded metal frames and other materials from lanterns have been known to cause harm to wildlife.  Please act responsibly!   

Sky Lanterns

The idea behind the sky lanterns is similar to the floating lanterns.  Lanterns are decorated to honor loved ones who have passed and then released into the sky. Please do not do this outside of a planned event. You can find a sky lantern event near you at Night Light Event 

Land scattering

Another popular idea is to scatter your pet’s ashes in a place that they loved, like a favorite hiking spot or park. 

If you plan to scatter the ashes on public land or elsewhere, it’s important to get the proper permission first. Check with the local government in the area that you plan to scatter the ashes to see what is required.

Pet Memorial Ideas Scattering tube
Living Urn Scattering Tube – Amazon.com

To assist with the scattering you can now get a scattering tube.  The tube allows you to scatter the ashes in a controlled way, away from you.

It also lets you scatter the ashes in different places.  You can find an assortment of scattering tubs on Etsy.com to choose from.

Sea scattering

You can also scatter your pet’s ashes in the sea.   You can find sea scattering services throughout the United States. 

Just make sure you check with federal and local governments to ensure you follow all regulations.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides a general permit for human sea burial but this does not cover pets.

Create a memory time capsule

Place some of your pet’s pictures and a personal item in a time capsule to be opened in the future.  If you plan to bury the time capsule in the ground make sure to choose a water resistant container that will not decompose in the soil. 

Time Capsule
Our Sweet Home Alabama – Dated Time Capsule – Available at Etsy.com

Blow bubbles

Ok, this idea is kind of unique.  But if your dog is like mine they love to chase bubbles, so why not blow some bubbles in their honor.   If you still have other dogs make sure to blow dog safe bubbles.

Create a scrapbook

Create a memory book for your pet.   Memory books can be as elaborate or simple as you want. You can tie a few pages together with ribbon or purchase a ready-made book like shown below.   It’s all up to you.

Scrapbook - personalized

Personalized Scrapbook Photo Album

If you are looking for a ready made scrapbook here is an example of a personalized keepsake you can find on Etsy.com.

The hand decorated front cover can be personalized with your pet’s name and the date. Plus it offers over 40 stiff card pages to add special memories.

You can find this one and many more at Etsy.com

Volunteer at a local shelter

Shelters are always in need of help to care for the dogs and cats while they wait for a new home.  Take some time to honor your pet by helping another animal in need.

Garden Inspired Pet Memorial Ideas

Pet Memorial Ideas - In memory Title page - Happyoodles.com

Creating a garden in memory of a beloved pet is a beautiful way to honor your pet. Here are some way to incorporate your pet into the garden:

Plant a tree

Planting a tree is a time honored way to celebrate both life and death.  But if you plan on planting a tree over your dog’s ashes you need to take an extra step. 

As it turns out your pet’s ashes are not good to grow plants in. The remains can have too much sodium and too high of a PH level to successfully grow plants.

Liviing urn

But there is hope. The Living Urn is biodegradable urn that comes with a mixture that helps the ashes blend with the soil to create an environment that is able to support a tree.

You simply plant the seedling directly in the urn. The urn can then be buried into the ground. You can find this product at Amazon.com

Plant flowers that remind you of your dog

Pet Memorial Ideas - pic of forget me not

Plant flowers with names that remind you of your dog.  An example of this is a dogwood or forget-me not. You can also plant flowers that represent your dogs name, like; Lily, Daisy, or rose.     

Pet Memorial Flower Pot

If you don’t have space to have a garden, then a personalized flower pot could also serve as a small garden themed memorial to your cat or dog. Here are a few examples of memorial flower pots.

Pet Memorial flower pot in green
Happy Moose Garden Art – Etsy.com
Pet Memorial Floor pot in green with picture
Craft On Concrete – Etsy.com

Pet Memorial Stones

Memorial stones are decorative stones that can be placed in your garden as a memorial to to a loved one. There are many different kinds of memorial stones.

Steeping stone with memorial
Melton Memorials – Etsy.com

You can find memorial stones that are; personalized, have photos of your pet, special saying, etc.

To see a wider assortment of stones to choose from visit our post on Pet Memorial Stones – Buying Guide.

Pet Memorial Plaques

Pet Memorial plaque

Instead of a memorial stone that needs to be placed on the ground, you could choose to have a plaque. Plaques tend to be lighter in weight and can be used different ways. You could attach it to a bench or other structure. You can also use a stake to place it among the flowers.

Memorial plaques come in a variety of materials and designs. 

The one shown here is from The Metal Foundry at Etsy.com

Rock Shaped Memorial Urns

Not sure what to do with your pets ashes after they are cremated?   Instead of placing the ashes in the ground, you can place them in a rock shaped urn that is made to be outside. 

Rock urns can look like a rock or some are ornamental like the one shown here.  Either way they make a great addition to your memorial garden.

The best part is, if you need to move you can take your pet’s ashes with you to your new place.   

More examples of rock urns to go our post: Pet Memorial Stones – Buying Guide.

Pet Memorial Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are a lovely addition to any garden. I have a few. But a dog memorial wind chime will have you thinking of your pup every time the wind blows.  

Wind Chimes for Dogs

Wind chime in black
Personalized Pet Memorial Wind Chime at Etsy.com
Pet Memorial Ideas  wind chime
Loss of Dog Memorial Wind Chime at Etsy.com

Wind Chimes for Cats

Cooper Cat Wind Chime
Cooper Cat Wind Chime at Etsy.com
Cat and moon wind chime
Cat and Moon Wind Chimes at Etsy.com

Grave Markers

If you bury your pet or their ashes in the garden don’t forget to use a grave marker to remember where they were laid to rest.   Grave markers can be simple or fancy.  You can also get a personalized grave marker.  The choice is yours.   

Grave marker
Pet Memorial Garden Slate on Etsy.com

Also check out our post on memorial stones for more ideas for grave markers.

Pet Statue

Another way to incorporate your pup into the garden is to add statue or silhouette of your pup. There are many different types of statues to choose from. The example on the left is made of concrete, the one on the right is metal. Both examples also come in cat shapes.

silhouette of dog
My Metal Rescue – Etsy,com
Pet Memorial Ideas - garden statue
Its Concrete – Etsy.com

Pet Memorial Bench

Every garden should have a place for people to sit amongst the flowers. Our next pet memorial idea does double duty by letting everyone who visits, know that this is a special place. While also offering a spot to stay awhile. The two examples below can be found on Etsy.com. As you can see the one on the left can be engraved with a picture and the one on the right can be engraved with a name and saying.

Pet Memorial Bench
Personalized Pet Memorial Bench – At Etsy.com
Bench
Rockerman Of Texas – 5ft Bench @ Etsy.com

Pet Memorial Flag

A flag dedicated to your dog or cat can be displayed in a garden or path as a way to remember them each time you pass it. Flags can be personalized or just have a saying on it like the one shown below.

Pet Memorial Flag
Paw Print Garden Flag by Amy Jo Treasures – Etsy.com
Pet Memorial Flag with picture
Galloway Hill Designs – Etsy.com

Pet Memorial Ideas for Your Home

Hang a custom portrait  

Have a portrait made of your dog or cat to hang in your home.  Having a portrait made for your dog is easy.  All you need to do is provide a picture to the artist who will then create the portrait.  

A less expensive option is to have your favorite picture of your pet printed and framed.

Pet Memorial Photo Blanket

Remember your pet with a cozy blanket featuring a picture of them with their name. This way whenever you miss cuddling with your pup or cat you can cuddle up with this blanket instead. You can find photo blankets with a single picture or chose one that has multiply pictures of your dog.

Custom Pet Photo Blanket by Aesty Desgins @ Etsy.com
Pawpillo Photo Blanket @ Etsy.com

Create a Pet Memorial Terrarium

If you would like to have a living memorial to your pet but don’t have the time or space for a garden, than a terrarium might be a good choice. A terrarium is basically a small garden in a glass jar or bowl.

There are lots of DIY sites that will give you ideas on how to create one or you can purchase a Terrarium kit that incorporates a small amount of your dogs ashes in the layers.

Petarium @ Etsy.com

Renaissance Art

Renaissance Art
Paw Art Love – You can find it on Amazon.com

Add a little whimsy to your wall while also honoring your pet with this custom renaissance dog art.  You just need to provide a clear picture of your dog, cat or other animal and they will do the rest.  The result is a renaissance inspired picture of your pet.   You can choose between an admiral and a princess.

Hourglass Urn

If you are looking for a unusual way to display your pet ashes, you may want to consider a hourglass urn. Here is one from Etsy.com but there are a few different companies that sell them.

Wooden Hourglass At Etsy.com

Shadow box

Shadow box
Pearhead Keepsake Picture Frame @ amazon.com

When our pets leave us we are left with their belongings like their ID tag and collars.  The question then becomes what to do with them.  A creative solution is to create a shadow box to keep them on display as a memorial to our pets. You can buy a shadow box like the one pictured here or build your own.

Better Homes and Garden provide easy to follow instructions to create your own shadow box or you can find an assortment of ready made shadow boxes on Amazon.com.

Personalized Urn

If you decided to cremate your pet you will need to decide what to do with the ashes. What better way to honor your pet then to give them a final resting place on the mantle or other prominent spot in your home. Urns come in many shapes and forms. 

Urns can be personalized with your dog’s photo and name, like the ones shown below.

Malloryville Pottery @ Etsy.com
Barruntando Ceramics at Etsy.com

Or you can also choose a less conspicuous urn that resembles a piece of art, like the one shown here.   

Vitrified Studio @ Etsy.com

Remember to make sure to choose the correct sized urn

Honoring Your Pet Through Donations

Knowing you are making the world a better place can help with the healing process when losing a loved one. Here are a few ideas to give back to in honor of your pet.  

Donate a tree

There are a few ways you can donate a tree in honor of your pet. 

TreesforaChange.com is one way. At Trees for a Change you can purchase a memorial tree or grove of trees in memory of your beloved pet. 

In return they will plant the tree(s) in a burnt out area of a U.S. National Forest. You receive a personalized certificate, plus online access to photos and information about the tree(s).  

If you prefer to have the tree planted closer to home, you can contact your local parks department to see if they have a tree donation program. 

When you donate a tree to a local park you can often include a small plaque honoring your pet along with the planting.   

Donate a park bench

Park Bench

If you and your dog had a favorite park, you might want to donate a park bench in their honor. 

Local parks will often accept monetary contributions to buy a park bench. 

In exchange of the donation, a memorial plaque is added to the bench to honor the deceased

Contact your local parks department for more information.

Donate to your local shelter

What better what to honor your pet then to help another pet in need? 

Local shelters are always looking for donations to care for animals while they wait for their new homes. Donations can be in the form of money or much needed items.

Check your local shelter’s website to see if they have a list.

Sponsor a dog that needs medical help

Sometimes rescue dogs need a little extra help in the way of medical care.

These bills can be a financial strain on non-profit rescue groups who rely on donations and adoption fees to cover the cost.

You don’t have to cover the entire expense of medical treatment but your donation can go towards getting them the care they need to live a happy life.

Foster a dog

You may not be ready to commit to another pet, but fostering a pet while they wait for their new home may be a way to pay it forward. 

You can find pet in need of fostering on petfinder.com or contact your local rescue groups.   

Donation Bracelet – I heart dogs

Bracelet with paw charm

If you are looking for a way to give to dogs in need, plus have something to remember your pup, iheartdogs.com offers a limited edition memorial bracelet.

With every bracelet purchased. I Heart Dogs donates 22 meals to shelter dogs.  The meals are donated to dog rescues and shelters through Rescue Bank® project.

Personalized Pet Memorial Ideas

There are many personalized memorials you can choose from. Here are just a few of the options available.

Personalized Pet Memorial Ornament

Give your pup, or cat a place of honor on the tree with an ornament like the one shown here. 

The double sided ornament features the saying “Forever in our Hearts” with paw prints and a place for a photo.

On the other side is a silver bone with your pet’s name and date of death.  You can find it on Amazon.com. You can find more personalized dog ornaments here.

Personalized dog ornament

Unique Pet Memorial Ideas

You can now honor your pet in some unique ways too.

One of them is to have your pets ashes incorporated in a variety of items.  Here are a few options that we found along with a couple of other unique ideas:

Tattoo

So this one might not be that unique since tattoos have become a common way to memorialize a loved one who has passed.   

You can get a simple tattoo of just paw prints or a more elaborate one with the image of your pet.

Tattoo with your dog’s ashes

Now you can take the idea of getting a tattoo to honor your pet one step further with a tattoo that includes your pet’s ashes in the ink. 

To find out more, go to Cremation Ink for the information.

Cremation Stone

This beautiful cremation stone incorporates your pet’s ashes into the glass. The stone glows from the center thanks to a small battery powered tea light. 

The light shines the brightest where the ashes are present. Each luminary measures approximately 4-5” wide x 3” tall. No two pieces are alike.

Each piece of art is handcrafted. You can choose from a few colors. You can find it in the handmade section of amazon.com

Cremation Stone

Cremation Diamond

You can turn a portion of your dog’s ashes into a diamond. According to Eterneva the process takes about 7 to 10 months to purify the ashes, than grow and cut the diamond.  

To learn more go to Eterneva.com.

Cremation Jewelry

If a cremation diamond is a little too expensive, cremation glass jewelry might be a good alternative.  They create the cremation glass jewelry by fusing your pet’s ashes into colored handmade glass.

The blue pendent shown is available at Spirit Pieces.

Cremation Jewelry

Petsies

Petsies are a unique way to keep your pup around long after they have gone.

What is a Petsies? They are custom-made stuffed animals that look like your dog or cat. 

A designer uses your uploaded photo to create a stuffed version of your pet. The artist uses airbrushing to match your pet’s unique markings.   You can find them at petsies.com.

Petsies

Check out our other related posts:

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