8+ Pet Memorial Ideas
Pets are oftentimes irreplaceable companions to both families and individuals that can sometimes be overlooked after they pass away. We don't frequently have a large event surrounding the death of an animal, even if they are considered part of the family. Without this ritual, it can be difficult to move on and deal with the grief and loss after losing a pet. These pet memorial ideas can help you honor and remember your pet after they've passed and will give you something to hold and cherish in memory of your furry (or feathered) friend.
Starting with a meaningful quote or saying for your pet memorial is a great way to feel inspired and focused when looking up different ways to memorialize your pet. Many of these dog memorial ideas (which can be used for any pet, not just dogs) include space for you to write a small quote or sentence. Having a saying in mind can make the customization process easier as you search for the right way to memorialize your pet.
Pet memorial quotes
Here are some quotes you can use if you decide to have a small pet memorial or customize some gifts with relevant sayings. While many of the quotes are for a dog or a cat, you can customize quotes for the loss of any pet.
“Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he’s owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes.” – Gene Hill
“I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.” – Jean Cocteau
“No one can truly understand the bond we form with the cats we love until they experience the loss of one.” – Unknown
“The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.” – Martin Luther
“There are no ordinary cats.” – Colette
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” – Will Rogers
“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.” – Roger A. Caras
“The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” – M.K. Clinton
“I guess you don’t really own a dog, you rent them, and you have to be thankful that you had a long lease.” – Joe Garagiola
“What greater gift than the love of a cat?” – Charles Dickens
“A meow is a massage to the heart.” – Stuart McMillan
“Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”– Agnes Sligh Turnbull
“Kittens are angels with whiskers.” – Alexis Flora Hope
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”– Roger Caras
“Sometimes we aren’t meant to get over someone, and we go on living a little bit emptier.” – Leo Christopher
Pet memorial sayings
If you're looking for something a little shorter, some of these pet memorial sayings can help.
- You left your paw prints on my heart.
- No longer here, but forever in my heart.
- Forever loved, never to be forgotten.
- My faithful friend.
- Until we can meet again.
- The most loyal and faithful friend in life.
- My most treasured companion.
- A treasured friend until the end.
Pet memorial gifts and ideas
Here are some unique and treasured ways you can memorialize your pet after they've passed away. Some of these ideas can be turned into DIY pet memorial ideas if you feel like customizing or are into arts and crafts. Most of these ideas can also be sent as gifts if you know someone has recently lost a pet.
Pet memorial website
Making a memorial website for a pet who has passed is a great way to hold space for remembering all of the memories associated with that pet. You can post photos, videos, and even a pet obituary for your treasured friend. Ever Loved hosts plenty of pet memorial websites and makes it easy for you to share the life of your companion with your friends and family -- all for free.
Pet memorial jewelry
Pet memorial jewelry is another excellent pet memorial idea. Memorial jewelry is usually very small, but can be any size to match your pet's personality or style. In general, pet memorial jewelry usually comes in the form of pendants, bracelets, or necklaces that can be customized or engraved, depending on your preference.
Pet memorial jewelry is a great memorial idea due to the customization options and affordability of many cute pieces. If you're looking for pet memorial jewelry, it's best to purchase the jewelry online.
Pet memorial wind chimes
Wind chimes are a pet memorial idea that will have your home filled with soothing and beautiful sounds that encourage you to remember and appreciate the bond you had with your pet. Pet memorial wind chimes are customizable, relatively affordable and easy to purchase online from many different places such as Amazon and Etsy.
Pet memorial custom art
Plenty of artists on Etsy and other sites can be commissioned to draw or illustrate a custom portrait of a pet who passed away. This is an excellent way to memorialize a pet and can add a lot of joy.
Pet memorial frames
If you have a favorite photo of you and your pet that you'd like to keep, or would like your pet remembered in other photos, a personalized pet memorial frame is an excellent option. There are many different types of pet memorial frames that can be purchased online, or you can purchase a frame and have it personalized yourself with your pet's name engraved on the bottom. Some folks find additional personalization (such as paw prints or other images) adds a more unique and personalized touch to the frame.
Pet memorial plaques
A plaque is a great choice for those who may want to memorialize their pet with a saying, some basic information, and maybe even an engraved photo of their pet. Plaques usually come in stone or glass and can be hung on the wall, displayed on a shelf, or even placed in a pet memorial garden. You can usually find plaques on shops such as Etsy and Amazon.
Pet memorial shadow box
Memorial shadow boxes are small boxes that have a glass front and can be hung up or displayed on a shelf. A pet memorial shadow box usually contains small trinkets or important knick knacks from your pet's life, this can include a piece of a leash, a collar, a favorite bone or toy, their name tag, or other items that remind you of your pet. You can find pet memorial shadow boxes in a variety of shops from Etsy to Amazon or by going to your local craft store.
Pet memorial tattoos
Tattoos are a somewhat popular way of memorializing a loved one, be they a person or a beloved pet. The great thing about tattoos is that they can be anything you'd like them to be -- a portrait, a name, a scene, an outline, a quote -- whatever feels right to you. When deciding on a tattoo, you'll want to make sure you're certain about the design you'd like to go with since tattoos are permanent and tattoo removal is a pricey process. It can also be a good idea to run the idea by close and trusted friends just to double check for any spelling mistakes or if you'd like their suggestions.
Pet memorial ornament
Ornaments are excellent memorial gifts. They're personal and can be enjoyed year after year, they're low cost and can be purchased in many places. Some people like to make their own pet memorial ornaments by taking a photo of their pet and printing it onto paper with an ornament frame you'd find at any craft store, while others prefer to purchase one that's been made for them. You can decorate the pet memorial ornament with special dates, sayings, their name, or anything else that speaks to you.
Pet memorial garden stones
Pet memorial stones are an excellent addition to any yard, desk, garden, shelf, or other spot in your home that you'd like to display this touching tribute. Memorial stones are usually fairly small, but pet memorial stones can be any size. You can find pet memorial stones in a variety of shapes and colors to fit your unique pet's personality.
You can purchase stones online or go into any home improvement store to see if they offer garden stones. You also have the option to purchase engraved stones online, which can be personalized for your pet's memory.
One popular pet memorial stone is a pet urn garden stone which can double as a pet memorial marker that includes the engraved name, date of birth, and date of passing on the stone. These stones are typically displayed in a garden or where the pet was buried.
Here are some pet memorial garden ideas to keep in mind if the concept of a memorial garden speaks to you:
- Decorate the space with flowers or plants that are bright or remind you of your pet
- Consider purchasing a pet memorial garden stone, plaque, grave marker, or even a small flag you can put in the ground
- Decorate the space with any trinkets you'd like or by forming the stones and rocks into different shapes (such as a heart or a paw)
- If you'd like this space to give back to nature, you can consider purchasing a small birdhouse or doghouse for other critters to use or explore.
If you're searching for unique pet memorial gifts, any of these options would do as a small gesture or token of sympathy to a loved one or friend who has recently lost a pet (perhaps besides the tattoo). You can search for pet memorial gifts on Ever Loved's marketplace for affordable and unique pet memorial gifts.
