As your pet reaches geriatric status, suffers from a chronic condition, or is diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may begin thinking about the inevitable. How do you plan to celebrate your pet’s life after their passing, whether through in-home euthanasia or natural causes? Memorializing your cherished companion is exceedingly personal, but the decision may overwhelm you during your time of grief and sorrow. As a starting point, consider the following seven choices for memorializing your beloved pet. 

#1: Create a paw or nose print of your pet

Nothing is as unique as your pet’s nose or paw print. Each swirl and whorl of your pet’s key features will create not only a beautiful clay ornament or ink marking, but also a permanent tattoo on your heart. Like human fingerprints, your pet’s paw and nose prints are truly individual, and you also can save an ink marking of their prints for a custom project, such as  a painting, necklace pendant, or an actual tattoo design. 

#2: Customize a beautiful urn for your pet’s ashes

If your pet is privately cremated for their after-care, you can choose from a wide range of gorgeous urns to store their ashes. Whether you’d like an urn that is simple, elegant, and made from metal, wood-carved with your favorite picture, or cast in your pet’s image, their urn will hold pride of place on a mantle or shelf. 

#3: Create a photo album or journal about your pet

Although the bond you shared with your cherished pet will never weaken, your memories may begin to fade, so create a photo album or journal depicting your favorite adventures together to preserve those memories. Designing a scrapbook of your pet’s life can be a wonderful hobby, and the completed album will be an excellent memorial.

#4: Commission a painting of your pet

A large portrait of your pet may be perfect for your home, whether you choose to enlarge a photograph or commission a custom painting. Many talented artists can follow your design requests for your pet’s painting, whether you’d prefer something realistic or abstract. 

#5: Make a donation in your pet’s name

Honoring your pet by saving another pet’s life is a special memorial. Donations to a pet-related charity, veterinary school, or animal welfare organization, as well as pet-care supplies, are always needed. If your pet’s bedding, leash, collar, and toys are in good shape and you have no use for them, consider donating them to an animal shelter in your pet’s name. If your family veterinarian has an “angel fund” that helps cover treatment costs for sick pets, consider a contribution. 

#6: Plant a memorial tree or flower in your pet’s honor

Whether your pet is buried or cremated, you can plant a memorial tree, flower, or entire garden where you can sit and honor your pet’s memory. A burial site surrounded by flowers with a small bench will provide a peaceful memorial spot, while a favorite shade tree in your yard dedicated to your pet can help you feel close to them.

#7: Create a keychain or piece of jewelry from your pet’s ashes or fur

Creating a keychain or necklace pendant from your pet’s ashes or fur is an excellent way to keep them close, with the added benefit of a beautiful jewelry piece or accessory. A small amount of your pet’s ashes or a fur clipping can be mixed into a gorgeous necklace pendant, ring, pair of earrings, or keychain, allowing you to keep part of your pet with you at all times. 

Although the thought of your pet passing is incredibly difficult and sad, you can honor their memory and cherish your good times together with a fitting memorial. To learn more about possible memorial options, discuss your pet’s after-care with our Lap of Love Support Center or your local Lap of Love veterinarian. For more information concerning the loss of your pet, support as you grieve, and choosing the perfect memorial, peruse our grief resources page.