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12 Unique Pet Memorial Gifts That Celebrate the Life of a Cat or Dog
Remember your cherished fur baby (or help a loved one honor theirs) with these special items.
When you bring a pet into your home, you commit to caring for, loving, and cherishing that animal for years to come. Unfortunately, the inevitable will occur at some point, no matter how much you’d like to avoid it: you will need to say goodbye to your beloved cat or dog (or pet bird, guinea pig, turtle — whatever animal you've adopted). When the time comes to say goodbye to your companion, it may be one of the hardest things you’ll go through. I’ve been there myself, having to say so long to my first fur baby, a wonderful tabby named Franklin. In grieving this loss, or helping someone close to you process the loss of a pet, you may want to consider a pet memorial gift.
When it comes to mourning the loss of a pet, everyone experiences grief differently, says Dr. Julie Sanders, Director of Operations at vet care finder Heart + Paw. "Losing a pet is difficult. For many, the bond we share with our pets is the embodiment of unconditional love which sometimes can make the loss unbearable, and for many, more difficult to process than the loss of a human loved one." Dr. Sanders believes that the best thing you can do is to talk to someone kind. "Some of the vet schools (as well as many local hospitals or specialty hospitals) run pet loss support groups staffed by social workers or trained volunteers," she says.
What are pet memorial gifts?
According to Dr. Sanders, getting a memento of your pet can also help — like having their ashes made into decorative glass, creating a lab-grown diamond from the ashes, or wearing jewelry that holds the ashes. Creating a monument or donation in your pet's name is another great way to honor a beloved pet, she says.
Personalized pet memorial gifts can honor your pet in many ways. There are plenty of options, from engraved stones to special shadowboxes, that you can display in your home, or tuck away and bring out when you want to remember your pet. If you have your pet's remains (like ashes or fur), you can also use some pet memorial gifts to hold them.
What kind of pet memorial gifts are there?
Pet memorial gifts come in many forms. These include:
- Frames
- Jewelry
- Benches
- Urns
- Candles
- Art
- Websites
- Donations
What is the Rainbow Bridge?
When pets pass away, people often say they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge. This bridge is a fictitious overpass that connects Earth to heaven. So when a dog or cat dies, it simply means they are in heaven, but that you’re still connected. One of the best things I ever did when I lost our cat was to join aFacebook group, The Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss and Grief Support, where people who have been through the same loss of a pet share their stories and give support to each other. It’s been months since I shared my story there, but I continue to be a member of the group, commenting on other people’s posts to show encouragement and hope as their pets cross the rainbow bridge.
Where do you shop for pet memorial gifts?
Pet memorial gifts can be found online through Amazon and Etsy, as well as from other major retailers and specialty companies. We've rounded up our top picks in popular categories below.
There’s no easy way to get over the loss of a pet. But here, we're sharing some of the most special ways to remember your precious angel. If you’ve come across this piece, you are likely experiencing sorrow, or have a friend, family member, or loved one whose furry friend has passed. We’re so sorry for your loss. Whether you decide to do it immediately or wait until you’re ready, we hope these items help celebrate your pet and bring you some comfort.
LittleSaps Memorial Tree to Plant
What better way to celebrate your pet than by bringing new life to the earth? This memorial tree that you can plant outside your home honors your cherished family member. It also comes with a gift tag that reads: "In memory of your loved one. Plant with love."
EmmaAndTheBean Personalized Memorial Art
With this pet memorial gift, you can transform any photo of your pet into a work of art. This beautiful framed print can grace your wall for everyone in the house to remember your beloved family pet. Choose from different types of frames as well as from two print sizes. Or, you can opt to use your own frame and only receive the print.
MDPrints Global Personalized Frame for Photos and Collar
MDPrints Global Personalized Frame for Photos and Collar
We love this shadowbox that features your pet's photos and their collar. It's such a great way to remember your fur baby. You can also personalize it with his or her name and living years. Choose from different frame finishes and backdrop hues.
Eterneva Diamond Made of Pet's Ashes
Eterneva Diamond Made of Pet's Ashes
Did you know you can turn your pet's ashes into a beautiful diamond? With Eterneva's help, you can send just half a cup of your pet's ashes, and they will turn it into a diamond. Though the process takes 7+ months and costs $2,999+, you'll receive a blue, yellow, or colorless diamond in your pet's memory to wear for eternity.
MemoriestoStone Personalized Memorial Stone
Each of these memorial stones are customized to order. Hand casted and finished with onyx stain, buyers just have to provide a name, birth date, final resting date, and design choices to complete. Measuring 11 inches in diameter, this memorial stone can be displayed in your garden or on a cabinet or coffee table. It's a great reminder that your pet is always with you. Choose from several designs including paws, hearts, wings, and more.
CastleMeadowDesigns Custom Rainbow Ornament
One of the best times to remember your pet is during the holidays. This rainbow ornament, featuring a paw print, and customization (with your pet's name and years of life) will be a sweet addition to your Christmas tree. If you want to remember your beloved pooch year-round, you can hang this ornament anywhere in your home, like from a sturdy plant, cabinet or wall hook.
Minicremation Cremation Urn Necklace
Carrying around your pet's ashes or fur in a necklace like this handcrafted one from Minicremation can always keep your beloved pet with you. This pendant can securely hold a small amount of your pet's remains, truly keeping him or her close to your heart. Choose from several colors and finishes that suit you best.
Customforpets Personalized Cat Grave Stone Gift
This painted poly stone makes for a great memorial for the cat that you've lost. Featuring a sleeping kitten and paw prints, plus your cat's name, birth years, and a sweet quote engraved, you can lay this in your garden, yard, or somewhere in your home to honor your pet. If you do decide to leave this outside, a special finish protects it from the elements. If you want to leave the quote off, that's also an option.
HOPE LOVE SHINE Rainbow Bridge Necklace
Something you wear every day can also honor your pet in the sweetest way. This rainbow bridge necklace, which features one pendant with a rainbow and a smaller pendant with a paw, is truly a special thing to wear. Choose from sterling silver or 14K gold vermeil.
farmdust Wooden Urn
Handcrafted with solid walnut wood, this urn can hold the important contents of your pet's remains. Personalize with your pet's name and living years. It also comes in small, medium, and large sizes. Reviewers note how pleased they are with the intricate design of the box.
Petitian Home Memorial Urn with Candle
If you're looking for something more decorative than a wooden box urn, this pick — made of pine — features your pet's photos, as well as a spot for a candle you can light in memoriam. The house shape in the box design also gives the idea that your pet is resting in your home in peace. Choose from two different wood finishes.
Roudebush Company Memorial Park Bench
A personalized bench anchored in your yard can be a great spot to sit and remember your beloved dog. Made of composite wood seating and steel frame, this sturdy bench can be used for decades to come. Many reviewers said they chose this memorial gift specifically for loved ones who loved being outdoors.
Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and Best Gifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life.
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