Memorial Ideas and Choosing the Right Urn for Your Pet

After a pet dies, many families find comfort in creating something lasting: a place to visit, an object to hold, or a way to share their pet's story. There is no right or wrong way to remember them, and you do not need to decide straight away. Your pet's ashes can be kept safely until you are ready.

Choosing an urn

An urn is often the first memorial families choose. A few things to think about:

• Where it will live: on a shelf at home, in the garden, or somewhere you plan to scatter the ashes later.
• Size: urns come in sizes to suit your pet's weight. Aquamation returns a little more ash than cremation, so check with your provider which size you need.
• Material: timber urns bring warmth to a room; ceramic and resin urns suit a more modern look; biodegradable urns are designed for burial or water scattering.
• Personalisation: an engraved name, dates or a short message, or a photo urn, makes it unmistakably theirs.

Keepsakes to keep them close

Some families like to share their pet's ashes among loved ones, or keep a small portion close at hand. Keepsake jewellery, small keepsake urns and paw print impressions are gentle ways to do this, and are often treasured by children and other family members.

Memorials in the garden

• Plant a tree, rose or shrub that reminds you of your pet.
• Add an engraved memorial stone or plaque with their name.
• Create a stepping stone with their paw print.
• Place a bench in their favourite sunny spot.

Scattering ashes

Some families choose to scatter ashes at a beach, park or bushland walk their pet loved. If you would like to scatter on public land or at sea, it is worth checking any local council or state guidelines first, and seeking permission if the land is privately owned.

Memories you can share

• A photo book or framed collage of favourite moments.
• A memory box with their collar, tag, favourite toy and a few photos.
• An online tribute page for friends and family to share stories.
• A letter written to your pet, kept with their ashes.

However you choose to remember your pet, the love you shared is the real memorial. The rest is simply a way of keeping that love within reach.