We said goodbye to Max the Neighborhood Cat last month, and let me tell you, this never gets easier. You can clear away the dishes and beds or give the toys to another household, but the emptiness and silence still remind you that they’re gone. An inevitable part of loving our pets is one day losing them—and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve when that day comes.
But there are a lot of different ways you can keep the memories of your past pups and kitties close at hand. From photographs and jewelry to urns and stones—we’ve pulled together a variety of pet memorial gifts and ideas so that you, and the loved ones in your life, can honor your pets in your own unique way.
Pet Loss Cards
Pet loss card by Lucca Paperworks
Nothing says that you’re thinking about someone during a difficult time quite like a sympathy card. And many drugstores and gift shops have a card or two that address pet loss. We also found some beautiful options on Etsy and smaller handcrafted shops, like this stunning design by Lucca Paperworks. Available in either a dog or cat version, each card is printed on luxurious paper with satin-like ink, bold color, and a matted print—which is perfect for framing.
For an added touch, you can also make a donation in memory of a pet, made to your local Humane Society or animal shelter.
Pet Loss Books
Some pet parents take comfort in the shared stories of loss when grieving a pet. From dog poems by Mary Oliver to a pet grief guide by bestselling author Jon Katz, there are lots of options when it comes to finding solace in the written word.
Beautifully illustrated books also provide a thoughtful pet loss gift for all ages. In P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna, a ghost cat recalls all the wonderful aspects of its life with its owner. “I know you’re sad because I’m gone,” the nameless black cat says, “so I made you this book to help you remember the good times.”
Pet Memorial Jewelry
Glass pendant with ashes from Spirit Pieces
Pet memorial jewelry, like this sterling cat angel charm by Tia Tynette Designs, is a way to keep the memory of a lost cat or dog (literally) close to your heart.
Some jewelers even offer unique cremation pieces that infuse small amounts of pet ash into the pendant, resulting in dramatic wearable art like this gorgeous swirl design by Spirit Pieces.
Pet Urns
Urn from A Pet’s Life
We shared the ashes of Max the Neighborhood Cat with, of course, the neighbors. They all sprinkled a bit of Max in their front gardens, where he continues to watch over our street just as he did in life.
If you chose cremation and are looking for an indoor pet memorial that will last through the years, consider one of the urns offered by A Pet’s Life. There are some beautiful colors and finishes, including a raku style, plus some shorter, wider urns that would be more stable in a pet-friendly household. A few of the urns can also be personalized with engraving on the side or on the lid.
Pet Memorial Stones
Pet memorial from Stone Cheer
Oddly, Max also created his own very beautiful and enduring memorial four years ago when we had a new concrete driveway poured. It’s nice to think that even after we’ve moved away, the next owners of our house will be able to enjoy a bit of Max.
Max’s pawprints, forever engraved
If your pet isn’t the DIY type like Max, then you’ll be the one designing the memorial stone. For a small simple design, StoneCheer offers customizable engraved heart rocks that measure approximately three by three inches.
Cast stone marker from Kay Berry
If you’re looking for a larger marker, take a look at some of the Kay Berry memorial products on Chewy. This “Dogs Leave Paw Prints” stone measures 11 by 8 inches (and is a half inch thick). You can personalize the inset metal heart with two lines of engraving (ten characters per line), so you could use it for your pet’s name, along with dates or a nickname. Made in the U.S. of cast stone, this is a good choice if you want a durable outdoor display.
Photos and Portraits
Frame with poem and tag holder
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And this double frame actually does let you say it all with space for a 5 by 7 print of your pet, opposite a “Pawprints Left By You” memorial poem. The frame includes a black ribbon with a silver “pawprint” disk attached. You can also engrave the disk with your pet’s name, or attach their collar tag.
West and Willow pet portrait
An illustrated pet portrait also makes a thoughtful pet loss gift or memorial. Find a local artist or browse online for an illustrator that you like. The artisans at West and Willow, for example, can take an original photo of your cat or dog and create an elegantly stylized portrait of your pet—complete with a solid or textured background of your choice. You also get to select the style of the portrait and the size. And—unless you specify otherwise—they’ll edit out leashes, harnesses, and tags.
Pet portraits don’t have to be paper. We’re especially fond of blanket portraits, which offer reminders of good snuggles.
Preparing for Pet Loss
If your pet is elderly or seriously ill, you do have some time for advance planning—whether that’s taking more pictures, capturing a paw print, saving your pet’s collar/tag, or maybe even clipping a lock of fur. Above all, make sure to cherish the memories and take the time you need to grieve in your own way.
