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.
