13 Creative Ideas for What to Do With Your Pet's Ashes
Losing a pet is one of the most devastating experiences one can go through. Whether it's due to old age or an unexpected illness, saying goodbye isn't easy. But you don't have to say goodbye forever – with creative ways to memorialize your pet; you can always honor and remember their life.
In this post, you’ll find inspiring ideas for dealing with your pet's ashes and commemorating their life in ways that are meaningful to you.
1. Create a memory wall
Saying goodbye to a furry friend is one of the most challenging things any pet owner can face. Coping with their loss involves finding ways to memorialize them. While there are many options to choose from, creating a memory wall is one of the easier ones.
A memory wall allows you to display photographs and special mementos of your furry friend, helping you keep their memory alive. Whether it's their favorite toy or a picture of the two of you on a special adventure, a memory wall can be a beautiful tribute to your beloved pet. The memory wall will be a comforting and creative way to remember your four-legged friend.
2. Make jewelry
Memorializing your pet through jewelry can be a comforting way to keep their spirit close. You can use your pet's ashes to create a stunning and unique piece of jewelry with cremation jewelry. From necklaces to pendants to rings, the possibilities are endless. Some companies even offer the option to turn your pet's ashes into diamonds, though this is much more expensive than cremation jewelry. It may not bring your pet back, but wearing a piece of jewelry made from their ashes is still a beautiful way to honor their memory and keep them close to your heart.
3. Commission artwork
Consider creating a piece of artwork. Not only does it honor your pet's memory, but it also adds a beautiful and meaningful piece to your home. An artist can use your pet's ashes to create a one-of-a-kind painting or sculpture that captures your pet's essence and brings comfort to your heart. It's a unique way to memorialize your furry friend and keep them close to your heart in a creative way.
4. Place ashes in a memorial urn
One option that many pet owners choose is to place their furry friend's ashes in a memorial urn. Not only does this provide a beautiful way to display and remember your pet, but it also allows you to choose an urn that reflects their unique personality and character.
Whether you opt for a classic and simple design or go all out with a quirky and personalized urn, there will surely be an option out there that feels just right for you and your pet.
So if you're considering memorializing your pet with an urn for their ashes, take some time to explore your options and find the perfect urn to honor their memory.
5. Make garden stones
Another creative way to memorialize your pet is by crafting garden stones with special memories inscribed. Gather a few materials like concrete or plaster, some letter stencils, and perhaps some glass stones for added decoration, and let your creativity take over.
You can then engrave your pet's name, a paw print, or even a short quote that reminds you of them. These garden stones can be placed in a special corner of your yard or garden, providing a peaceful and tranquil spot to remember your furry friend. It's a simple DIY project that can be done in an afternoon and will serve as a beautiful and lasting tribute to your beloved companion.
6. Create a memory box
A great way to honor the memory of your pet is by creating a memory box. These boxes for the ashes of pets can be filled with items that remind you of your beloved companion, such as photos, toys, and other mementos.
This pet ashes keepsake will not only remind you of the love and joy you shared with your pet but also serve as a touching tribute to their life. It's a way to keep them close to your heart and ensure they will never be forgotten.
So the next time you're struggling with how to memorialize your pet, consider creating a memory box – a keepsake that may bring comfort and warmth to your heart.
7. Scatter the ashes
Another option is to scatter your pet's ashes at a location that was special to them (or maybe even to the both of you). Maybe it's a favorite park where they loved to chase a ball or a beach where they splashed in the waves; it can even be simply a sunny spot in your backyard that they used to lounge on. Letting their ashes return to nature in a place they cherished can be a meaningful way to say farewell.
You should always ensure it's legal to scatter ashes in the chosen location, but if you decide that scattering is the right choice for you and your pet, it can be a way to celebrate their life and the memories they left behind.
8. Memorialize them in digital media
One way to memorialize a pet is by commemorating them through digital media like videos, scrapbooks, and online memorial sites. These platforms offer a safe and accessible way to honor your pet online. Creating a video collage showcasing their life moments or putting together a scrapbook highlighting the memories is a beautiful way to celebrate your pet's life.
For an easy, all-in-one solution, consider setting up a memorial site for your pet on Ever Loved. Collect photos, videos, memories, and even raise funds for a local shelter (or other purpose) on your memorial website.
9. Create glass art pieces
One unique and creative memorial choice is to have your pet’s ashes turned into glass art pieces. These beautiful works of art can be displayed in your home, in your office, or anywhere you want as a loving tribute to your beloved companion.
With various colors and styles, you can choose a design that truly represents your pet and their unique personality. Additionally, cremation glass is much less expensive than its diamond counterpart and easily customizable.
10. Create a memorial stone or plaque
Creating a memorial stone or plaque is a wonderful way to memorialize a pet who has passed. The memorial marker can be placed in your backyard or garden (or in another location), serving as a constant reminder of the love that you shared.
You can even decorate it with their favorite toys or other sentimental items. This creative approach offers a unique way to keep your pet’s memory alive while also allowing you to find comfort in knowing they will forever be a part of your life.
11. Plant a memorial garden
A memorial garden is a natural (and living) way to memorialize a pet who has passed. You can plant flowers or plants you find beautiful or even plant fruits and vegetables (maybe even fruits or veggies your pet loved to eat). Not only is this a beautiful way to honor your beloved pet, but it also gives you a peaceful place to go and reminisce about all the wonderful times you shared.
12. Create a charm with your pet's ashes
A charm is a small piece of jewelry that can often be attached to bracelets or other pieces of jewelry. This small, delicate keepsake allows you to keep your pets close to your heart every day. You can choose a charm that is already made or create a custom design that reflects your pet's personality.
Options include adding a colorful stone, engraving their name, or choosing a charm shape that symbolizes their favorite activity. By creating a charm, you have a cherished memento that is both personal and beautiful.
13. Make sculptures
If you're looking for a unique way to memorialize your pet, why not consider combining their ashes with clay to make one-of-a-kind sculptures or jewelry? This creative process allows you to not only honor your pet but also gives you a physical keepsake that you can cherish forever.
Some may find this method to be intimidating (especially if you’ve never worked with clay), but the process of creating a memorial object through art can be incredibly rewarding and healing. If you are worried about “doing it wrong”, you can always use only some of the ashes to create your piece of art and save the rest.
Memorializing a beloved pet is a difficult process that can often lead to feelings of grief and sadness. Nevertheless, there are many ways to simultaneously cope with the loss of a pet and honor their memory.
Having the opportunity to choose between all these creative memorialization ideas can bring solace and comfort during your journey of healing. Allowing yourself to remember the joy your companion brought into your life is a beautiful way to move through the mourning process. Thanking them for their companionship, love, and loyalty as they live on in spirit is an excellent way to help you keep their memory alive forever.
