8 Pet Obituary Templates and Examples
Writing an obituary for a pet is a beautiful way to honor a life well-lived, but it can feel confusing on how to structure one. If you’ve never written an obituary before or are simply curious as to what a pet obituary looks like, this article will provide you with some sample pet obituary templates, pet obituary poems, and more.
Is it common to write an obituary for a pet?
While not extremely common, writing an obituary for a pet is both normal and easier and more accessible than ever. Pets make up a massive part of many people’s lives, so it’s no surprise that honoring their life and passing can be equally important. Rather than focusing on whether or not it’s common practice to write an obituary, it can help to simply think about what feels right for you. Does an obituary feel like the right medium for you to share your pet’s story? Do you want a public space to honor their life or prefer a more private space? Would sharing their story feel good or too difficult during this time? These questions can help you figure out if you’d like to go through with writing a pet obituary.
What kind of details should a pet obituary include?
A pet obituary can be a heartfelt tribute, capturing the unique qualities and memories shared with a beloved pet. Here are some elements that can make it meaningful and guide you on how to write a pet’s obituary:
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Basic information: Include your pet’s name, species, breed, and age. You could also share how long they were with you or the date they passed. It can help to personalize the obituary by describing the day you got them, the process you went through when getting them, and what it was like for you (and your family, if applicable) when they first came into your life.
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Personality traits: Highlight what made your pet special. Describe their personality—were they playful, loyal, gentle, mischievous? Did they bond to everyone immediately or one person more than others? Did they enjoy playing, running, or napping? This adds depth to the obituary and helps people connect with your pet’s unique spirit.
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Favorite activities: Mention your pet's favorite pastimes, like chasing toys, sunbathing, snuggling, going for walks, or greeting everyone at the door. These small details make the obituary personal.
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Funny or memorable stories: Adding a few humorous or memorable anecdotes about your pet can be a comforting way to celebrate their life. For example, maybe your cat loved to "help" with laundry or your dog insisted on stealing a certain toy from a sibling. Another example could be times they escaped and came home, times they made you want to yell but instead made you laugh, or unexpected moments of joy and bonding.
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Special bonds: Describe your pet’s relationships with family members or other pets. Some pets bond deeply with one family member or act as a best friend to another animal in the household. Detailing these bonds is helpful in painting the story of your pet’s life.
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Closing statement: Many pet obituaries end with a heartfelt goodbye or a comforting sentiment, such as “Forever in our hearts” or “Run free, [pet’s name].”
Including these elements allows you to create a heartfelt and detailed tribute that celebrates the joy and companionship your pet brought into your life.
Free pet obituary templates
Now that you have an idea of what goes into a pet obituary, here are some pet obituary templates you can use to get started writing your own pet’s obituary. These templates can be tweaked and personalized to your specific needs and situations, or can simply be used as a jumping off point for writing your own.
Pet obituary samples, examples, and templates
Pet obituary template and example 1
Pet obituary template 1
Use this templateMy favorite fluffy [boy/girl] ((first_name)) passed away peacefully in ((possessive_pronoun)) sleep on ((date_of_death)). On [date of adoption or purchase], I was blessed with meeting one of the best companions a [girl/boy/person] could ask for. I visited [name of adoption center or place of purchase] and was able to meet ((first_name)). ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was [quiet/rowdy/crazy/hilarious/excited/nervous]. Over the next [# of years], ((first_name)) taught me the meaning of [friendship/love/joy/companionship/family].
((first_name)) was a [loving/joyful/lazy/hilarious] [dog/cat/type of animal] who loved nothing more than to [favorite activity].
Thank you for being such a loving friend and I hope you’re resting in peace. You’re always in my heart, ((first_name)).
Pet obituary example 1
My favorite girl Xena passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 3rd, 2019. On October 15th, 2001, I was lucky to meet one of the best companions a girl could ask for. I visited our local Humane Society and was able to meet Xena. She was instantly crazy, hilarious and calm all at the same time. Over the next 18 years, Xena taught me the meaning of endless love, joy, and an enduring passion.
Xena was a hilarious cat who loved nothing more than to swat at neighbors and claim her territory.
Thank you for being such a loving and hilarious friend and I hope you’re resting in peace. You’re always in my heart, Xena.
Pet obituary template and example 2
Pet obituary template 2
Use this templateOur favorite fluffy [boy/girl] ((first_name)) passed away peacefully in ((possessive_pronoun)) sleep on ((date_of_death)). On [date of adoption or purchase], we were blessed with meeting one of the best companions a family could ask for. We visited [name of adoption center or place of purchase] and were able to meet ((first_name)). ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was [quiet/rowdy/crazy/hilarious/excited/nervous]. Over the next [# of years], ((first_name)) taught us the meaning of [friendship/love/joy/companionship/family].
((first_name)) was a [loving/joyful/lazy/hilarious] [dog/cat/type of animal] who loved nothing more than to [favorite activity].
Thank you for being such a loving friend and we hope you’re resting in peace. You’re always in our hearts, ((first_name)).
Pet obituary example 2
Our favorite fluffy boy Sammy passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 2nd, 2019.On January 24th, 2002, we were blessed with meeting one of the best companions a family could ask for. We visited our local ASPCA and were able to meet Sammy, who was the last dog on the block. He was quiet, reserved, and patiently waited for us to approach before lifting himself off the bed. We took him outside for a play date and fell in love immediately, adopting him on the spot. Over the next 8 years, Sammy taught us the meaning of friendship and love.
Sammy was a loving, joyful, and endlessly lazy older dog who loved nothing more than to sleep alongside our son, Chase, as he watched his shows. Sammy wasn’t very good at tricks and had a hard time hearing his name when called, but what he lacked in typical dog attributes, he made up for in his constant companionship.
Thank you for being such a loving friend and we hope you’re resting in peace. You’re always in our hearts, Sammy.
Obituary template and example for a pet rat or mouse
Obituary template for a pet rat or mouse
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of ((first_name)) who passed away peacefully on [date]. ((first_name)) was a little over [years] years old and the smallest bundle of joy. ((first_name))’s favorite foods were [list foods] and ((possessive_pronoun)) favorite treats were [list treats]. Even though ((first_name)) slept for [number] hours a day and loved to chew through anything and everything, ((subject_pronoun)) was a faithful companion.
Obituary example for a pet rat or mouse
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Biggs who passed away peacefully on January 18th. Mr. Biggs was a little over 3 years old and the smallest bundle of joy. Mr. Biggs’s favorite foods were carrots, sugar cubes, and salt licks and his favorite treats were grapes. Even though Mr. Biggs slept for 12 hours a day and loved to chew through anything and everything, he was a faithful companion.
Pet obituary template and example - family pet 2
Pet obituary template - family pet 2
Use this templateToday our family lost our beloved family [dog/cat/pet], [name]. After joining our family in [year], [name] was an absolute terror. [He/she] tore through 5 different sets of pillows, constantly peed inside (even though [he/she]) was potty-trained, barked incessantly and had the worst farts known to man -- [he/she] was a perfect addition to our family! (Eventually, of course, all of these difficulties were trained out of [name], but [he/she] sure gave us a scare for a bit.) [Name] was a loyal companion, a steadfast protector, a ridiculous goofball, and the purest source of joy and love our family has ever known. We thank you for your unending support and love over [number] years of service. [Name], we adore you more than anything and will see you again at some point.
Pet obituary example - family pet 2
Today our family lost our beloved family dog, Delilah. After joining our family in 2004, Delilah was an absolute terror. She tore through 5 different sets of pillows, constantly peed inside (even though she) was potty-trained, barked incessantly and had the worst farts known to man -- she was a perfect addition to our family! (Eventually, of course, all of these difficulties were trained out of Delilah, but she sure gave us a scare for a bit.) Delilah was a loyal companion, a steadfast protector, a ridiculous goofball, and the purest source of joy and love our family has ever known. We thank you for your unending support and love over 18 years of service. Delilah, we adore you more than anything and will see you again at some point.
Dog obituary samples, examples, and templates
Pet obituary template and example 3 - Family dog
Pet obituary template 3 - Family dog
Use this templateOur most loved and most cherished pet ((full_name)) passed away on ((date_of_death)) in ((possessive_pronoun)) sleep. This marks the end of [number of years owned] wonderful & laughter filled years with the best [dog/cat/type of animal] a family could dream of having. ((first_name)) was loyal, loving, protective, and we were lucky to have spent as much time with ((object_pronoun)) as we did. Thank you for your years of friendship and love, ((first_name)), we will miss you.
Pet obituary example 3 - Family dog
Our most loved and most cherished pet Ziggy passed away on September 15th in his sleep. This marks the end of 15 wonderful, laughter filled years with the best dog a family could dream of having. Ziggy was loyal, loving, protective, and we were lucky to have spent as much time with him as we did. Thank you for your years of friendship and love, Ziggy, we will miss you.
Pet obituary template and example - Family dog 2
Pet obituary template - Family dog 2
Use this templateOn ((date_of_death)), our family lost a loyal friend, companion, and guardian, one that we are eternally grateful to have had. We rescued ((first_name)) from [location] and were smitten from the very second we saw ((possessive_pronoun)) face. [Pet name] was a [breed/type of animal] and was the best family pet we could’ve asked for.
After [number of years] years of keeping our family together, ((first_name)) took ((possessive_pronoun)) final breath peacefully, surrounded by everyone that loved ((object_pronoun)). We know that we’ll see [pet name] again at some time, and until then, have cherished memories to warm our hearts and souls. We love you, ((first_name)).
Pet obituary example - Family dog 2
On May 3rd, our family lost a loyal friend, companion, and guardian, one that we are eternally grateful to have had. We rescued Biscuit from Two Valley Animal Shelter and were smitten from the very second we saw her face. Biscuit was an Australian Cattle Dog and was the best family pet we could’ve asked for.
After 17 years of keeping our family together, Biscuit took her final breath peacefully, surrounded by everyone that loved her. We know that we’ll see Biscuit again at some time, and until then, have cherished memories to warm our hearts and souls. We love you, Biscuit.
Cat obituary samples, examples, and templates
Pet obituary template and example 4 - Family cat
Pet obituary template 4 - Family cat
Use this template((first_name)), ((age)), passed away on ((date_of_death)) after a long and happy life. Even though [pet name] was just a cat, ((subject_pronoun)) was a loyal and comforting companion in our times of need. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was present for: [list of important events], and always kept watch over our home. Even if ((first_name)) was a little [moody/feisty/unpredictable/aloof], the small moments of [love/affection/playfulness] made it all worth it. We were lucky to have had the amount of time we had with ((first_name)) and know we will never be able to replace ((object_pronoun)).
Pet obituary example 4 - Family cat
Mr. Snuggs, 18, passed away on January 12th, after a long and happy life. Even though Mr. Snuggs was just a cat, he was a loyal and comforting companion in our times of need. He was present for: the birth of Cheyenne, the purchase of two different homes, the graduation party of 2 children, the welcoming of our dog, Bruto, and always kept watch over our home. Even if Mr. Snuggs was a little aloof, the small moments of affection made it all worth it. We were lucky to have had the amount of time we had with Mr. Snuggs and know we will never be able to replace him.
Obituary template and example for a child's pet fish
Obituary template for a child's pet fish
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of ((full_name)), our beloved beta fish. ((full_name)) was with us for two short but memorable years. ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) will be deeply missed by all who knew him. ((full_name)) was [Name]'s first pet fish, and [she/he/they] took great care of ((object_pronoun)). ((subject_pronoun_capitalized)) was always the first to greet us when we came home, and ((subject_pronoun)) will be dearly missed. Thank you for being part of our family, ((full_name)). You will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in ((full_name))' memory to the local animal shelter.
Obituary example for a child's pet fish
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Bubbles, our beloved beta fish. Mr. Bubbles was with us for two short but memorable years. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Mr. Bubbles was Kara's first pet fish, and she took great care of him. He was always the first to greet us when we came home, and he will be dearly missed. Thank you for being part of our family, Mr. Bubbles. You will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mr. Bubbles' memory to the local animal shelter.
Dog obituary poems and quotes
When considering how to write a dog’s obituary, including a poem or quote may not be one of the first things to come to mind. However, including one of these in the obituary is an excellent way to share your feelings through the words and wisdom of another. Here are some poems and quotes you can include in an obituary for a dog.
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"The Power of the Dog" – Rudyard Kipling
“When the fourteen years which Nature permits are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, and the vet's unspoken prescription runs to lethal chambers or loaded guns, then you will find—it’s your own affair—but… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.” -
"If It Should Be" – Unknown
“If it should be that I grow frail and weak and pain should keep me from my sleep… you will be sad, I understand, but don’t let grief then stay your hand. For this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship stand the test.” -
"A Dog’s Prayer"
“Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.” -
"They Will Not Go Quietly"
“They will not go quietly, the dogs who’ve shared our lives. In subtle ways, they let us know their spirit still survives.” -
"Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" – Mary Elizabeth Frye
(Adapted for a dog)
“Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow.” -
"Remember Me" – Unknown
“Remember me with love, not tears, and think of all our happy years. When I was young and full of fun, and when you cried, I’d lick your tears.” -
"A Dog’s Soul"
“A dog’s soul never truly leaves us; it lives on in the hearts of those it touched. Wherever they run now, may they be free, but forever cherished.” -
"The Little Dog Angel" – Norah M. Holland
“High up in the courts of Heaven today a little dog-angel waits; with the other dogs he will not play, but he sits alone at the Gates.” -
"Until We Meet Again at the Rainbow Bridge"
“Although we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart. Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.” -
"Paw Prints Left on Our Hearts" – Unknown
“Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts, even after they’re gone. Their love is everlasting, a friendship pure and strong.”
These quotes and poems can be included anywhere in the obituary and honor the unique companionship dogs bring to the lives of many.
Cat obituary poems and quotes
Here are ten unique and custom cat obituary poems and quotes that may bring comfort or offer a fitting tribute. These are excellent to include in an obituary or on your social media when remembering the life of a beloved cat.
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"Pawprints on Our Hearts"
"Soft paws walked through our days,
Gentle purrs eased our nights.
Now you roam where sunbeams play,
Leaving pawprints on our hearts." -
"The Rainbow Bridge" (Adapted for Cats)
"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge,
Where our beloved cats play in fields of green.
One day we will cross the bridge together,
To never again part and always be seen." -
“A Cat’s Goodbye”
"I came for a time, purring and bright,
A spark in the day, a comfort at night.
Though I must go, my memory stays,
In the warmth of your heart, in infinite ways." -
“Forever Fur-ever”
"Not gone, only changed,
A whisker, a touch, a glance exchanged.
In shadows and sunbeams, my spirit will be,
Always beside you, forever fur-free." -
"Kitty Angel"
"You were the guardian of quiet places,
The keeper of soft spaces,
Now, angel of light and starry skies,
Watching over us with kind, wise eyes." -
“Nine Lives of Love”
"They say cats have nine lives to live,
But I only needed one to give—
All my love, my warmth, my trust,
In you, my friend, my heart, my must." -
"A Quiet Goodbye"
"No words needed, just a purr,
A soft gaze, a flick of fur.
Gone from sight but near in heart,
Never really will we part." -
“Silent Pawprints”
"Though you left no mark on the earth,
My heart holds your shape, your worth.
Small prints of love that will never fade,
A soft, silent comfort you’ve made." -
“In the Sunbeam”
"Rest now in a beam of sun,
Where warm dreams and quiet purrs are spun.
I’ll find you there in light so sweet,
And in every memory where our hearts meet." -
“Whiskered Guardian”
"A soul with whiskers and a heart so true,
Watching over us now, like they always knew.
A guardian of naps, a king of grace,
In our hearts, you’ll always have a place."
These poems and quotes aim to capture the gentle, loving presence cats bring into our lives. Let me know if you'd like help creating something even more personal.
If you’d like to share a pet’s obituary online or are looking for assistance with writing an obituary for a pet, consider setting up a memorial website. Memorial websites on Ever Loved offer obituary writing assistance with AI, a free space to post your dog, cat, or pet obituary, share photos, and even collect donations.
