Companionship with a pet is an invaluable experience. It is because of this deep connection that the passing of an animal takes much coping. For most pet owners, we want to find a way that honors our lost loved one. Methods to honor a pet range from cremation to virtual memorials; the most common process is to hold a private service among friends and family to mourn and remember.



Following the death of a pet, you will want to select a location for the memorial service. While many pet owners want to host the service in their home or backyard, there are many available options. You can celebrate your pet’s life at a local park where your pet played, at a local chapel, or even a neighborhood pet-friendly funeral home. It is best practice to call community leaders and funeral homes to find out what policies might exist regarding pet memorials.

With a location chosen, you now want to consider how to care for the pet’s remains. Burial options are available, but they are subject to individual cemetery policies, as well as local and state laws. Speak with a funeral director to have these questions answered for where you live. Many pet owners decide to cremate their pet, so contact your veterinarian, or Young’s Daughters Funeral Home.

The most important part of the grieving process is selecting the people who will attend the memorial service. You should invite people who understand the gravity of losing a beloved pet and know the esteem and love you had for your friend. Those who have interacted with your pet, cared for him or her, or simply understand the bond you shared can create an excellent support system during this difficult time. 

For the memorial service itself, display pictures, toys, treats, and anything else that represents your pet. This is a time to mourn, but this is also an opportune time to celebrate the life of your furry friend, and the joy he or she brought to you and others. Encourage guests to share stories; you can spend a few moments reflecting, which will help you let go of the grief. If your pet was interactive with other pets allow time for other pets to come and say their good-byes. 

We strongly recommend making a donation to a local animal shelter, rescue, Bereavement Center or some other organization that champions and promotes the care and well-being of animals. It is a wonderful way to honor your pet that will provide to you an intrinsic satisfaction.

Three Ways to Memorialize Your Pet

Cremation is the choice of some pet owners. The cremated remains, typically returned in a temporary container, can be stored in an urn more suitable to the memory of your pet.  A wide variety of urns, from decorative to creative keepsakes, allow you to keep the remains close by in a tasteful manner.

For some, an urn may not be the right choice. Some pet owners opt to buy specialized jewelry that contains a small amount of their pet’s ashes. In this manner, you can keep a piece of your pet close to your heart in constant and honorable remembrance.

Finally, a memorial stone may be used in two ways: to mark a gravesite or sit as an outdoor memento of your pet.  These stones, which vary in size, can be a beautiful way to remember a pet too large for burial. It also will weather the seasons throughout the years to continually memorialize the lost loved one.

ABOUT: 

Sabrina N. Young is an experienced funeral director in Temple, Texas. As an animal lover, She knows the value in providing a meaningful send-off to beloved pets. She is proud to provide funeral services to grieving pet owners to help celebrate the life of their pet. With an extensive aptitude in funeral planning and as a long-time pet-lover, Sabrina  welcomes any opportunity to help individuals say goodbye to their beloved animals in an appropriate and meaningful way.