Losing a pet is one of the most challenging experiences, and deciding how to honor their memory can be difficult. One question that often arises is, “What should I do with my pet’s ashes?” There are many beautiful ways to keep your pet close and celebrate their life.
If you’re still deciding what to do with your pet’s ashes, consider these ten heartfelt options to honor and remember your beloved friend:
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 1. Spread Their Ashes
Scattering your pet’s ashes can be a touching tribute. Choose a place that was special to your pet, like a favorite park or your backyard. You could also take them on one final adventure to a mountain top, a desert, or a national forest.
Before spreading ashes, make sure to check local regulations to ensure you comply with state and local laws.
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 2. Plan a Water Burial
If your pet loved water, a water burial might be the perfect way to honor them. Rent a sailboat or use your fishing boat to scatter their ashes at sea or along a favorite river. Ensure you’re three nautical miles from the shore and notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within 30 days if required.
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 3. Create a Backyard Memorial
If you plan to stay in your home for a while, creating a memorial spot can be a poignant way to remember your pet. Bury their ashes under their favorite tree or in a flower garden and mark the spot with a placard or bench for quiet reflection.
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 4. Consider a Memorial Tree
A Memorial Forest is a beautiful option, where your pet’s ashes can be mixed with soil and placed at the base of a Memorial Tree in a protected forest. With a Better Place Forests Memorial Tree you can legally spread your pet’s ashes. Even better, you and your pets can share the same Memorial Tree so you can keep them close, forever. Better Place Forests also offer special Pet Tribute Ceremonies at no cost so you have honor and celebrate your cherished companion
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 5. Choose a Pet Urn
If you prefer to keep your pet’s ashes at home, consider a pet urn. Display it on your mantelpiece or dresser so your pet always feels close by. Look for an urn that resonates with you, made from materials like metal, stone, clay, or wood, and consider personalizing it with an engraving or image of your pet.
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 6. Design Pet Cremation Jewelry
Cremation jewelry allows you to carry a piece of your pet with you. Place a small portion of their ashes in a compartment within a charm or locket on a necklace or keychain, keeping them close to your heart.
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 7. Commission Memorial Artwork
Some artists create beautiful pieces using pet ashes. You can commission a painting, pottery, or glassware that incorporates your pet’s ashes. This unique artwork serves as a lasting tribute to your pet’s memory.
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10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 8. Get a Memorial Tattoo
Incorporate your pet’s ashes into tattoo ink for a permanent tribute. Some tattoo artists specialize in cremation tattoos, using ash-infused ink to design a piece that honors your pet. Ensure you go to a professional tattoo artist experienced in this type of work.
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes:9. Plant a Tree
Planting a tree with your pet’s ashes fosters new life and keeps their memory alive. Use a tree urn kit with instructions on how to combine ashes with the right nutrients to ensure the tree’s health.
10 Ideas for Pet Ashes: 10. Combine Them with Your Future Ashes
For a lasting connection, consider combining your pet’s ashes with your own when the time comes. Discuss this with your loved ones to incorporate it into your final wishes, whether in a memorial forest or another special location.
Honor Your Pet
Honoring your pet’s memory with their ashes is a deeply personal decision. Whether you choose a keepsake or scatter them in a meaningful place, the choice will reflect the love and bond you shared. Take your time to decide on the best tribute for your beloved pet.
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