What to Do With Pet Ashes: 8 Meaningful Options
After a beloved pet passes and is cremated, one of the most difficult decisions you face is: what to do with pet ashes? This is a deeply personal choice, and there is no right or wrong answer. The best choice is the one that feels most meaningful and comforting to you and your family.
In this guide, we will explore 8 meaningful options for what to do with your pet's ashes, helping you find the perfect way to honor your furry friend's memory.
Understanding Pet Cremation
Before deciding what to do with your pet's ashes, it helps to understand a bit about the process. Pet cremation is similar to human cremation, but on a smaller scale. Your pet's body is placed in a special cremation chamber and heated to a very high temperature, reducing the body to bone fragments. These fragments are then processed into a fine, grayish powder — the ashes you receive back.
Most pets weigh anywhere from a few ounces (for a small bird or hamster) to several pounds (for a large dog). The amount of ashes you receive will depend on your pet's size. Small pets may only produce a few teaspoons of ashes, while larger dogs can produce several pounds.
8 Meaningful Options for What to Do With Pet Ashes
1. Keep Them in a Memorial Urn at Home
One of the most common choices is to keep your pet's ashes in a beautiful memorial urn displayed in your home. This gives you a special place to visit and remember your pet. Urns come in many styles, from classic wooden boxes to modern decorative jars.
Many people choose to personalize their urn with their pet's name, dates, and even a photo. Memopaw's custom photo engraved urn allows you to have your pet's photo and name engraved directly onto the urn, creating a truly unique tribute.
2. Scatter Them in a Special Place
Scattering your pet's ashes in a place that was special to them is a beautiful way to let them rest in a place they loved. This could be your backyard, a favorite park, the beach, or anywhere else that holds special memories.
If you choose to scatter ashes outdoors, make sure you have permission to do so. Many public parks and beaches have specific rules about scattering ashes. You may also want to consider using a biodegradable urn if you are scattering them in nature.
3. Make Memorial Jewelry
One of the most personal ways to keep your pet close is to have a small amount of their ashes made into memorial jewelry. A tiny pinch of ashes fits perfectly inside an urn necklace, urn bracelet, or keepsake keychain.
This allows you to literally carry a piece of your pet with you wherever you go. Many pet parents find great comfort in having this physical reminder of their beloved companion close at hand. Memopaw's urn necklaces are designed to hold a small amount of ashes, with your pet's photo on the front for an extra personal touch.
4. Bury Them in the Garden
If you have a garden or outdoor space, burying your pet's ashes is a beautiful way to create a living memorial. You can bury them directly in the ground, or place them in a biodegradable urn first. Plant a tree, bush, or flowers on top, and you will have a growing tribute to your pet's memory.
Many pet parents find that spending time in the garden with their pet's burial spot brings them peace and comfort. It is a place where they can sit, reflect, and feel close to their beloved companion.
5. Divide Them Among Family Members
If multiple family members shared a special bond with the pet, you can divide the ashes into smaller keepsake urns or memorial jewelry for each person. This way, everyone can have a piece of the pet to keep close.
This is especially meaningful for siblings who grew up with the pet, or for a family that split up after a divorce. Everyone gets to keep a tangible reminder of their beloved furry family member.
6. Turn Them into Memorial Art
There are many artists who specialize in turning pet ashes into beautiful works of art — glass paperweights, ceramic sculptures, or even paintings that incorporate a small amount of ash into the paint. These unique pieces become a beautiful and lasting tribute to your pet's memory.
While these can be more expensive than other options, they create a one-of-a-kind piece that truly honors your pet's unique spirit.
7. Create a Memorial Reef or Artificial Reef
If your pet loved the water, you can have their ashes incorporated into an artificial reef ball that is placed on the ocean floor. These reef balls help create new marine habitats while providing a peaceful underwater resting place for your pet.
This is a beautiful and eco-friendly option that gives back to the environment while honoring your pet's memory.
8. Donate Them to a Memorial Garden
Many pet cemeteries and memorial gardens have dedicated areas where you can inter your pet's ashes. These gardens are beautifully maintained and provide a peaceful, communal place for pet parents to visit and remember their beloved companions.
Comparison Table: Pet Ash Disposal Options
Keep in urn at home
- Option: $40 - $150 (urn)
- Cost: Immediate
- Time Required: Having them close at home
Scatter in special place
- Option: Free
- Cost: Anytime
- Time Required: Freedom and connection to nature
Memorial jewelry
- Option: $30 - $80
- Cost: 1-2 weeks
- Time Required: Carrying them with you
Bury in garden
- Option: Free - $50
- Cost: Anytime
- Time Required: Living memorial
Divide among family
- Option: $20 - $50 each
- Cost: 1 week
- Time Required: Sharing the memory
Memorial art
- Option: $100 - $500+
- Cost: 4-8 weeks
- Time Required: Unique, artistic tribute
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much ashes will I get back from my pet?
A: It depends on your pet's size. A small bird or hamster may only produce a few teaspoons of ashes. A medium-sized dog might produce 1-2 cups. A large dog can produce several pounds of ashes.
Q: Is it okay to keep my pet's ashes at home?
A: Absolutely! Many pet parents find great comfort in having their pet's ashes close by, in a beautiful memorial urn displayed in their home. It is a completely personal choice.
Q: Can I scatter my pet's ashes anywhere?
A: You should always check local rules and regulations before scattering ashes.