Memorial Keepsakes: What to Ask For After Your Pet Passes
In the hours after losing a pet, it's hard to think clearly about keepsakes and memorial items. But many of the most meaningful tributes require action shortly after your pet passes. Knowing your options ahead of time can help.
Paw Print Impressions
The most common and beloved keepsake. Two types:
Clay impressions — air dry or bake at home kits create a 3D impression. Many vets offer this service. Ink prints — a non toxic ink pad creates a clean print on paper, suitable for framing.
Tip: Even if you're not sure you want one, ask your vet to take the impression anyway. You can decide later — but you can't go back.
Fur Clippings
A small clipping of fur, especially from a meaningful spot (behind the ear, the chest), can be kept in a tiny locket, glass vial, or memory box. Ask your vet or cremation service to save this for you.
Cremation and Urns
You generally have two options:
Communal cremation — your pet is cremated with others; ashes are not returned Private cremation — your pet is cremated individually; ashes are returned to you
For urns, the options are more creative than ever:
Traditional wood or metal urns Biodegradable urns that grow into a tree Photo engraved urns with your pet's portrait Keepsake jewelry urns — tiny pendants that hold a small amount of ashes
Custom Memorial Jewelry
Artisans now create stunning pieces:
Glass blown pendants with ashes folded into the glass Cremation diamonds — lab grown diamonds created from carbon in the ashes Fingerprint or nose print engravings on rings or pendants Silicone bracelets with a small chamber for ashes or fur
Memorial Stones and Markers
If you have a yard, a garden stone or small marker creates a permanent place to visit. Options include:
Engraved river stones Custom cast stone with your pet's name and dates Solar powered memorial lights
Digital Memorials
Opetley offers free pet memorials with room for 25 photos, a full life story told through guided chapters, and the ability to share with friends and family. Unlike physical keepsakes, a digital memorial never fades or breaks.
Planning Ahead
If your pet is aging or facing a terminal diagnosis, consider:
Taking clear, high quality photos now Making a clay paw print while they're still with you (it's easier and less stressful) Writing down the stories you want to remember — the funny ones, the sweet ones, the ones that made you crazy
The keepsakes matter — but what matters most is the love they represent.