Search Menu

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

Although humans have many rituals for mourning the loss of a loved one, there are no prescribed rituals for mourning the death of a pet. Some pet owners hold funerals, burials, or cremations. Others put framed photos in a place of honor or donate to a favorite animal charity. But some take things to a whole other level in their search for a dog memorial tribute. Here are some traditional (and not-so-traditional) ways to honor a dog that’s crossed the rainbow bridge.

Pet Cremation Urns

If you’re cremating your dog after they pass, an urn to keep their ashes in is a good way to remember them by. The urns themselves can be custom, and you can find many different kinds of pet urns and urns for dogs that can suit your needs. Go with something extravagant, or something simple; whatever you think speaks to who your dog was is a great choice.

Border Collie sitting outdoors being hugged by a woman in the summer.
©nd3000 - stock.adobe.com

Memorial Dog Jewelry

There are many different ways that you can honor your dog’s memory through jewelry, whether through necklaces, rings, or earrings. You can get jewelry with your dog’s breed, with their name, their birthday, or anything in between. The best memorial dog jewelry is whatever speaks to you and helps you honor the memory of your beloved dog.

One thing you can also do is make jewelry from a tooth. There are jewelers who will make a mold from your dog’s tooth and then create a silver replica that can be worn on a necklace or bracelet. Other crafters make pendants of a tooth set into resin or glass. .

Pet Grave Markers and Plaques

If you are burying your dog, or just want to mark their life with a gravestone that you can visit, you can get a pet plaque. Grave markers for dogs and plaques don’t have to be put in the ground like for human graves, but it’s one option. You can also get a plaque to keep in your home or hang up where you can see it often. Dog grave markers and plaques are nice if you like to physically visit your pet. After all, they’re family!

Irish Wolfhound being hugged by a middle-aged woman outdoors.
Anke Sauerwein / EyeEm via Getty Images

Stone Memorials and Pet Monuments

Another option for memorializing your dog is getting a monument. It doesn’t have to be a large statue of your dog – but it can be if you want!

Other Personalized Pet Memorials

Dog Felt Replicas

You’ve probably heard about knitted goods made from dog fur. There are also different ways they can be personalized. Some companies place your pup’s ashes inside the felt creations, while others might incorporate your dog’s hair into the felt used to make the sculptures.

Memorial Fireworks Display

Some companies in the United States will turn your dog’s cremains into a fireworks display. You can get all of your loved ones together for a memorial service and scatter their ashes in this unique way.

Dog Noseprints or Footprints

No two dog noses are alike, and now you can have a mold replica made of your dog’s snout or paw. These dog noseprint kits are usually made of pet safe clay that dries after their nose or footprint is pressed into them. They also made clay nose or footprint ornaments!

Beagle being hugged by a man and woman in the yard. people
©bernardbodo - stock.adobe.com

A Dog Poem

Literary-minded individuals may wish to have a personalized poem written in remembrance of their pet. John Davie, a lecturer in classics at Trinity College, Oxford, will write an elegiac couplet in Latin expressing the love you have for your dog. But don’t worry, this very personal poetic tribute also includes an English translation.

You can also get a poem and put their photo next to it to remember them by.

From Ash to Diamonds

Several companies will turn your dog’s ashes into lab-created diamonds by using carbon that is heated to extremely high temperatures. In most cases, you can select the size, cut, and color, and even have it incorporated into a piece of jewelry.

Dog Tattoos to Memorialize

Have you ever considered getting a picture of your dog tattooed on your skin? You can get anything that reminds you of them tattooed onto you, from the dates they were alive, to their name, to a photo of them. Even their pawprint could be tattooed onto you!