When your pet passes away, you’ll likely want to have a memorial service to honor them. You may also want a pet headstone and other details to create a fitting farewell for them. Below are a few planning tips to help you.

How to Plan a Pet Memorial

1. Decide on a Ceremony

The funeral you plan for your pet can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, ranging from a quiet candlelight vigil to releasing lanterns or butterflies to symbolize their spirit moving on. You may decide to stick with a traditional funeral format complete with a gathering and a burial service, or you may mourn privately and plant a tree in your yard to honor your deceased pet.

2. Choose a Burial Option

Veterinary offices will ask you to decide rather quickly what to do with your pet’s remains. You may choose to bury them at home, which is affordable but not always permitted. Contact your township for laws on burying animals on private property.

Veterinarians can help you find a plot in a pet cemetery as well, giving you a peaceful location to visit them. Either way, you will want a pet headstone or grave marker designed to mark their final resting place.

3. Plan Readings & Music

If you hold a memorial service with guests, you may want to include special readings, prayers, and music. These can be personal, like a song you always listened to together and words you write on your own, or you can research poems and scripture specific to animals.

4. Invite Friends & Family

Family and close friends will want to comfort you and express their condolences as you grieve. They, too, may be saddened by the loss of a special pet. Create a guest list for your memorial service, so those who loved your pet can say goodbye. You can also invite those who took care of your pet, like daycare personnel, dog sitters, groomers, and veterinarians.

5. Display Favorite Belongings

Your pet likely had favorite toys, and you most likely have plenty of photos of you and your furry friend. Create a favorites table and photo area where you can display items like chew toys, stuffed animals, collars, tags, and images to sum up your pet’s happy lifetime.

If you need a pet headstone, trust Hawaii Art Stone in Honolulu. Their locally made products can be designed to suit your needs with custom glass and stonework as well as etching. The company prides itself on reliable delivery times for all tombstones and grave markers. Call (808) 744-3162 to get started, or visit them online for a look at their products.