Let's Talk About Pet Memorials with Vet Valet

Choosing the right way to remember your favorite family member after a loss is an important end of life decision for every pet owner. Whether you choose in hope euthanasia or another option, the right memorial can help you recall great memories, maintain a feeling of connection, and be an important part of the healing process. Often care providers will talk about a small set of memorials and barely mention, if at all, the myriad of options available to you.

Let's start by saying that every individual and family is unique, with different beliefs, preferences, wishes, and pathways to healing. From deciding to ask the memorial center to spread cremains or an at home burial to the largest and most lavish displays there is no wrong choice, as long as you choose what is best for you and your loved ones.

Next, I suggest that, if possible, you spend time considering what your wishes are and all of the options available to you in advance. It is difficult to review so many options, much less make a decision during such an emotional time and at the least it is important to know if your wish is for burial or cremation and if you would like to receive the cremains for your memorial.

This post will cover a few different options for the last of those three choices and only covers a fraction of the options out there. Chances are if there is something you have in mind, it can be done!

-A standard urn is a classic memorial for pets. They are easy to display and match to other pet's urns who have passed away. There are many options for engraving, materials, and design. Keep in mind that you may need to request a catalog from your care provider or memorial center.

-Jewelry that contains your pets ashes are another popular choice and has the benefit of allowing you (discretely or not) to have a reminder of your pet with you anytime you'd like. There are endless styles available to you. If you aren't sure exactly what you'd like, you can even transfer ashes to one or more pieces at a later date.

-Blown glass infused with ashes are a beautiful and unique option for your pet and is becoming more and more available and popular.

And finally...

-Tattoos with ink infused with ashes is an available option for a permanent memorial of your pet. Nose or paw prints are common design choices! Just make sure you find a reputable artist who can safely create your ink and design.

Follow your heart to find the choice that is best for you! There truly is no wrong choice.

-Will