Custom Pet Urn Ideas
Pet urns are containers designed to hold the cremated remains (ashes) of beloved pets. They're used as a way to honor and memorialize a pet after death, providing a physical space for remembrance. Here's some helpful information to know.
Types of Pet Urns
1. Standard Urns- Typically made of wood, metal, ceramic, or biodegradable materials. Comes in various shapes and sizes depending on the size of the pet (e.g., small for cats or birds, large for dogs).
2. Keepsake Urns- Smaller urns meant to hold a portion of the ashes. Often shared among family members or used along with spreading some ashes elsewhere.
3. Personalized Urns- Custom-made with engravings (pet’s name, photo, message, dates). Can include paw prints, breed-specific designs, or even custom sculptures of the pet.
4. Photo Urns- Feature a built-in photo frame to display a picture of the pet. Usually has a compartment in the back for the ashes.
5. Jewelry Urns- Wearable keepsakes like necklaces or keychains that hold a small amount of ashes. A discreet and sentimental way to keep a pet close.
6. Biodegradable Urns- Made for eco-friendly burials or water burials. Break down naturally over time and are often used for ceremonial scattering or burial.
How to Choose the Right Pet Urn
Size Matters. Ashes typically weigh about 3.5% of the pet’s body weight. For example, a 50 lb dog may yield about 1.75 lbs (~28 cubic inches) of ashes. Urns are often sized in cubic inches (1 lb body weight ≈ 1 cubic inch).
Choose materials based on aesthetics, durability, and intended placement (indoor display, burial, etc.). Decorative urns are best for mantels or shelves. Biodegradable urns or basic containers are often chosen for burial or scattering.
You can get pet urns at your Veterinary office, which offers basic and mid-range urn options. Online retailers, such as Etsy, Amazon, Chewy, and specialized memorial websites, offer a wide variety. And you can always hire your local artist who can create handcrafted, custom urns.
For more information on local pet cemeteries and cremation, please visit my Pet Resources page: Pet Resources.
