The best way to keep the memory of a pet who passed away is the one that feels right to you: a paw print, a photo book, a spot in the garden, a small figurine, or simply their collar in a place you see every day. There's no deadline and no "correct" keepsake. Below are gentle ideas, many of them free, to help you choose when you're ready. If you're looking for a gift for someone else who lost a pet, see our pet memorial gift ideas.
Things you can keep right away
- The collar, tag or harness. Many people hang it near the door or keep it in a small box.
- A paw or nose print. Some veterinary clinics offer clay or ink prints at the time of euthanasia or cremation. If it's still possible, ask your vet.
- A lock of fur, kept in a small envelope, locket or glass vial.
- A favourite toy or blanket. It's okay to keep it unwashed for a while.
If you're not ready to decide, put everything in a box and come back to it later. Nothing has to be decided this week.
Photos and stories
- A photo book of their life, from first day to last walk. Going through photos can be hard at first and comforting later.
- A framed portrait of a favourite picture, or a drawing or painting by a local artist.
- A written letter to your pet, or a list of the funny little habits you never want to forget.
- Recordings: save the videos where you can hear their bark or their purr in one folder, backed up.
Ashes and cremation keepsakes
If your pet was cremated, many crematoriums and veterinary clinics offer urns of different styles. Some people prefer to scatter the ashes in a favourite place; check local rules first. Others choose jewellery or small glass pieces that hold a tiny amount of ashes. There's no rush: ashes can stay in their box until you know what you want.
Garden and living tributes
- A memorial stone engraved with their name, in the yard or a planter.
- A tree, shrub or perennial planted in their memory, chosen to survive your winters.
- A bench or a spot by the window that stays "their" place.
Small objects that keep them close
- Engraved jewellery with their name or a paw print.
- A figurine of your pet. Hand-sculpted, needle-felted or 3D-printed, a small likeness on a shelf can feel like a quiet presence. At Chibiyo, we create soft, chibi-style figurines from photos, 3D printed in up to four colours in Québec, in a box with your pet's name. It's a stylized version rather than an exact replica, and you see and approve a 3D preview before printing. See how it works.
- A shadow box that combines the collar, a photo and a paw print.
Rituals and gestures
- A small goodbye ceremony with family, especially helpful for children.
- A donation to a shelter or rescue in your pet's name.
- A yearly walk on their favourite route, on their birthday or adoption day.
If the grief feels heavy
Losing a pet is a real loss, and it can hit hard, especially if you live alone or the pet was with you through a difficult time. Talk to people who knew your pet. Your veterinarian can often point to local pet-loss support. In Québec, you can call Info-Social 811, a free, confidential line where you can speak with a psychosocial professional at any time. If you're in another province or in the U.S., your local health line or 211 can direct you to support services.
FAQ
How long should I wait before choosing a keepsake?
As long as you need. Some people want something right away; others need months before they can look at photos. Both are normal.
Can a figurine be made from older photos?
Often yes, if the pet's face and markings are clear. One sharp photo of the face is the minimum; more angles help. Our FAQ explains which photos work best.
What can I do with my pet's collar?
Hang it near a photo, put it in a shadow box, or keep it in a memory box with other small objects.
Can I order a memorial figurine from Chibiyo now?
Chibiyo is in pre-launch. You can join the waitlist on our home page; there's no pressure to decide quickly.