A pet epitaph is a memorial for your pet that is engraved on a headstone or on a box containing their ashes. Creating one can be a special way to celebrate the life of a loving companion. Use these pet epitaph ideas to honor your special pet or the lost pet of a loved one.
The Meaning Behind Pet Epitaphs
Losing a pet can be just as hard as losing a close family member or friend. These days, many pet owners choose to cherish the memory of their furry friend with a pet epitaph. This is an inscribed plaque or box with a short area of text that honors your pet. It could also function as a place to keep your pet's ashes or as a name marker at a pet cemetery. The epitaph comes from the heart and serves as a reminder of your beloved pet.
A pet epitaph usually contains the following:
- Your pet's name or nickname
- Drawings or symbols of your choice
- A photo of your pet
- A short poem or quote
Pet Epitaph Ideas for Inscription
Choosing what to put on your pet epitaph should be done carefully. There are a number of choices, such as birthday or death date, funny nicknames or sayings related to your pet, drawings of your pet, or a symbol, such as a dog bone or paw print. You could also write out a poem or use a saying that rings true about your pet. Some epitaphs for pets might be heartfelt, while others are humorous and lighthearted.
For example:
- "Rover was a true friend, always loyal, ready to please, and wagging his tail."
- "To the memory of Rover. May you find many bones and lakes in doggie heaven. You will be forever loved."
- "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again." - Author Unknown
- "No longer by my side, but forever in my heart."
- "Always loved, never forgotten. Until we meet again."
- "In memory of Sassy. She was a mere house cat, but lived her life like a lion."
Tips for Choosing an Epitaph
The epitaph you select should represent the special animal it memorializes. Here are some tips for choosing an epitaph for your pet.
- Decide how much you want to spend: Some pet epitaphs are in the lower price range, starting at fifteen dollars, while others may be several hundred dollars or more. The price will generally depend on the size and material used.
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Consider where you will display the epitaph: Whether you'll house the epitaph indoors or outside will impact the style and material you choose. A lightweight plaque or frame would be perfect to accompany an urn on a mantel, whereas you'll want to select a durable stone epitaph to put over an outdoor resting place.
- Help choosing what to say: While most companies who do inscriptions offer poems to choose from, you can also get creative and do it yourself. Have children or friends send you thoughts about the pet, and make it personal. You can choose a few meaningful words or include a longer, heartfelt message. Do whatever feels right for you and your pet.
- For quotes and sayings: Remember, if you use a sympathy quote from another source, add the name. This is the usual way of attributing back to the original source. If you don't know where the quote came from, leave it blank or use "Author Unknown."
Where to Shop for Pet Memorials
There are many places online that offer memorials for pets. You can also ask your local veterinarian if they offer anything similar. Many vets who euthanize pets will provide the ashes in an engraved box for an extra fee.
- Etched in My Heart offers a plaque with poem choices and a photo of your pet. They have special designs for each species, from birds to horses.
- Memorial Gallery Pets has a variety of pet memorial keepsakes including plaques, stones, and even paw print jewelry.
- Pet Headstones creates beautiful headstones and markers you can have engraved with your pet's photos.
- 4 Ever In My Heart has a wide selection of indoor keepsakes as well as outdoor memorials to commemorate pets.
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Memorials Lab provides a range of customizable pet memorial stones.
A Memorable Gift
Giving a pet epitaph is a great gift idea for a mourning pet owner who recently lost a furry friend. The plaque can serve as a touching memory they will cherish for years to come, and your thoughtful support will show the grieving individual they are not alone.
