In this guide for pet parents who are coping with the death of their dog, we discuss the various pet cremation urns available and which to buy so you can remember your furry pal in the perfect way for you.
Losing a beloved pet is an incredibly emotional experience for any dog lover. Our dogs aren’t just pets, they are family. Their love and companionship leave a lasting impression on our lives and in our hearts.
Author and pet loss specialist Karen Anderson says “Honor your grief and the pain you feel when you lose a beloved pet. It is the first step toward healing.”
If your dog was cremated, selecting a cremation urn for your dog is a meaningful way to honor their memory and keep them close.
If you are unsure how to choose the best urn for your dog, you’re not alone. Here is a guide that will help you make an informed decision during this difficult time.
1. Choosing a Pet Urn Based on Your Dog’s Size
The first factor to consider when selecting a dog cremation urn is your dog’s size. When we say that we mean your dog’s weight in life. Cremation urns come in various sizes, and it is important to choose one that fits all of your dog’s ashes, unless you are purposefully planning to divide them.
Typically you will need approximately 1 cubic inch urn capacity for each pound of your dog’s weight.
Here is an average guide of dog weight to urn size:
Small dogs (up to 20 pounds): Urns typically range from 30 to 50 cubic inches.
Medium dogs (20-50 pounds): Look for urns in the 50 to 100 cubic inch range.
Large dogs (50-100 pounds): These require urns that are 100 to 200 cubic inches.
Extra-large dogs (over 100 pounds): Urns for larger dogs can exceed 200 cubic inches.
Be sure to check the specifications of the urn you are considering to ensure it will hold the right amount of ashes for your needs. If you are unsure between two sizes, it is better to go larger than required. Pet memorial expert Steve Smith explains: “When choosing an urn for your pet, it’s important to remember that the capacity should accommodate the volume of ashes, which is usually around one cubic inch per pound of body weight. A little extra space is always a good idea to ensure all the ashes fit comfortably.”
These simple but important guidelines will help you choose the correct size of urn for your dog’s precious cremains (cremation ashes).
2. Personalising Your Dog’s Urn
One of the most beautiful aspects of choosing a pet urn is the ability to personalise it. Your dog was unique and personalised dog urns can reflect their personality and the bond you shared. A custom dog urn will often offer engraving options where you can include your dog’s name, dates, or a short message of love.
Personalisation ideas include:
– Your dog’s name, dates, a personal message.
– Shaped urns like paw prints or specific dog breeds.
– Photo plaques or paw print keepsakes that incorporate a picture or other memento.
By personalising the urn or choosing one that can be customised in some way or that looks unique, you create a special tribute that reflects the unique personality of your pooch.
3. Selecting the Correct Material for a Dog Cremation Urn
Pet urns for dogs are available in a variety of materials. Your choice should align with your personal preferences as well as your desire for durability and preferred placement. It is really important to choose the correct material depending on whether you would like to place the urn indoors or outside.
Here are some options:
Wooden urns: These are classic and timeless. Popular options include oak, cherry, and walnut. Wooden urns are perfect for indoors but won’t last well if kept outdoors. Our most popular wood urn is the stunning Elstree Wooden Pet Urn in solid rosewood. So beautiful.
Metal urns: If you are looking for a durable and long-lasting urn, metal options like brass, bronze, or aluminum urns are excellent choices. They come in a variety of finishes, from polished to matte. They are often suitable for outdoor use but it is best to check with the supplier if it is not clearly marked as suitable for outdoor use.
Ceramic urns: Beautiful and customisable, ceramic pet urns allow for intricate designs, personalisation or even hand-painted portraits of your dog. So special.
Biodegradable urns: For eco-conscious pet owners, biodegradable urns are made from natural materials like salt, sand, or card / paper and decompose over time. Some even contain seed pods that allow you to plant a tree or flowers in your dog’s memory.
4. Where Will You Keep the Urn?
Consider the location where you intend to keep your dog’s urn. If you plan to display the urn indoors, make sure to choose one that complements your style and decor. Memorial urns for dogs come in a wide range of styles, from sleek and modern to rustic or traditional.
Alternatively, if you wish to bury your dog’s ashes urn or place it outside, look for options designed for outdoor use, like weather-resistant ones made from stone or metal that will survive the elements.
You can also consider purchasing a keepsake urn, which is a smaller urn that holds a portion of your dog’s ashes. A pet keepsake urn allows you to scatter some ashes, keep some and /or share cremains among family members.
5. Indoor vs. Outdoor Pet Urns
When selecting a cremation urn for your dog, one of the most important decisions you will make is where you want to place it. Will it be kept indoors or will you choose an outdoor urn for a more nature-inspired memorial? Both indoor and outdoor urns have unique qualities, and the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and how you want to honor your dog’s memory.
If you feel more comforted by having your dog’s urn in your home, an indoor urn may feel more appropriate. However, if you want to create a lasting memorial outdoors, an outdoor urn may better fit your needs.
Indoor pet urns are perfect if you want to keep your dog’s memory close by in your daily surroundings. Having the urn in your home can be a comfort. Indoor urns can become a cherished focal point, reminding you of your beloved pooch and the special bond you shared. As discussed, indoor urns come in a wide range of materials such as wood, ceramic, and metal. Many indoor pet urns can be customised with text or photos of your dog, allowing you to create a tribute that reflects their personality and your love.
Outdoor pet urns are a beautiful and meaningful option for those wishing to honour their dog’s memory in a natural, peaceful or meaningful outdoor setting like your dog’s favourite place in your garden. Before purchasing, make sure that your outdoor urn has been designed to withstand the elements (rain, wind, sun exposure, freezing temperatures etc). Weather-resistant materials like stone, granite and some metals can make lasting outdoor urns. Biodegradable urns that break down over time are perfect for outdoor ashes burials.
6. Creating The Perfect Resting Place
Outdoor urns can be placed in your garden, a favorite spot in the yard, or a special area where you and your dog enjoyed time together. You can even create a small pet memorial garden to mark their final resting place. For example, if your dog loved to play in a particular place in your garden or sunbathe in a favourite spot, you might place the urn there as a lasting tribute.
Indoor pet urns offer a beautiful way to keep your dog’s memory alive within the comfort of your home. These urns are crafted with materials that reflect both durability and elegance, such as wood, ceramic, and metal, allowing you to choose an urn that matches your home’s style. Whether you prefer a rustic wooden urn that blends seamlessly with your living room décor or a sleek, polished metal urn that provides a modern touch, there is a wide variety of styles to suit any taste. Many indoor urns also offer engraving options, letting you personalize the urn with your dog’s name, dates, or a meaningful message. Some even incorporate photo plaques or paw prints, further personalising the tribute. Having an urn displayed inside your home not only honors your pet’s legacy but also keeps their spirit close, providing you with a comforting reminder of the joy and love they brought to your life.
Do what brings you the most peace and comfort. There are no right or wrong choices. From creating a large memorial place to admiring a discretely marked patch of peace, the choice is yours.
7. Keepsake Options
For many pet parents, keeping a small portion of their dog’s ashes close is an important way to stay connected. Keepsake urns for dogs ashes and memorial jewelry are small, personal ways to remember your pet. Some keepsake urns can hold a tiny portion of the ashes, while others are designed as pendants, bracelets, or even glass sun catchers and art pieces.
Memorial jewellery allows you to closely carry a piece of your dog’s memory with you, helping you cherish the bond you shared forever.
8. Keepsake Urns and Jewelry
Designed to hold a small portion of your loved one’s ashes, keepsake pet urns and memorial jewellery allow family members to all keep a small but personal and meaningful connection with the deceased. Unlike traditional urns that store all of a pet’s cremated remains, keepsake urns are smaller, often holding just a token amount of pet ashes. They come in various shapes, materials, and designs, including miniature versions of full-sized urns, heart-shaped containers, or even ones resembling small sculptures or paw prints. Many people choose keepsake urns to share the ashes among family members or to retain a portion after scattering the majority of the ashes in a special place.
Keepsake dog memorial jewelry, on the other hand, offers a more intimate and wearable way to cherish a loved one’s memory. These pieces, which can be in the form of pendants, rings, bracelets, or lockets, typically contain a very small portion of cremains. Some cremation jewellery incorporates glass or resin infused with ashes, creating a unique and stunning tribute. Other pieces of jewellery are actually tiny little urns for a discrete pinch of precious ashes.
If you choose keepsake jewellery where your loved ones ashes are sealed inside a tiny container urn, rather than encased in glass or resin, please take care with the seal. Most of these pieces close with a threaded lid but you may want to also secure the opening with glue or epoxy resin. Even then, take care with your jewellery. We advise removing precious pieces before bathing, swimming etc.
Both keepsake urns and memorial ashes jewellery provide comfort to those grieving by offering a tangible way to keep memories close. They allow individuals to honor their loved ones in a personal and sentimental manner, making the grieving process a little easier by preserving a lasting connection.
9. Budget and Time Frame for Your Dog’s Cremation Urn
When it comes to selecting your dog cremation urn, it is important to take cost into account. Urns vary in price based on materials, customisation, and size. While some urns are budget-friendly, others may be more costly, especially if they include personalisation.
Urns that have been customised or jewellery that encases the pet ashes in glass or resin can have quite lengthy time frames for making and sending. Do check the maker’s dispatch times before ordering so you know what to expect. Remember that handmade and personalised items are always worth the wait.
10. Take Your Time to Choose the Right Urn
This process doesn’t need to be rushed. Take your time to reflect on your dog’s life and what would best honor them and bring you the most comfort. Whether you opt for a simple, elegant urn or something more personalised, it is important to choose one that resonates with you.
Final Thoughts: Honouring Your Dog’s Memory
Choosing a cremation urn for your dog is a deeply personal decision. It is not just about the physical urn, it’s about honoring your dog’s personality and legacy and keeping them close to your heart. With so many options, from traditional urns to personalized memorial jewelry and biodegradable urns, there’s an urn to suit every pet parent’s preferences and wishes.
Remember, your dog’s love and companionship will always be a part of you, and selecting an urn is just one way to keep that bond alive and celebrated.
We hope this guide helps you to find the perfect urn for your dog during this difficult time, but if you do need any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always happy to help in any way we can.
By Jenny Prevel
© D for Dog www.dfordog.co.uk
This article belongs strictly to D for Dog and we do not authorise the copying of all or any part of it.
Further Reading
Burying Your Dog at Home
Coping With Pet Loss & Grief
Pet Loss Support
The Blue Cross has over 30 years of experience in helping people to cope with the loss of a pet. Visit their Pet Loss Support page which includes a free and confidential helpline, webchat, email and Facebook group. Their fully-trained team members answer calls, emails and webchat from those experiencing pet loss of any kind.