Celebrating Pets with a Pet Memorial
/In 1972, the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories established Pet Memorial Day to be celebrated each year on the second Sunday in September. It’s a day to honour our pets both past and present in recognition of the important role that our beloved pets play in our lives.
From my own experience and the loss of many beloved pets over my lifetime, I know just how deeply we can grieve. But as time passes, those feelings of loss shift to happy memories, and we begin to cherish the special moments and unique personality traits more and more. In fact, the pets we’ve loved are never truly gone—they stay with us in our hearts and memories, every single day.
So as I thought about Pet Memorial Day this year, I took out the clay paw prints from my last three treasured Tibetan Terriers. I don’t look at them often, but when I do they always bring back special memories!
I also have a metal garden ornament in the shape of a Tibetan Terrier, and I see it every day as I look out my window!
My weather-worn metal garden sculpture of a Tibetan Terrier
If you’re thinking of ways that you can honour your pets once they have gone, I’ve got some great ideas for a pet memorial.
But you need to plan in advance - get these done before your pet passes away - don’t wait until its too late!
Create a Memory Box
Gather a selection of special mementos like your pet's collar, his favourite toy, printed photos, and other keepsakes in a cute memory box. Add a few little notes about your favourite moments and memories of your pet’s unique personality or special traits that you will always think about. It's a lovely way to keep those memories close!
A beautiful glass box stored with mementoes of your pet is a wonderful way to honour their memory
2. Create a Video Slideshow
I absolutely love this idea. You know those Instagram reels people make for someone’s birthday, with photos from over the years and set to some super emotional music? Those always hit me right in the heart! I haven’t made one yet, but I’d love to do one for my dogs, to keep for myself and those who knew my dogs.
3. Create a Photo Book
If you’ve got tons of photos stored digitally (yep, on your phone!), why not turn them into a beautiful book you can flip through anytime? You can even add special quotes that remind you of your pet, along with funny moments or heartwarming memories. A photo book lets you relive memories in a more personal, tangible way. Plus the photos are larger and it’s a beautiful keepsake you can cherish and share with others.
Check out some of the easier to use phone apps for making photo books.
Also take a look at the Simple Prints app. You can check it out here
I recently came across Once Upon Photo App, so it may also be worth a try.
A Photo Book is always a great way to honour a beloved pet!
4. Make a Paw Print Keepsake
I had paw prints made of my last 3 dogs. I love these keepsakes. By pressing their paw into clay, you capture a one-of-a-kind impression that preserves a physical reminder of your pet’s presence and serves as a lasting tribute to their memory
I had them made from a kit but you can easily make them yourself!
Here’s a link to a clay pawprint kit. It’s not one I’ve tested but gets good reviews.
Here’s a great video on how to make a paw print in clay
Or take a look at these DIY instructions on how to make a clay paw print
Clay paw prints from 2 of my beloved Tibetan Terriers
5. Arrange for a professional pet photo shoot
Of course as a pet photographer you know I’m going to suggest this.
Photography really does have a special way of capturing the memories we make with our pets, from their silly quirks to the sweet, everyday moments. Whether it’s a shot of your dog racing around or your cat basking in the sunlight, these photos let us hold onto those times forever.
They’re not just pictures—they’re reminders of the love, joy, and bond we share with our pets. These photos become cherished keepsakes, giving us a way to look back on all the moments that made our pets so special to us.
A professional photo shoot will give you amazing photos of your pets and can also be used for a memory box or photo book
I love this quote:
“When we think of those companions who traveled by our side down life’s road, let us not say with sadness that they left us behind, but rather say with gentle gratitude that they once were with us.”
A pet memorial will certainly help you remember this - remember that they once were with us - remember how much they meant to you!
If you think you may be ready to make your own memories then let’s schedule a complimentary pet photo shoot consultation.
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to honour a beloved pet. Whether it’s some heartfelt photos, a cherished keepsake, or simply keeping their memory alive in your daily life, it’s all about what feels most meaningful to you. Losing a pet is tough, but celebrating their life and the love you shared can bring some comfort. After all, they’ll always have a special place in your heart, and that connection will always be with you.
