What to Do With Pet Ashes: Meaningful Pet Cremation Ideas to Honor Your Beloved Pet

When a furry friend passes away, it’s not just the loss of an animal—it’s the loss of a family member, a best friend, a daily presence who kept you company through it all. It’s hard, and the grief hits deep. After the cremation process, many pet owners find themselves asking a quiet, emotional question: What do I do with the ashes of my pet?

There’s no one right answer. And that’s okay.

At Laser Perfect Gifts, we believe every pet deserves to be remembered in a way that feels personal, loving, and true to the unique bond you shared. Whether you’re looking to keep your pet’s ashes close, scatter them in a favorite place, or turn them into a permanent memorial, this guide walks through your options—clearly, simply, and without pressure.

Memorial Ideas to Remember Your Pet

One of the most common things people do after a pet cremation is to keep the ashes at home. It’s a way to stay close, to hold on. Here are a few memorial ideas that can help you create a peaceful space in their honor.

Display the Ashes in an Urn

A classic urn is still one of the most meaningful ways to honor your pet. Whether it’s a simple wood box or a sculpted ceramic piece, placing their ashes in a visible, respected spot in your home keeps their memory close.

Choose an urn that fits their personality—or yours. Consider personalized pet urns that can include a name, a date, or even a short phrase like “forever my furry friend.”

Image source: Personalized pet urns

Create a Dedicated Pet Memorial Space

Set up a small table or shelf with their urn, a photo, an engraved pet memorial, and their paw print if you have one. Add their collar or favorite toy. This quiet corner becomes a place for reflection, a space to feel connected during those tough moments.

 

Pet Cremation Jewelry: Keep Them Close, Always

Pet cremation jewelry is a beautiful way to keep a piece of your pet with you every day. This type of memorial jewelry is made to hold a small amount of your pet’s cremated ashes, sealed inside a pendant, ring, or bracelet. Some pieces are shaped like hearts or paws. Others are more abstract. 

Image source: Personalized cremation jewelry

Scatter the Ashes in a Meaningful Place

If your beloved pet loved the outdoors, or had a favorite trail, lake, or camping spot, spreading their ashes might feel right.

To scatter the ashes of your pet:

• Choose a spot that mattered to both of you
• Get permission first if it’s public land or a park
• Go alone, or with people who understand
• Say a few words, or just be still

This kind of ceremony doesn’t need to be formal. Just present. Quiet. Intentional. Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a place where their pet felt free.

Water Burial for Pet Ashes

Sprinkling their ashes in water is another natural, symbolic option. You can place your dog’s ashes into a biodegradable urn designed to float briefly and then slowly sink. This method works well in lakes, rivers, or even the ocean—again, as long as you have permission.

It’s a gentle way to say goodbye, especially if your dog loved to swim or you spent time near water together.

Bury the Ashes Somewhere Special

You can also bury the ashes in your backyard, garden, or at a pet cemetery. This gives you a permanent memorial spot and allows for a headstone, plant, or small pet grave marker.

Some people choose a bio urn—a biodegradable container that lets you turn your pet’s ashes into new life. Trees, flowers, and shrubs can all grow from this process, creating a living tribute.

Memorial Diamonds

Yes, it’s possible to have a memorial diamond made from their ashes. This is a premium option, but it's a striking and permanent way to carry their presence with you. The process transforms a portion of your pet’s cremated ashes into a genuine diamond through high-pressure carbon extraction.

Custom Glass Piece

Glass artists can blend the cremains into swirling patterns of color and light—creating a one-of-a-kind glass piece that becomes a tribute. Paperweights, small sculptures, or orbs are all available depending on your preference.

Honor Their Life in Your Own Way

Sometimes, it’s not about the ashes at all. Sometimes, the best way to memorialize your pet is through action:

• Donate to an animal rescue in their name
• Volunteer at a shelter
• Foster another animal when you're ready
• Get a tattoo of their pawprint
• Write a letter to your beloved dog and keep it with your things

There’s no rulebook for this. No checklist for grief. The only thing that matters is finding a way to honor the love you shared.