Creative Ideas For Pet Memorial Ceremonies

The experience of losing and having to bury a pet is nothing short of traumatic. After all, pets are a part of your family and many people feel the loss every bit as much as they do if they lose a person in their life. For this reason, many people opt to plan memorial services and funerals for their pets, to honor and share their pet's life and loss with the people around them. This is a critical step in the healing process.

When planning a pet memorial ceremony, there are many small details to consider, including aspects of the burial. Many people choose to use pet headstones to formally mark the grave of their beloved pet. There are many different types and styles of pet headstones available on the internet that can be personalized to beautifully express the unique characteristics and personality of your pet.

However, beyond what you carefully choose to have engraved on the headstone, there are many other things you can do to make the pet headstone more meaningful during the pet memorial ceremony. Similar to human grave markers, there are a number of creative things you can do to further personalize your pet's grave marker.

During the service, place some of your favorite framed pictures around the headstone as well as a smattering of your pet's favorite toys and trinkets. Drape your pet's favorite blanket over the headstone for the service or bring your pet's favorite kennel or bedding to place alongside the grave site. As a symbol of their pet's life, many people light an eternity candle during the memorial service. Some pets even enjoy music, so you can play their favorites during the pet memorial ceremony. You can do as much - or as little - as you feel comfortable doing for your pet memorial service. The point is to convey as much of your pet's personality as possible through the service and decoration of the pet headstone.

Post-service, you can place fresh flowers on your pet's grave on a regular basis. However, it is not a good idea to leave anything that can spoil or deteriorate in exterior conditions over time. Anything that you leave graveside should be as natural as possible, which is why flowers are the best and most common options for headstone decor. Each pet cemetery will have their rules for what you're able to leave graveside so be sure to check with them. They do all vary. Keep this in mind when deciding where you will permanently lay your pet to rest and weigh all of the pros and cons carefully. Some pet cemeteries have their own lanterns or candle looking lights that you can purchase and they will maintain for you.

Again, decorating your pet's grave marker is specific to your own personal tastes and style. You should do whatever makes you feel comfortable and honors your pet with dignity. The goal of a pet memorial service is to pay tribute to all of the love and joy that your pet gave you so generously. Therefore, all of your preparations should be focused on honoring the love that you shared with your pet.