Choosing the Perfect Pet Memorial Stone
Dealing with the passing of a beloved pet can be quite stressful. It doesn't matter if you were expecting it due to health issues or the pet's age or if it was an unexpected passing. A pet memorial stone is one way to honor the memory of your pet and help with the grieving process.
Choosing the perfect pet memorial stone does not have to seem like a daunting task. Yes, there are lots of choices to be considered. However, by taking the time to consider your options and how you would best like to memorialize your pet, you'll find that choosing the suitable stone can be much easier than you anticipated.
What is a Pet Memorial Stone?
A pet memorial stone is a stone, plaque, or another type of marker that honors your pet. These memorial stones are often put in a garden, in your home, or somewhere that you and your family will see it often. They can also be placed in a pet cemetery if you choose to bury them or have their ashes placed in a pet cemetery after cremation.
What Materials are Pet Memorial Stones Made Of?
A pet memorial stone can be made from many different materials. Some of the most popular materials are granite and marble. Granite is a stone known for its durability and strength, making it perfect for an outdoor stone. Marble is another stone that is often used in pet memorials because it is a soft stone that is very durable.
Other materials often used in pet memorial stones include copper, brass, bronze, and slate. These materials are often used in indoor memorials because they are more delicate than granite and marble.
If you're looking for a DIY approach to your pet's memorial stone, then you may choose to go with a plaster stone-making kit, which can be found in craft stores. These kits come with everything you need to not only make the stone, but add your own personal touches, such as accent stones, gemstones, etc.
Can You Personalize a Memorial Stone?
While many pet crematories or cemeteries offer a selection of premade memorial stones ready for purchase, many pet parents wonder if they can personalize their pet's memorial stone.
Usually, pet memorial stones can be personalized in one of three ways: carving a pet's name in the stone, adding a nameplate or photo to the stone, or using a pet portrait or photograph as part of the design.
Other ways you may be able to personalize your pet's memorial stone include adding a favorite saying, short poem or quote, and even scripture.
How Much Do Pet Memorial Stones Cost?
The cost of a pet memorial stone can vary greatly, depending on the size, the material, the design, and any personalization you choose. On average, a pet memorial stone can cost anywhere from $60 to $1,500 – if not more for larger memorials or headstones.
What to Consider When Picking Out the Perfect Stone for Your Furry Friend
First, you should consider the size. If you choose to bury the pet's ashes, then you will want to consider the size of the pet's resting place. If you choose to place the pet's ashes in a pet cemetery, you may have a predetermined plot size that will dictate how big the memorial stone or headstone can be. However, memorial stone sizes are not always dependent on where your pet's final resting place is. Either way, the standard breakdown for memorial stones for both cats and dogs range as follows:
- Small: 3-5 inches
- Medium: 5-8 inches
- Large: 8-11 inches
- Extra Large: 11-16 inches
If you're looking for something more like a grave marker or headstone, these can range much larger and are not necessarily dependent on the size of your pet – but the amount of customization you are looking for.
You should also consider the location of the stone. For example, will you put the stone in your yard, garden, or somewhere else?
If you choose to place the stone in your yard or garden, you'll want to consider the material and the design. If you want something that will withstand the outdoor elements, you should choose a stone made from more durable materials, such as granite or marble.
If you want something that will fit in a certain area, then you should choose a stone that matches the area's style. For example, if you want a stone that will fit your garden, you may want to choose a stone that features garden-like elements, such as flowers or butterflies.
For something that will fit indoors, then you'll want to choose a stone that features design elements that match the interior of your home.
6 Types of Pet Memorial Stones Worth Considering
There are many different types of pet memorial stones on the market today. Before settling for something that may be within easy reach, you want to make sure you consider every option you have available.
Not quite sure where to start? Here are six common types of pet memorial stones worth considering to help you keep your pet's memory alive and well.
1. Traditional Memorial Stones
When you head out to your favorite pet store or even a home and garden store, you are bound to come across sweet, sentimental memorial stones or statues that feature a mass-produced cat or dog portrait or carvings and a sweet message. These are what most people consider traditional memorial stones. These are often the most budget-friendly options for those who are looking for a sweet yet simple way to memorialize their beloved pet.
2. Engraved Memorial Stones
For those looking for something a little more personalized and detailed, engraved pet memorial stones may be a more fitting option. These pet memorials are perfect for pet parents who are looking for a more detailed memorial that will help them keep their pet's memory alive.
3. Carved Pet Memorial Stones
Carved pet memorial stones are perfect for those who are looking for a custom pet memorial that will fit into a certain area or feature a certain style. These pet memorial stones can be found in various styles, including Victorian, modern, and garden-inspired. They can also be carved into your pet's likeness if you are looking for something truly unique.
4. Pet Portraits and Photographs in Memorial Stones
For those who are looking for a more unique way to memorialize their pet, they may choose to include a pet portrait or photograph in the design of the memorial stone. This is a great option for those who want to be able to visually remember their pet for years to come.
For these stones, your chosen photograph will be used to engrave the stone you've chosen. This will then help immortalize your pet into the piece. If you are going to be placing the stone outside, it may require special care so that your image doesn't become weathered and distorted. However, if you will be placing it indoors, you should have little to worry about.
5. Memorial Plaques
Those looking for a more traditional way to remember their pet may choose to include a plaque that features a favorite saying, poem, or even a quote. Plaques can be added to a traditional stone, or they can be purchased individually. They are a perfect option for those who want to place something alongside an urn or use them to mark a biodegradable or living urn that is buried in the pet's honor and will later result in a stunning bush or tree.
6. Pet Memorial Stones with Pet's Ashes
If you're considering burying your pet in your yard or garden, but you're afraid of having to leave them behind should you need to move, then you may want to consider having your pet cremated and then choosing a memorial stone that houses your pet's ashes within it.
These are a special type of urn that allows you to not only house your pet's remains in a safe, movable container. It also allows you to customize the urn in several different ways, including adding imprints of your pet's paws, engraving their name and a quote on the piece, or simply leaving it as a natural-looking stone to place in your garden in your pet's favorite spot.
You can also have your pet's ashes created into a stunning custom-made stone by having your cat's or dog's ashes mixed into cement that is then formed into either a stepping stone or molded into a more traditional memorial stone. While this is an option you can do yourself, you may also want to consider reaching out to a local artist that is comfortable with mixing ashes into beautiful works of stone art.
A Pet Memorial Stone is the Perfect Way to Remember Your Friend
Just because your pet has passed away does not mean that you have to forget about them. With a pet memorial stone, you can keep your pet's memory alive and continue making memories with them for years to come.