After your beloved pet has been cremated, you may find yourself holding their ashes and wondering: what do I do now? This is one of the most common questions grieving pet parents face. There is no single right answer — only what feels right for you and honors the unique bond you shared.
At Pawtuary, we've helped thousands of families navigate this decision. Here are 15 meaningful options for what to do with your pet's cremated remains.
1. Display Ashes in a Memorial Urn
The most traditional and enduring option is to place your pet's ashes in a memorial urn designed for home display. Our handcrafted wooden urns feature personalized engraving, photo frames, and secure sealed compartments.
2. Divide Ashes Among Family Members
If multiple family members want to keep a portion of your pet's ashes, consider dividing them into smaller cremation jewelry pieces or keepsake urns.
3. Scatter Ashes in a Meaningful Location
Many pet parents choose to scatter ashes where their pet loved to play — a favorite park, hiking trail, or backyard spot. Check local regulations first.
4. Create a Memorial Garden
Mix a portion of ashes into the soil when planting a tree or flower garden. Enhance with a memorial stone to mark the spot.
5. Keep Ashes in Cremation Jewelry
Cremation pendants hold a small portion of ashes in a sealed compartment — your pet stays with you wherever you go.
6. Bury Ashes in Your Backyard
Dig a meaningful spot in your garden, place the ashes in a biodegradable container, and mark with a stone or plant.
7. Incorporate Ashes into Memorial Art
Creative options include glass paperweights, blown glass ornaments, and paintings that incorporate a tiny amount of ashes.
8. Launch Ashes into Space
Several companies offer memorial space launches that send a portion of ashes into orbit — a truly cosmic tribute.
9. Create a Memorial Reef
Ashes can be incorporated into an artificial reef structure that supports marine life — a living, growing memorial.
10. Hold a Spirit Offering Ceremony
Traditional ceremonies with spirit offerings provide ritual closure and emotional release.
11. Store in a Shadow Box Display
Combine a small urn with photos, collar, tags, and mementos in a single wall-mounted shadow box.
12. Create a Memorial Candle
Some companies make candles that incorporate ashes into the wax — a warm, glowing tribute when lit.
13. Keep Ashes Until You're Ready
There is absolutely no rush. Many people keep ashes in the temporary container for months or years until they feel ready.
14. Donate Ashes to Science
Some universities accept pet remains for veterinary research — a meaningful way to help future animals.
15. Combine Multiple Options
Many families choose a combination — keep most ashes in an urn, a small portion in jewelry, and scatter the rest in a meaningful place.
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Permanence | Portability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Urn | Permanent | Stationary | $29-$199 |
| Cremation Jewelry | Permanent | Wearable | $19-$89 |
| Scattering | One-time | N/A | Free |
| Memorial Garden | Living | Stationary | $20-$100 |
| Shadow Box | Permanent | Stationary | $30-$80 |
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is that there is no wrong choice. Whether you display an urn, scatter ashes, create memorial jewelry, or simply keep the container until you're ready — every option is a valid expression of love and remembrance.
Explore our pet memorial collection for urns, jewelry, and spirit offerings. Free engraving and free worldwide shipping on every order.
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