Pet Keepsakes for Ashes: Urns, Jewelry, Glass, and Tribute Ideas

When a pet dies, the cremated remains are usually returned to the family in a temporary container. From there, the family decides what to do with the ashes. Some are scattered. Some are buried. Many are divided into smaller portions and shared among family members, which is where pet keepsakes for ashes come in.

Pet keepsakes are small objects designed to hold a pinch of ashes, a tuft of fur, a paw print, or a small memorial token. This page covers the main types, what they cost, and how to choose one that fits the pet and the family.

Keepsake urns

A keepsake urn is a miniature version of a full-size urn. It holds between 1 and 20 cubic inches of cremated remains, enough for a small portion of the total ashes, leaving the rest in the main urn, scattered, or buried.

Common materials:

• Brass and bronze. Traditional, durable, often engraved with the pet’s name.
• Ceramic and porcelain. Available in more decorative shapes, including figurines and small sculptures.
• Wood. Common for dogs and cats. Usually turned on a lathe and finished with a memorial plaque.
• Biodegradable. Used when the family plans to scatter or bury the portion later.

Prices for keepsake urns typically run $30 to $150 depending on material, finish, and whether the piece is personalized.

Cremation jewelry

Cremation jewelry is designed to hold a tiny portion of ashes, usually less than a cubic inch, inside a pendant, bracelet, or charm. Common styles include:

• Pendants with a small internal chamber sealed by a screw or threaded stopper.
• Lockets that hold both ashes and a small photo or tuft of fur.
• Cremation glass, where a small bubble of ash-infused glass becomes the visible feature of the pendant.
• Bracelets and keychains with a small threaded chamber.

Cremation jewelry runs $40 to $300 for most pieces. Sterling silver and stainless steel are common. Solid gold and platinum versions are available at higher prices.

Glass and Art Pieces

A growing category of pet keepsake uses the ashes in the piece itself. Glass artists fuse a small amount of ash into glass orbs, paperweights, or suncatchers. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece with the ash visibly suspended in the glass.

Working prices from active glass studios:

• Glass orbs: $80 to $300, depending on size and color.
• Paperweights: $120 to $400.
• Suncatchers and small sculptures: $100 to $500.

Most glass studios need a small portion of ash, typically 1 to 2 tablespoons, and can return any unused ash to the family.

Shared-Keepsake options

When several family members want a piece of the same pet, shared-keepsake packages are a common solution. The main urn holds the bulk of the ashes, and a set of smaller keepsakes is filled at the same time. Lap of Love and other pet hospice services offer packages that include a paw print, a fur clipping, a small urn, and a piece of jewelry in one bundle.

How to Decide What to Do With the Ashes

Many families are unsure what to do with the ashes in the days after the pet dies. A few guidelines from working pet hospice and cremation services:

• Take your time. Most crematoriums hold the ashes for several weeks at no charge. There is no rush to decide.
• Consider the personality of the pet. A dog who loved the yard may belong in a garden stone. A cat who always sat on the dresser may belong in a small urn on the dresser.
• Ask the family what they want. Adult children, partners, and other pets in the home may each have an opinion. The decision is often shared.
• Plan for a backup. Keep a small portion in reserve even after the main disposition is done. Some families are surprised by their grief years later and wish they had a portion left.

Working pet hospice services help families think through these decisions before the cremation, not after. The conversation is much easier before the ashes are returned than after.

References

• https://info.lapoflove.com/keepsakes
• https://www.chewy.com/b/pet-memorials-15474
• https://www.thelivingurn.com/collections/pet-keepsake-urns
• https://www.legacylane.com/pet-memorial-keepsakes
• https://www.spiritpieces.com/collections/all-pets-cremation-glass-and-jewelry
• https://petalsandkeepsakes.com/
• https://www.restingrainbow.com/blog-posts/pet-fur-keepsake-ideas
• https://petmemoryshop.com/collections/pet-memorials
• https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-owner-relationship/grief/pet-memorial-ideas
• https://www.pulvisurns.com/blogs/news/15-meaningful-ways-to-honor-your-pets-ashes