

Pet loss is never easy, especially for children. But with the right support, it can be a chance to learn about love, empathy, and healing.
Losing a pet is one of childhood’s earliest brushes with grief—and it can leave a lasting emotional imprint. Whether it’s a beloved dog, cat, rabbit, or hamster, pets often serve as confidants, playmates, and gentle sources of comfort for children. When they pass, the absence is deeply felt, sometimes more than adults expect.
Children process loss differently depending on their age, personality, and prior experiences. While some may cry openly, others might show signs of withdrawal, confusion, or even behavioral changes. This is where creative memorialization can help: by giving kids a tangible way to remember, express, and honor their furry (or feathery) friend.
In this guide, we’ll explore age-appropriate, meaningful ideas to help children grieve, heal, and celebrate the love they shared with a pet.
Why Creative Memorials Matter for Children
Kids are natural creators. They communicate through drawings, games, and storytelling before they fully develop adult coping strategies. Memorializing a pet in an expressive, hands-on way allows them to:
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Understand and accept the concept of death
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Express feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, or love
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Keep their pet’s memory alive through ritual and routine
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Feel a sense of closure and continued connection
A creative memorial isn’t just about marking the pet’s passing—it’s about honoring the relationship and empowering the child with emotional tools they’ll carry into adulthood.
Talk First, Memorialize Together
Before diving into crafts or rituals, it’s important to have an honest, age-appropriate conversation about what happened. Avoid euphemisms like “went to sleep,” which can be confusing or even frightening to young children. Instead, be clear and gentle:
“Our dog Sadie died because her body stopped working. That means she won’t be coming back, and we’re all going to miss her very much.”
Validate their feelings, answer questions honestly, and reassure them that it's okay to be sad. From there, invite them to help create a memorial—this inclusion gives them a sense of control during a confusing time.
Idea #1: Create a Pet Memory Box
One of the simplest and most effective memorial projects for kids is a pet memory box. This can be a shoebox or keepsake container that holds items like:
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The pet’s collar or favorite toy
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Printed photos of shared moments
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Drawings made by the child
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A letter or goodbye note
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Fur clippings or a paw print
Let your child decorate the outside of the box with markers, stickers, or paint. They can keep the box in their room or a shared family space and open it when they want to feel close to their pet.
Oaktree Memorials offers beautifully crafted engraved wood boxes that can be personalized with your pet’s name, image, or special message—making it a cherished heirloom as your child grows.
Idea #2: Plant a Living Memorial
For families with outdoor space, planting something in your pet’s memory can be deeply healing—especially for kids who enjoy nature. Consider:
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A flowering plant or shrub
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A tree that will grow over the years
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A small indoor succulent for apartment living
Let the child help dig the hole, place the plant, and decorate the area with painted rocks or signs. You can even add a small engraved pet memorial marker to create a dedicated remembrance space.
Watering and caring for the plant becomes a gentle daily or weekly ritual that keeps the pet’s memory blooming.
Idea #3: Design a Custom Pet Necklace
Cremation jewelry isn’t just for adults—it can offer children a discreet and comforting way to feel close to a pet they’ve lost. If your family chose cremation, consider gifting your child a small pendant or charm containing a tiny portion of ashes.
Not comfortable with ashes? Many designs can also hold fur clippings, soil from the burial site, or simply engraved details like the pet’s name or paw print.
Choose a style that feels appropriate and safe for your child’s age. Wearing the necklace can be a source of comfort during tough moments, from bedtime to school days.
Idea #4: Make a Stuffed Animal Replica
For younger children especially, replacing the physical comfort of a pet can be crucial. Consider commissioning or creating a stuffed animal version of your child’s pet. There are companies that specialize in custom plush animals based on photos of real pets.
You can also involve your child in choosing the materials, stuffing, or clothing if you make one at home. The result becomes more than just a toy—it becomes a soft symbol of companionship.
Some families even add a hidden pocket inside the plush to store a small keepsake, note, or piece of fur.
Idea #5: Hold a Family “Goodbye” Ceremony
Just like funerals help adults say goodbye, a memorial ceremony helps kids process the finality of loss. Keep it simple, personal, and meaningful:
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Light a candle or place flowers around a photo
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Read a letter written by the child or family members
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Share favorite memories or silly stories
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Sing a song or play a meaningful video
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Bury the pet or a symbolic item (like a favorite toy or drawing)
You might also consider creating a pet headstone or plaque together and placing it in the garden or on a bookshelf.
This shared moment gives your child language and structure for processing loss—and shows that their grief matters.
Idea #6: Art and Story Projects
For kids who love to draw or write, creative projects can be a powerful outlet:
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Pet Storybook: Help your child write and illustrate a book about their pet’s life
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Pet Awards: Design funny or sweet certificates (Best Cuddler, Fastest Tail Wagger)
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Photo Collage: Print pictures and let them create a framed poster or digital slideshow
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Memory Jar: Every family member writes down memories on slips of paper to revisit together
These activities offer ongoing opportunities to revisit happy times and reinforce that grief can include joy and play.
What to Avoid When Supporting Grieving Kids
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Don’t minimize their grief. Avoid phrases like “it was just a dog” or “you’ll get another one.”
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Don’t rush them. Some kids grieve quickly; others may bring it up months later.
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Don’t replace too soon. Wait until the child is ready to welcome a new pet—if at all.
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Don’t hide your emotions. Modeling healthy sadness teaches kids that feelings are natural.
Supporting Grief Over Time
As weeks pass, check in gently. Offer time to visit the pet’s grave, look at the memory box, or wear their necklace. Consider a special tradition each year on the pet’s birthday or adoption anniversary, like baking “dog bone” cookies or watching old videos.
If your child’s grief persists in intense ways—trouble sleeping, excessive guilt, or withdrawal—consider speaking with a counselor. Some communities offer pet loss support groups for families or children.
Final Thoughts
Pet loss is never easy, especially for children. But with the right support, it can be a chance to learn about love, empathy, and healing. Through creative memorials, open conversations, and shared rituals, kids can find comfort and continue carrying their pet’s memory in beautiful, tangible ways.
At Oaktree Memorials, we offer personalized urns, keepsake boxes, and pet remembrance jewelry designed to support families—young and old—through every stage of grief. Because every love story deserves to be remembered.
Our Best Selling Urns & Jewelry
FAQs
What are the shipping options for my memorial?
Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.
How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?
Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.
What do I do if I never received my order?
If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.
What do I do if I received a defective order?
If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.
Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?
Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.
How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?
If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.
How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?
Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.
How do I choose the right urn size?
Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.
Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?
Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.
Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?
Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.
How do I transfer ashes into my urn?
Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.
How do I order an engraved urn?
To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.
Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?
Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.
Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?
Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.
What materials are Oaktree urns made from?
Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.
Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?
Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.
Can I pre-order an urn for future use?
Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.
Do you offer pet urns?
Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.
How do I clean and maintain my urn?
Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.
Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?
Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.
How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?
We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.