What to Do with Dog Ashes? 10 Beautiful Memorial Ideas

Quick Answer: Popular Things to Do with Dog Ashes

• Wear a small pinch in pet cremation jewelry such as a necklace, bracelet or ring.
• Keep the urn at home in a special place with their photo and favorite things.
• Scatter them in a place your dog loved, following local rules.
• Bury them or plant a memorial tree using a biodegradable urn.
• Combine options. Keep most ashes in an urn and a small pinch in a keepsake.

In This Guide

• Wear them in pet cremation jewelry
• Scatter them in a favorite place
• Bury them in a pet cemetery or backyard
• Keep them in a decorative urn
• Plant a memorial tree
• Incorporate them into glass art
• Create a memorial garden stone
• Include them in a tattoo
• Fireworks display
• Divide them among family members
• How to choose
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best for: anyone who wants to feel their dog is with them every day.

One of the most comforting trends in pet memorialization is wearing a small pinch of ashes. A pet ashes necklace keeps your furry friend close to your heart wherever you go. Unlike a traditional urn that sits on a shelf, pet cremation jewelry goes with you on walks, to work and through daily life. You only need a very small amount, so the rest can stay in an urn or be used in another way. Our guide to putting ashes in a necklace walks you through filling it.

Best for: dogs who loved the outdoors.

Did your dog love the local beach, a hiking trail, or the backyard where they spent hours basking in the sun? Scattering their ashes in a place that brought them joy is a beautiful way to return them to nature. Rules differ by location, so check local regulations before scattering on public land or water, and ask permission before scattering on private land. Choose a calm day and scatter close to the ground so the ashes do not blow back.

Best for: families who want a physical place to visit.

Burying ashes in a pet cemetery or your own garden creates a dedicated memorial spot. Cremated remains take up far less space than a body, but local rules, your landlord or your homeowners association can still apply, and it is best to avoid spots near water. You can plant a tree or flowers over the site for a living tribute. If you are burying your dog’s body rather than ashes, see our guide on how to bury a dog.

Best for: anyone who wants a classic, dignified memorial at home.

The classic choice is a beautiful, customized urn. You can choose one that reflects your dog’s personality, whether it is a simple wooden box or an engraved ceramic vase, and keep it on a mantle or special shelf with their photos and favorite toys. If you wonder whether keeping ashes at home is a problem, read is it bad luck to keep ashes in the house. Comparing an urn with other keepsakes? See dog urn vs dog ashes necklace.

Best for: nature lovers who want something that keeps growing.

Biodegradable urns are designed to be buried with a tree seed or sapling. As the urn breaks down, it nourishes the soil and helps the tree grow. Ashes on their own can be hard on plants, so follow the directions that come with your urn, which usually mix the ashes with soil. It is an eco-friendly way to turn your loss into new life.

Best for: people who appreciate art and want something to display.

Some glass artists can infuse a small amount of your dog’s ashes into hand-blown pieces such as paperweights, pendants or decorative orbs. The ashes create unique, swirling patterns inside the glass, resulting in a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Best for: gardeners who want a lasting marker in the yard.

Some companies can mix a small portion of ashes into concrete or resin to make a custom stepping stone. You can have their paw print and name pressed into the stone, creating a permanent fixture in your garden. For more ways to honor them outdoors, browse our pet memorial ideas.

Best for: those who want a permanent tribute on their skin.

Some tattoo artists can mix a tiny amount of sterilized cremation ashes into the tattoo ink. Talk to an experienced artist about how they handle it, and be sure it is what you want, because a tattoo is permanent.

Best for: dogs with a larger-than-life personality.

A few specialist companies can incorporate ashes into fireworks, creating a brilliant display in the night sky to celebrate your dog’s life. Rules for fireworks vary by location, so check what is permitted and who will run the display.

Best for: families who all shared a bond with your dog.

If several family members were deeply attached to your dog, you do not have to keep all the ashes in one place. Ask the crematorium to divide them into separate containers, so everyone can keep a piece in their own home or wear a pinch in their own pet cremation jewelry.