Losing a pet hits like a wave. One minute you’re fine. Then you see the leash on the hook, and it breaks you all over again.
I’m Kayla, and I’ve bought and used a handful of pet urns I’ve used for my own crew over the years. Labs, a scrappy cat, a rabbit with big ears. I didn’t shop for “things.” I looked for a safe place for love. That sounds dramatic, but grief makes everything feel louder, right?
Here’s what I tried, what worked, and what made me roll my eyes a bit. Real stuff. No fluff.
Quick sizing note (the math is simple, promise)
- One pound of pet equals about one cubic inch of ash.
- My 65 lb Lab needed around 65 cubic inches. I got a 100 cubic inch urn to be safe. It wasn’t huge, just roomy.
- If you’re not sure, go one size up. It’s less stress.
If you'd like a step-by-step formula for choosing the right pet urn size, this guide walks you through it with a simple chart.
Alright, now the real examples. If you need a broader primer before comparing models, the resource hub at Pet Care Services breaks down urn materials, closure types, and memorial ideas in plain language. You can also compare pet urn materials side-by-side to see which finish and durability level feels right.
Trupoint Memorials Paw Print Pet Urn — sturdy with one small quirk
I used this for Max, my Lab mix. He was 65 pounds and loved puddles. Before his final years, Max had actually bounced back from ACL surgery, so I knew he was a tough pup.
- Size and fit: I chose the Large (100 cu in). The ash bag from the vet slid in fine. No cramming.
- Build: The lid screws on with clean threads, and there’s a silicone ring that helps it seal. Nice touch.
- Engraving: Trupoint’s stock version didn’t come engraved where I bought it, so I took it to a local engraving shop. The laser work came out crisp. No flaking, even a year later.
- Look: The finish is smooth and a bit matte. I like that it doesn’t shout for attention.
- Quirk: Mine arrived with a tiny dent near the base. You had to tilt it to see it, but still. I kept it because I didn’t want to send Max “back” in a box, you know? If dents bug you, check yours right away.
Final feel: It’s solid, simple, and feels safe. I set it on a shelf and lay Max’s bandana under it. Some days I touch the lid and say hi. It helps.
OneWorld Memorials Photo Box Pet Urn — a quiet frame that hides a lot
I used this for my cat, Poppy. She was a 12 lb shadow who slept on my keyboard. Fun fact: in French, the word “minou” is a sweet nickname for a kitty, yet it also appears in playful, grown-up wordplay—if linguistic quirks make you smile, the post titled Je montre mon minou shows how that simple term takes on a bold double meaning in an entirely different context, offering an eye-opening look at cultural nuance and humor.
- Access: The bottom slides out with tiny screws. The ash bag goes into the hollow box. Easy.
- Personal touch: I put her ashes inside and added her jingle tag and a little felt mouse. There was space.
- Photo: The frame fits a 4×6. I printed a warm-toned photo so it matched the wood.
- Smell: It had a mild wood glue smell for a day. Then it aired out.
- Plate: I added a brass name plate. The adhesive is strong, so dry-fit the placement first. I stuck mine on a hair crooked the first try. I fixed it, but I had to work fast.
- Quirk: The MDF edge can nick if you bump it on the way in. Mine has a tiny chip on the back. Not visible, just worth noting.
Final feel: If you like a subtle look that blends in with photo frames, this is calming. I keep it on a bookshelf with her brush tucked behind it, like she’s still around the corner.
Perfect Memorials Classic Paw Print Urn — weighty and kind of timeless
For my mom’s beagle, Daisy, we chose the brass “classic paw” urn in a warm bronze. I handled the ordering and the ash transfer, so yes, I’ve used it hands-on.
- Weight: Heavier than aluminum, which felt… steady. The heft gave us comfort.
- Lid: Screw-top with a good seal. I still added a thin bead of clear epoxy after two weeks, once we were sure we were set on resting place and name. Overkill? Maybe. But it helped my mom sleep.
- Finish: The paw prints are pressed in. They don’t peel. We dust it with a soft cloth.
- Engraving: We used Perfect Memorials’ engraving. It’s deep, not just printed, and still easy to read.
Final feel: Classic urn look, but not cold. My mom keeps a soft piece of Daisy’s blanket under it. It sits in a sunny spot that she likes for morning tea.
Bios Urn PET — ashes to a rose bush, and a small lesson in patience
Bean, my rabbit, had a gentle soul. I chose the biodegradable tree urn so I could plant a rose bush in our yard.
- Setup: You layer ashes, a mix medium, and soil. The instructions are plain. I pre-mixed some ashes with potting soil to avoid clumps.
- Plant: We used a small shrub rose. It took time. The first buds came late spring.
- Water and wait: Keep it moist but not soaked. I used a soaker hose that first week. I checked it like an anxious parent.
- Big flag: If you rent, this is hard, because you may move. Also, check city rules and HOA stuff.
Final feel: The planting day became a gentle family ritual. We cried, then we laughed about Bean’s habit of thumping at thunderstorms. Now I prune the rose and say his name. It’s soft and sweet.
A handmade ceramic urn from Etsy — lovely glaze, but a looser lid
I tried a handmade ceramic urn for my tiny senior chihuahua, Lulu. The maker’s shop was called Stone Forge Studio at the time.
- Look: The glaze was ocean green with soft specks. Photos showed the color well, but the exact tone shifted a bit in real light. Handmade things just do that.
- Lid: It used a cork-style plug. It fit, but not super tight. I sealed it with museum putty first, then a dab of silicone later.
- Pace: It took three weeks to ship. Worth it, but keep timelines in mind if you’re raw and waiting.
Final feel: Beautiful work. If you like a human touch and don’t mind a little variation, this feels warm and personal.
Little things that surprised me
- The ash bag from the vet is often thicker than you think. Don’t open it unless you plan to re-bag. Less mess, less stress.
- Felt bottoms matter. They stop the urn from scratching shelves. My Trupoint and Perfect Memorials urns had them. The photo box had little pads.
- Travel note: If you fly, ashes can go in carry-on. Use a non-metal urn so TSA can see through. I used a temporary plastic urn once for that reason.
What I wish I knew sooner
- Bigger is calmer. Give yourself space inside the urn. No one sees the extra room.
- Decide on engraving after a week. Grief brains make typos. Ask me how I know.
- Keep a small keepsake tin. A pinch of fur, a tag, a note. I keep mine in a tiny Altoids tin with washi tape on the lid. Silly, but it helps.
Sometimes the best way to remind yourself that life still holds room for laughter is to step back into circles where adults gather simply to enjoy one another’s company. If you’re in the Atlanta area and feel ready for a light-hearted night out, the local Sandy Springs swingers scene offers event calendars, etiquette tips, and a welcoming community that can help you reconnect with people—and pleasure—when you decide it’s time.
So, which urn fits which kind of person?
- Want a classic, sturdy urn that just works? Trupoint Memorials or Perfect Memorials metal/brass urns.
- Want photos and a softer display? OneWorld Memorials photo box.
- Want a living tribute outside? Bios Urn PET, plus a plant that fits your climate.
- Want art and handmade vibe? A ceramic urn from a trusted maker, with a plan to seal the lid.