How to Choose the Right Pet Memorial Urn for Home or Ceremony

Losing a pet means saying goodbye to more than an animal — it’s saying goodbye to a soul who was part of your daily life. Choosing an urn is both a practical and emotional step. It’s how we create a space for love to stay close.

Below, you’ll find a gentle, honest guide to help you choose the right urn — one that fits your home, your ceremony, and your heart.

Understand the Different Types of Pet Urns

Not all urns serve the same purpose. Knowing the categories helps you choose what fits your farewell.

🔹 Display urns – designed to be kept at home, often made from wood, metal, or 3D-printed materials. These can be minimalist, sculptural, or even artistic.

🔹 Keepsake urns – small urns meant to hold a portion of ashes; ideal if several family members want to share a memorial.

🔹 Biodegradable urns – perfect for ceremonies by the sea, rivers, or gardens. These urns gently return the ashes to nature, leaving no trace.

🔹 Personalized urns – include name tags, photos, engravings, or custom emblems that capture your pet’s personality.

At Pachamama, our biodegradable and 3D-printed urns combine design with meaning, offering modern families a gentle, nature-honoring option.

Choose Based on Where You’ll Honor Their Memory

Your choice depends on where your farewell takes place:

For Home:

Look for an urn that blends into your decor — wood textures, stone finishes, or natural tones work beautifully. Modern urns that resemble art pieces (like small sculptures) make remembrance feel warm and calm.

For Nature Ceremonies:

If you’re scattering ashes in water or burying them in the earth, use a biodegradable urn certified for water or soil burials. They float briefly before dissolving, returning naturally to the elements.

For Shared Memorials:

Smaller keepsake urns allow each family member to keep a symbolic portion of ashes — ideal for children or siblings who want a shared connection.

Materials and Sustainability

The material you choose carries meaning, too:

• Biodegradable paper / plant fiber → for eco-friendly water or earth ceremonies.

• Ceramic or stone → for elegant, timeless home display.

• 3D-printed wood fiber → sustainable, modern, and sculptural (like Pachamama urns).

• Metal or glass → durable and reflective, though less suited for outdoor farewells.

If environmental impact matters to you, choose renewable materials or those that safely dissolve in nature.

Design and Aesthetic

Urns don’t have to be solemn.

Modern memorial design celebrates beauty as a form of remembrance.

Think of your urn as a piece of quiet art — something that feels like your pet. Whether minimalist, natural, or artistic, the design can reflect their personality: playful, gentle, loyal, or curious.

“A well-designed urn doesn’t hide grief; it transforms it into beauty.”

 Size and Capacity

A general guide:

• Small pets (cats, small dogs): 20–40 cubic inches.

• Medium dogs: 50–80 cubic inches.

• Large dogs: 90–120 cubic inches.

• Keepsake urns: 3–7 oz of ashes (symbolic portion).

If you’re unsure, ask your crematory for the volume of ashes to ensure a proper fit.

Personalization and Rituals

Adding a name, engraving, or photo turns the urn into something deeply personal.

Some families create a small ritual when placing ashes inside — adding a flower, lighting a candle, or playing a song.

At Pachamama, we include curated Spotify playlists with every kit — gentle, reflective music for these moments of love and letting go.

A Word on Grief and Beauty

Choosing an urn is not only about ashes — it’s about presence. It’s how we let love stay visible.

“When the urn feels right, it’s not just design — it’s peace.”

Your memorial piece should bring comfort, not sadness. It’s a reminder that beauty and memory can live side by side.

FAQs – Choosing a Pet Memorial Urn

Can I keep ashes at home and still hold a ceremony?

Yes. Many families keep a portion at home and use a biodegradable urn for scattering or burial.

Are biodegradable urns safe for water?

Yes, as long as they’re certified and contain no plastic, metal, or glue.

What if I want a modern design, not a traditional urn?

That’s completely fine. Many modern urns look like decorative art, especially 3D-printed or wood-based designs.

How do I know the right size?

Ask your crematory for the volume of ashes and compare it to the urn’s capacity.