The items I create are sometimes used as memorials for pets that have passed away.
There’s a reason why people who have lost a pet find comfort in making memorial items.
Also, when they are used as condolence gifts for someone who has lost a pet, the recipient experiences a certain emotional change.
In this category, I’ll introduce examples of memorial items used to heal after pet loss, memorial items that have helped people overcome pet loss, as well as advice and points to keep in mind when making them.
Healing from Pet Loss with Custom Pet Memorial Gifts
Pet memorial gifts are more than just items made from your pet’s photo.
Each one holds a deep emotional connection, capturing heartfelt memories and stories that are truly one-of-a-kind. For some, it’s a meaningful gift for a loved one. For others, it’s a precious keepsake to honor a pet who has passed away.
Every memorial item is a unique treasure, filled with personal memories and love.
These remembrance gifts offer comfort during times of grief. They preserve the bond between you and your beloved pet, helping to gently shift sorrow into peace and healing.
At our shop, we pour our hearts into creating pet memorial gifts that can be a source of strength and support for those dealing with pet loss.
Why Do Pet Memorial Gifts Help People Heal?
Our knitted pet memorial gifts are often ordered by grieving pet owners themselves, but they are also given as heartfelt gifts from family members or friends.
Many customers have shared how their emotions changed during the process—from placing the order to receiving the finished item.
When the owner places the order themselves
Some customers have called us after receiving their order, tearfully expressing their gratitude over the phone. Others have sent long, heartfelt emails or handwritten letters.
Some have ordered multiple items, while others have created a variety of pet memorial products from different shops, surrounding themselves with loving memories that helped them find strength again.
So why do these gifts help people heal?
A Shift in the Heart
Of course, the joy of receiving a pet memorial gift is deeply moving—but many people experience emotional changes even before the item arrives.
There’s the happiness of discovering our site.
The comfort of sharing your grief during the ordering process.
The courage it takes to take that first step.
All of these moments help gently guide the heart toward healing.
→ Read more about how pet memorial gifts can bring emotional transformation
Feeling Like Your Pet Is Still by Your Side
There’s a phrase that often appears in thank-you messages from our customers:
“It feels like my pet is right here with me.”
“Now I can be with my pet forever.”
This deep sense of closeness is something that memorial gifts and treasured photos can bring.
When we want to believe that our pets may be gone from sight, but never from our hearts, these keepsakes become a source of comfort and emotional connection.
The Warmth and Kindness Felt Through a Memorial Gift
What makes our memorial gifts truly unique is that they are hand-knitted from yarn, not printed.
If you’re simply looking to turn a photo into a physical object, printing is one option.
If you want something more functional, there are many other types of memorial goods available.
But when it comes to feeling warmth and emotional comfort, knitted items offer something truly special.
The texture of the yarn, the gentle feel, the soft warmth—
perhaps it reminds people of the warmth of their beloved pet’s body, bringing back tender memories.
The texture, softness, and warmth of the woven yarn may remind you of the body temperature of your pets.
Review List: Stories of how pet memorial goods helped people cope with pet loss
When Used as a Sympathy Gift for Pet Loss
Our memorial gifts are sometimes given as sympathy presents to someone who has lost a beloved pet.
Here’s why these gifts bring happiness to both the giver and the recipient.
You will find that there are people who understand your sadness.
One reason pet loss grief can linger is the feeling that no one truly understands what you’re going through.
That’s why receiving a heartfelt gift or letter from a family member or friend can mean so much.
Even simple, everyday words can offer comfort.
Sometimes, just knowing someone is there for you is enough.
And when words are hard to find, a pet memorial gift can speak on your behalf—quietly connecting the pet and their grieving owner in a deeply meaningful way.
Many senders have written to us, saying,
“They were moved to tears. Thank you.”
Related article: A Memorial Gift That Helped Bring Someone Back to Smiles
“It Feels Like My Pet Came Back to Me”
Some customers have shared a touching sentiment:
“It feels like my pet has come back home.”
For many who are grieving, their deepest wish is simple—
“To see my beloved pet one more time.”
Pet memorial gifts have the power to bring that feeling to life—
the sense that you’ve been reunited, even if just in spirit.
This isn’t something unique to our products.
Photos, a scratch on the wall, a keepsake—any item that holds a memory can carry this same gentle power.
But when those memories are turned into a tangible gift—especially one lovingly given by a friend or family member—the emotion becomes overwhelming.
And often, it brings tears of love and remembrance.
The Role of Pet Memorial Gifts
Pet memorial gifts serve many purposes.
They help soothe painful emotions, serve as proof that our beloved pets once walked this earth, and represent the everlasting bond between us and them.
Sometimes, they also become heartfelt gifts that bring comfort to grieving family members or friends.
A funeral director once told me something that stayed with me:
“When a pet passes away, it’s painful because we suddenly lose someone to pour our love into.”
He explained that a pet memorial gift can become a new place for that love to go—a symbol of care, memory, and connection.
Since hearing those words, I’ve come to understand just how meaningful it is to create these pieces with care and intention.
Something to Ease the Loneliness After Losing a Pet
Many people display photos or keepsakes of their pets around their homes.
Some even set up small altars to honor their beloved dogs or cats.
In these photos, our pets often look full of life—happy, joyful, and loved.
By displaying these memories, we can draw strength from them and recall the times when they were healthy and full of energy.
In recent years, pet memorial altars and urns have become more charming and personalized.
Instead of being somber, many now choose to decorate their memorial spaces with warmth and love.
Adding original, custom-made items alongside the photos can bring even more comfort—perhaps even reassuring our pets in heaven that they are still surrounded by love.
Let me share the story of one of our customers who had recently lost her cat, a companion she had lived with for many years.
She tried many things to cope with the loneliness, but no matter what she did, the sorrow would always come rushing back.
Even when going out for a change of pace, the sadness returned as soon as she walked through the door.
But then she began creating custom pet memorial goods.
She told us that making those items gradually brought her a sense of peace—
as if her cat was still there with her.
Since then, she’s collected many types of memorial keepsakes.
And when she found our shop, she was especially delighted—
because it was the first time she had seen a pet memorial made from knitting.
A Memorial Gift to Hold Instead of Bringing Home a New Pet
In some families who have raised pets for many years, aging parents may reach a point where they can no longer care for a new pet.
In those cases, they sometimes choose to create memorial items that honor the pets they once loved—
not as a replacement, but as a way to stay connected to those precious memories.
Rather than living with the loneliness of an empty home, they can now surround themselves with reminders of the pets who were once part of their daily lives—bringing comfort and a quiet sense of companionship.
Related article: Memorial Gift for a Beloved Husky
Memorial Gifts for Those Who Long to See Their Beloved Dog or Cat Again
Many people choose to create custom pet memorial gifts using photos of a friend or family member’s beloved dog or cat who has passed away. These heartfelt gifts are often given to someone who deeply misses their pet and wishes they could see them again.
While some are made shortly after the pet’s passing, many are given on special occasions—such as birthdays or Christmas—as a way to honor the memory and bring comfort to the grieving heart.
Related article: Offerings and Sympathy Gifts for a Pet Who Has Passed Away
Memorial Gifts That Create a Safe Space to Cry
After delivering one of our custom-made cushions, we sometimes receive thank-you phone calls or emails from customers.
Some tell us that seeing the cushion allowed them to cry for the first time since losing their pet.
They often say,
“Letting the tears out brought me a sense of relief,”
or
“I finally felt like I could be honest with my emotions.”
On the phone, some customers begin by speaking through tears.
But as the conversation continues and they feel heard, their voices often regain strength and warmth.
Just a few tears, and someone to listen—
that alone can help ease the pain and bring healing.
We sometimes feel that our memorial gifts may be creating a space where people are finally able to cry.
And perhaps, not being able to cry is what hurts the most.
Related article: When Saying Goodbye to Your Pet Feels Overwhelming, Make Space to Cry and Let It Out
Some People Create Memorial Gifts Because They Want to See Their Beloved Dog Again
In the thank-you messages we receive, many customers share their personal thoughts and emotions.
Among the most common words we hear are:
“It feels like they came back to me.”
“It’s like I got to see them again.”
Many people who have lost a pet wish they could see them one more time.
While that may not be possible in the physical sense, a memorial gift—especially one made from more than just a photo—can bring a powerful feeling of reunion.
This is especially true when the gift is a surprise.
The person receiving it often feels as if their beloved dog or cat has returned home to them.
→ Learn more: Gifts for Families Who Long to See Their Pet Again
Recommended Item:
If you’re wishing to feel that closeness again, we suggest a cushion (pillow) with a soft, three-dimensional texture—something you can hug tightly, just like you once did with your pet.
Related article: Request to design a toy that a deceased pet liked
Memorial Gifts That Help Ease the Guilt of Grieving Pet Owners
After losing a pet, many owners find themselves overwhelmed with guilt.
“It was my fault.”
“If only I had noticed the illness sooner…”
Thoughts like these are natural, and anyone can experience them.
Almost every pet owner carries some form of regret after a loss.
That’s why creating a memorial gift can be so meaningful.
It can help you recall the happy times—when your pet was full of life—and remind you of all the love and care you gave them.
For more details, please see “How I recovered from the days of blaming myself for the death of my pet.”
What Kind of Pet Memorial Gifts Can You Create?
Adorable Keepsakes Made from Your Pet’s Photo
Let’s take a look at the types of memorial products you can actually create.
First, here are some of the custom-made items we offer.
These examples feature Cocoa the Toy Poodle and Fuku the Pug—
knitted cushions and lap blankets designed with patterns that closely resemble their photos.
Here are some of the knitted pet memorial gifts we create:
We receive orders not only for dogs and cats, but also for rabbits, ferrets, birds, and other beloved companions.
After we deliver our products, we often receive heartfelt thank-you messages—sometimes with photos of home altars or memorial displays.
These photos are filled with various pet memorial goods.
We’d love to share a few examples of the beautiful keepsakes people have chosen to create.
We’ll also introduce some recommendations we’ve received from other trusted memorial shops we work with.
Photo-Printed Pet Memorial Gifts
One of the most common types of pet memorial items are those made by printing your pet’s photo onto a product.
Most pet owners create at least one item like this.
From cushions and mugs to clocks and more, you can find a wide range of customizable goods available online.
All you need is a photo—so if something catches your eye, why not try making one?
Recommended Points!
Photo-printed items can often be created even from photos with slightly lower resolution.
If you have a favorite picture you really want to use—even one that other shops have rejected due to quality issues—there may be places that can still help you.
Another benefit is cost.
Printed photo items are usually more affordable than handcrafted ones.
However, lower prices can sometimes mean lower quality.
And unfortunately, some shops may handle your precious memories without much care.
Since this is something deeply meaningful to you, be sure to choose a reliable shop you feel comfortable with—so your experience is filled with kindness, not disappointment.
Photo Frames for Pet Memorials
A framed photo is almost always placed on a pet memorial altar.
These photo frames can be custom-made, allowing you to add your pet’s name, the date they passed away, or even a short message like “Thank you.”
There are also “memorial boxes,” which are small keepsake boxes designed to hold cherished items like collars, bells, or tags.
Some of these boxes have a space on the front for a photo, and others feature a lid that includes your pet’s picture—so you can use it as a display frame in daily life and occasionally open it to view the mementos inside.
Photo albums that collect your pet’s pictures are also meaningful memorial items.
They serve as beautiful reminders of the memories you shared and the love that continues on.
In fact, more than any altered or stylized item, a simple photo showing your pet just as they were may be the most familiar and comforting image of all.
Creating a photo album is also highly recommended.
→ Related article: Print Your Pet’s Photos, Make an Album, and Add Personal Notes
Recommended Points!
Most shops offer consistent product quality when it comes to photo frames and albums.
Since you’ll be inserting the photo yourself after the product arrives, non-customized items often come with the option to return or exchange them if there’s an issue—making them a relatively low-risk purchase.
Memorial Gifts Made with Your Pet’s Ashes, Fur, or Claws
Here are some memorial items that incorporate your pet’s remains, such as ashes, claws, or fur.
One commonly known product is a small pendant that securely holds a portion of your pet’s ashes or hair.
Many customers have told us they own one, so you may already be familiar with this type of keepsake.
There are also services that turn ashes into synthetic diamonds, or create felted figurines using your actual pet’s fur.
If these ideas interest you, we recommend doing a bit of research to explore the options available.
→ Related article: Ideas for Preserving Your Pet’s Keepsakes
Recommended Points!
What makes these items truly unique is the fact that they allow you to keep a physical part of your beloved pet close to you at all times.
Whether it’s a strand of fur or a small amount of ashes, these keepsakes help you feel like your pet is always by your side.
And surely, our pets in heaven feel a little less lonely, too.
Each shop offers different styles and price points, so it’s a good idea to take your time researching and choosing the one that feels right for you.
Custom Candles That Look Just Like Your Pet
One of the most memorable pet memorial items we’ve heard about from our customers is the custom-made candle designed to look just like their beloved pet.
Several customers have shared photos with us, so some of you may already be familiar with this type of keepsake.
At that store I heard, by sending in a few pictures of your pet, you can have a three-dimensional candle sculpted in their likeness.
Since it’s a candle, the figure is made from wax, and there’s a wick coming out of the top of the head—just like a real candle.
Of course, most people never actually light it, but the wick is a charming reminder of what the figure is made from.
Recommended Points!
These candles are small enough to fit in your hand and incredibly cute.
Their three-dimensional form gives them a strong presence, and the little wick on top adds a surprisingly heartwarming touch.
They’re both a tribute and a decoration—something truly special to keep close.
Custom Pet Figurines and Stuffed Animals
Some people choose to create 3D figurines or stuffed animals based on a few photos of their pet.
These items tend to be more expensive, but they offer a level of realism and presence that’s hard to match—and customer satisfaction is often very high.
They are especially popular among those with the budget for it or people who feel they can no longer welcome a new pet into their lives.
Take this Toy Poodle, for example—it may look incredibly lifelike, but it’s actually a plush toy.
Recommended Points!
The shops that make these items often work with great care and empathy.
Many of the artisans have experienced pet loss themselves, so they listen to each customer’s story with understanding and compassion.
Their packaging, customer service, and even phone support are usually handled with incredible kindness and attention to detail.
Since I work in a similar field, I occasionally speak with some of these artisans—and they are truly wonderful people.
Floral Arrangements
Have you heard of floral arrangement services that use preserved flowers to create three-dimensional representations of dogs and cats?
These aren’t just ordinary bouquets—each arrangement is carefully crafted to capture the unique features of your pet.
Many pet owners say they can immediately recognize their beloved companion just by looking at the design.
DIY Craft Kits Using Your Pet’s Photo
There are some memorial items you can create yourself using your pet’s photo.
For example, you can make a wall clock where you insert a photo, or create custom pin badges featuring your dog or cat.
Here’s a badge I made using a photo of my own cat.
Creating something by hand with your pet’s image can be a healing process.
It gives you peaceful, reflective time, and the finished item can be worn or displayed in your home as a special tribute.
Another fun idea is a jigsaw puzzle made from a favorite pet photo.
If you enjoy puzzles, why not give it a try?
Watching your pet’s face slowly come together piece by piece can be both calming and rewarding.
Custom Pet Memorial Gifts from Independent Artists
There are many adorable and high-quality handmade pet memorial items created by independent artists as a hobby.
You can find felt crafts, small accessories, original illustrations, and more—so it’s worth doing a little research to explore your options.
These items are often more affordable than those sold by larger shops, and if you’re using a major platform like Etsy or another reputable marketplace, you can check reviews and ratings to place your order with confidence.
Personally, I like to ask a few questions before ordering.
Based on how the artist responds, I decide whether or not to go ahead with the purchase.
Important Things to Know Before Ordering a Pet Memorial Gift
Many pet memorial items are custom-made, so there are a few important things to keep in mind when placing an order.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that a perfect replica is not always possible.
Even if a shop has high ratings and glowing reviews, expectations for how closely a product should resemble your pet can vary greatly from person to person.
If you expect exact perfection, it may lead to disappointment or conflict with the shop—something no one wants when creating a meaningful tribute.
To avoid this, please take a moment to review these important points before placing your order.
When Is the Right Time to Give a Pet Memorial Gift?
Right after a pet passes away, the grief can be so overwhelming that the person may not be ready to receive anything—even a thoughtful gift.
Still, when a family member or friend is suffering, it’s natural to want to do something to comfort them.
You may wonder what words to say, or whether there’s a meaningful gift you could send.
But depending on how deep their sorrow is, a well-intentioned gift might unintentionally deepen their sadness.
While a memorial gift can bring healing, the timing must be handled with care.
Sometimes it helps, and sometimes it doesn’t—especially if given too soon.
That’s why choosing the right moment is so important when giving a sympathy gift to someone grieving a pet.
→ Read more: When to Give a Memorial Gift to Someone Who Has Lost a Pet
How We Began Creating Pet Memorial Gifts
We originally started by making custom pet-themed gifts as birthday presents for pet owners.
But over time, more and more people began using our products as sympathy gifts for those who had lost a beloved pet.
At first, we were concerned that such gifts might deepen someone’s sadness—but we’ve been touched to see how much comfort and appreciation they’ve brought to many of our customers.
→ Read more about how we came to create pet memorial gifts
Related Articles
Here are some other articles readers often explore together:
When You Realize You Might Be Experiencing Pet Loss Grief
The moment you start thinking, “I might be going through pet loss,” is actually the first step toward healing.
Based on my own experience, I share gentle lifestyle tips to help you cope without pushing yourself too hard.
Sympathy Gifts for When a Pet Passes Away
Pet memorial items aren’t just for yourself—they’re also commonly given as thoughtful gifts.
This article introduces a variety of memorial gifts that bring comfort to grieving pet owners.
