In recent years, it has become increasingly common for pet owners to create a memorial altar for their beloved pets—placing their ashes in an urn, offering flowers, and setting up a space to honor their memory.
My own dog, Muku, passed away nearly 20 years ago.
Back then, pet urns were not widely available, and at cremation facilities, it was rare for families to take their pet’s bones home. Instead, the remains were placed in a communal memorial monument alongside other pets.
At that time, having a personal pet altar was not common at all. But this year, for the first time, we created one for Muku.
A Handmade Pet Memorial Board
I decorated the altar with an original knitted piece I made myself, giving it a warm, personalized touch.
(See more about my memorial knit creations here.)
It was my first time creating such a space, but it truly felt as if Muku was right there with us. It gave me the comforting sense that my dog had returned home from heaven. Most importantly, it became a place of peace for our entire family.
These days, there are many beautiful and charming memorial items and offerings for pets. Why not try setting up a memorial altar for your own beloved companion?
You don’t have to overthink it—simply displaying a favorite toy, a framed photo, or a few cherished keepsakes can be enough to create a heartfelt tribute.
The Meaning Behind Decorating a Pet Memorial or Altar
So Our Pets Don’t Feel Lonely in Heaven
When our beloved pets pass away, they begin their journey to heaven alone.
But I believe they are never truly alone—wrapped in the love we gave them, surrounded by beautiful flowers, and watched over with warmth and care. That is why we decorate their altar with flowers, place their favorite toys, and offer the treats they loved most.
Creating a pet memorial altar may be one of the ways we can ensure our pets never feel lonely, even after they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge.
Read more: How to Make Sure Your Pet in Heaven Doesn’t Feel Lonely
Accepting the Goodbye
Setting up a memorial altar plays an important role in helping us accept the loss of a pet. For many people, it’s difficult to come to terms with their pet’s passing. Holding a farewell ceremony or decorating an altar can serve as a personal ritual that allows the heart to slowly accept the goodbye.
I try to think of it this way:
My beloved pet is now living happily in heaven. A pet who passed from illness is free from pain and suffering. A pet who disliked the summer heat or winter cold can now live without discomfort. They are surrounded by many friends, eating delicious treats, napping whenever they like, and running freely through open fields.
Even though I can’t see them anymore, if I believe they’ve gone to such a beautiful place, I can let them go with a gentle, loving heart.
Easing My Own Grief
When I created a memorial altar for my dog at home, I realized something for the first time.
- I had been lonelier than I wanted to admit.
- The altar gave me a place for my heart to rest.
- It created a space in my home where Muku could “come back” to.
I discovered that all of these things helped ease my grief.
Why I’m Glad I Created a Memorial Altar for My Pet
I Realized I Had Been Lonely All Along
It has been 10 years since my beloved dog passed away. I no longer feel daily sadness, and when my family talks about Muku, we can smile and laugh without pain.
But after creating the altar, I found myself vividly remembering the days when he was alive—and even the day we said goodbye.
I couldn’t help but think, I wish I had made this sooner.
Deep down, I realized I had been carrying a quiet loneliness all these years, suppressing it just to keep going. Creating the altar allowed me to be more honest with myself. It reminded me that it’s okay to say, “I feel lonely,” when I do, and “I miss you,” when I want to. In a way, it became an important ritual that gave me permission to be genuine with my feelings.
A Place for My Heart to Rest
I had been lonely all along, but never had a place to express it. Now, in front of the altar, I feel like I can meet Muku again. It’s become a safe space where I can allow myself to “cry,” even if the tears don’t actually fall.
When I talk to him there, I get the same peaceful feeling I have when visiting a loved one’s grave. Some of my customers have even created entire memorial rooms for their pets—and now I truly understand why.
A Place for Muku to “Come Home”
By decorating the altar, I feel Muku’s presence from heaven more closely than ever.
If he ever wanted to come back from heaven, I imagine this altar would serve as his “signpost” home. It even feels as though this corner of my house is somehow connected to heaven.
Just knowing that there is a place in my home for my dog to “return” to gives me the comforting feeling that, someday, we will meet again.
Customer reviews
Thank you for your help. My beloved dog, who I’d spent 16 years with, passed away, and I cried every day. I couldn’t even open the box of knitted items I’d ordered. As the days passed, I felt it was time to get better for my dog, so when I opened the knitted items I’d ordered, I was so moved that it was as if my beloved dog had come home! I no longer feel lonely, and thank you so much.
It arrived safely on the 25th, the monthly anniversary of my cat’s death.
Once again, I’d like to thank KNIT My PET for all his help.
I consulted with Miasa and asked for a lap blanket, as I was glad that I’d made it through the 49th day without incident and thought it would be a Mother’s Day gift from my cat to me.
Placing it on my lap while driving calmed me down, and it made me feel like my cat was watching over me. The warmth of the cotton knit is amazing. During my 18 years with my beloved cat, I only had memories of us in the same space in the house, but from now on, we’ll be able to go to many different places together. I placed the ribbon with his name on it at the altar.
Thank you so much for your kind service. My feelings are still not fully immersed in fond memories of my puppy, but with the support of the cushion and blanket, I’ll take it easy and wait for the medicine to take effect. Thank you again.
Offerings for a Pet Memorial
There are many types of offerings for a pet’s memorial altar, and in recent years, a wide variety of items have become available. Unlike human Buddhist altars, pet memorials are often decorated with cheerful, cute items to avoid creating a somber atmosphere.
Some people even use custom-made pet goods as offerings. Let’s take a look at what kinds of things people choose to place on their pet’s altar.
Types of Offerings
Family Pets
Many of our customers have set up a memorial altar for their pets. On the monthly anniversary of their passing, some replace the flowers and decorate the altar with multiple personalized items. Others simply place a photo and a favorite toy on a small shelf.
When the whole family loves pets, the altar is often placed in the living room, and offerings are plentiful—flowers, custom pet goods, and keepsakes displayed side by side.
One customer even wrapped our shop’s ribbon around their pet’s urn, creating an adorable decoration.
About Flower Offerings
Pet owners know that some flowers can be toxic to animals. To avoid accidental ingestion, many people choose not to place fresh flowers in their homes, especially if they still have other pets. I do the same myself.
If you’re visiting someone who still has pets, it’s best to avoid fresh flowers. Instead, choose artificial flowers or another safe item.
Price Range
It’s best to avoid overly expensive offerings. However, since our products are custom-made, they are not inexpensive. Even so, many people choose them as offerings or sympathy gifts for grieving pet owners. Often, this is because they already have a tradition of exchanging birthday presents with the recipient.
In the case of family members, cost is often less of a concern—they prefer to gather meaningful items to brighten the altar’s atmosphere.
Especially when there are no plans to welcome another pet, many people like to create several custom items to keep their beloved companion’s memory close.
Offerings for a Friend
If a friend has lost a pet and has set up a memorial altar, flowers are often appreciated. However, as mentioned earlier, if they still have other pets, it’s best to avoid fresh flowers and opt for artificial ones or other gifts.
Personally, I think a photo frame is a wonderful choice. It can hold a treasured memory, it’s never something people have “too many” of, and it’s reasonably priced—so it won’t make the recipient feel uncomfortable about cost.
Most importantly, the offering should convey that you understand and share in their grief.
