During times of loss and heartache, we want to extend our deepest sympathy to those walking the difficult path of grief. Losing a beloved pet is an emotional journey, and we understand the profound impact it can have on your heart.
During these moments, finding the right ways to express condolences becomes a tender gesture that speaks volumes. This is where pet sympathy gifts and memorial keepsakes can come in.
In moments where words may fall short, these heartfelt gifts become a silent language of support, providing comfort during a challenging time.
Founded by individuals that understand the grief on feels after the loss of a pet, we hope these bereavement gifts for grieving pet owners can help them find solace and offer respect for the enduring love that their pet brought into their life.
Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn a commission when you click through the affiliate links on our website. See our privacy policy & disclosures for more information.
Coping with Losing a Pet
Losing a pet hits hard, doesn’t it? It’s not just a singular moment, but this heavy journey filled with memories and an unspoken connection that words can’t quite capture.
I want you to know, whatever you’re feeling right now is totally valid. The lump in your throat, those quiet moments missing your furry friend — they’re all part of this love story you had.
Grieving is personal — no rulebook, no deadlines. It’s your journey. And these loss of pet sympathy gifts? They’re like a quiet nod to your pain, acknowledging the ache without needing words. Your feelings are legitimate, and the love you had for your pet? It’s etched in those little moments that make your heart both heavy and grateful.
Top 10 Sympathy Gifts for Pet Loss
In the process of choosing a sympathy gift, it is essential to recognize that the gift you choose extends beyond a mere token of solace. Instead, it represents a thoughtful and empathetic gesture aimed at the unique personality and preferences of the grieving individual.
The significance of this choice lies in its ability to transcend a simple object, transforming into a meaningful expression of understanding during a challenging time.
Whether it be a keepsake mirroring the playful spirit of their pet or a memento encapsulating a shared moment, a well-chosen gift becomes a tangible reminder of the love and companionship of their furry companion.
The following sympathy ideas are our top ten best gifts to give.
1. Bird Feeder Pet Sympathy Gift
A bird feeder for a pet sympathy gift might seem a little quirky at first, but when you think about it, it just makes sense.
For one thing, pets bring life, beauty, and a connection with nature. So, too, does a bird feeder when it draws winged wildlife near.
On the other hand, when your friend’s dog dies, you don’t want to presume that you can somehow “replace” their beloved pet. So getting them a puppy is probably out of the question – it’s probably too soon, and that’s something they might choose to do (or not) in their own time. A bird feeder provides some of that animal love without the investment of adopting a new pet.
It’s easy to use (just hang it up and fill it). And it’s not sentimental piece of junk that will take up space in your friend’s home. In fact, it’s meant to go out of the home.
There are plenty of other reasons why a bird feeder makes a great pet sympathy gift, but I’ll just mention one more. This feeder includes custom engraving of the pet’s name and dates (or anything else you would like), making it a gorgeous memorial tribute.
2. Personalized Memorial Suncatcher
Illuminate your space with the warm glow of memories and love by choosing this personalized memorial sun catcher — a touching addition to your remembrance collection, honoring the light your pet brought into your life.
3. Personalized Pet Sympathy Gift Tumbler
This stainless steel tumbler includes custom etching of your pet’s name and dates beneath a paw print heart. Choose from several colors and styles, with plenty of space to personalize.
For the pet sympathy gift that conveys they are always in your heart (because they always carry a coffee mug around), a custom tumbler is the way to go.
4. Custom Pet Memorial Jewelry
Jewelry is always a good choice as a pet sympathy gift. Personalize a beautiful, engraved portrait necklace like this one, and she’ll treasure it always.
You can even give pet memorial jewelry that holds a small amount of cremated ashes or a lock of hair (or fur) in an inner chamber for a personal touch.
5. Custom Sympathy Pet Photo Print
This sweet choice of personalized sympathy gifts will bring tears to their eyes. If they’ve lost their beloved fur baby, they’ll feel the need now more than ever to have pictures of them on display.
This clear plaque is completely customizable and makes a meaningful gift for someone who lost a pet.
6. Diamonds from Ashes
These keepsakes are a deeply personal and cherished way to honor your furry friend in our collection of pet bereavement gifts. Crafted with meticulous care, these diamonds made from ashes are more than just precious stones; they are a unique embodiment of the love and memories you shared with your beloved pet.
For those navigating the challenging journey of pet loss, these diamonds become a tangible connection, keeping their essence close to your heart. This isn’t just jewelry; it’s a heartfelt tribute, a symbol of the enduring bond that transcends time.
7. Willow Tree Angel & Puppy Sympathy Gift
A Willow Tree carved figurine like the one above is a beautifully poignant gift for a friend who has recently lost a pet. Somehow these wood carvings manage to distill a relationship down to its emotional essence, then convey that essence perfectly.
I’m not sure how she does it but Susan Lordi (the artist who carves the originals for each of these figurines) is a genius.
This angel figure holding a puppy will genuinely warm your friend’s heart. It can represent an angel taking care of the departed pup, or it can be a picture of pet and owner reunited in heaven. Either way, it’s a beautiful and iconic image that your friend will cherish.
8. Over the Rainbow Remembrance Painting
This artwork beautifully captures the eternal bond between pets and their human companions, symbolizing the journey over the Rainbow Bridge.
With vibrant hues and careful craftsmanship, this painting serves as a touching tribute to the joy and love shared. It’s more than just art; it’s a meaningful expression of sympathy and understanding for those who have lost a cherished furry friend.
There are a lot of ‘over the rainbow bridge’ pet sympathy gifts out there, but this is definitely a favorite.
9. Pacific Crest Plaque
We make this pacific crest plaque right here in the USA from solid wood, and personalize it to order for you. It’s a great pet sympathy gift because it includes a gorgeous leafy heart design, custom inscription of the pet’s name and dates, and features a popular heartwarming sympathy quote:
If love could have saved you…
You would have lived forever
The plaque comes in your choice of 12×12 or 18×18 inch sizes. The stained alder wood frame contrasts beautifully with the birch ply, which perfectly highlights the engraving.
10. Sympathy Cards
These pet sympathy cards offer heartfelt condolences for the loss of a furry friend, whether it’s a cat, bunny, horse, bird, or any cherished companion. Designed with empathy, they feature gentle imagery and sincere messages that acknowledge the unique bond between humans and their pets.
When offering condolences to someone, it’s important to avoid statements that may unintentionally minimize their grief or diminish the significance of their loss. Here are a few things to avoid saying:
- “It was just a pet.” This phrase can belittle the deep emotional connection people have with their animal companions. To the grieving individual, the pet was a valued and cherished member of their family.
- “You can always get another one.” While well-intentioned, this statement overlooks the unique bond individuals share with each pet. Each animal is irreplaceable, and suggesting a replacement can come across as insensitive.
- “At least it wasn’t a person.” Grief is subjective, and comparing the loss of a pet to that of a person can invalidate the depth of the individual’s feelings. People form strong emotional bonds with their pets, and their pain is valid.
- “They lived a long life; it was their time.” While this might be true, it doesn’t diminish the sadness of the loss. A pet’s age doesn’t always correlate with the intensity of the bond or the difficulty of saying goodbye.
- “It’s just a part of life.” While death is a part of life, this statement may oversimplify the complex emotions associated with losing a beloved pet. Acknowledge the grief rather than downplaying it.
Instead of offering platitudes, it’s often more supportive to express empathy and acknowledge the depth of their loss. Simply saying, “I’m sorry for your loss” or sharing a fond memory of the pet can be more comforting and respectful of their feelings.
Pet Loss Gifts for Owners
The following gifts are uniquely tailored for those navigating the path of pet loss, acknowledging the profound bond between humans and their cherished companions.
We love them because they are:
- Specially curated to offer comfort during the grieving process
- Thoughtful gestures that recognize the unique connection with a lost pet
- A compassionate way to express sympathy and support
- Meaningful keepsakes designed to honor and celebrate the enduring spirit of beloved furry friends
Let’s take a look.
11. Custom Pet Photo Blanket
Wrap yourself in the comforting embrace of this custom pet photo blanket, a personalized tribute that celebrates the enduring bond between you and your four-legged companion.
It’s more than just a blanket; it’s a heartfelt expression of love and a perfect addition to our dog picture gifts collection.
12. Custom Pet Portrait
One of the most heartwarming pet sympathy gifts imaginable, the artist paints each portrait individually in watercolor as a one-of-a-kind custom original work of art.
This artist does beautiful work at an affordable price. There are also many other artists on Etsy who will paint your pet. There are so many other options to choose from other artists as well.
Lastly, if you are looking for a higher-end professional artist to paint your pet’s portrait, I recommend the talented artist Mary Ann. We put together a helpful guide so you can find more information on choosing an artist to draw a memorial portrait.
13. Framed Collar & Paw Print Shadow Box
Celebrate your cherished canine (or feline) companion with this framed collar & paw print shadow box — an exquisite addition to our dog memorial gift ideas collection.
This meticulously crafted frame serves as a timeless tribute, showcasing your beloved pet’s paw prints and their treasured collar.
Choose this touching tribute from our dog memorial gift ideas to create a lasting memorial that beautifully captures the love and memories you shared with your four-legged friend.
14. “Losing My Best Friend” Grief Support Books
Navigating the loss of a dear pet is one of life’s most sorrowful experiences. While some may have difficulty grasping the depth of your pain because it was “just an animal,” there are others out there understand what you’re going through.
Books like Jeannie Wycherley’s Losing My Best Friend, are available to help you through this tough time, and are meant to help you find comfort in the fact that, yes, your sorrow is legitimate, reasonable, and normal.
If there are children that need help, this guide with a 100+ books about death for kids is a great resource to search through.
15. Custom Pet Fur Keepsake Box
Much like you would save a lock of a loved one’s hair in a special memorial keepsake, there are also fur memorials available like this one. These make perfect pet memorials for dogs or cats, but are equally suitable for any furry friends.
Pet Sympathy Gifts for Grieving Loved Ones
Following the loss of a pet, our hearts naturally gravitate toward those we care about. This collection of pet bereavement gifts is heartfelt and aimed at providing comfort to our dear friends and family who are navigating this difficult period of saying goodbye to a beloved pet.
In these moments, words may fall short, but our carefully chosen gifts speak a language of empathy and understanding. Each item is a personal expression of sympathy, recognizing the unique bond shared between individuals and their cherished pets. These gifts are not just tokens; they are a tangible embrace of comfort and support during this emotional time.
16. Pet Bereavement Flowers
Flowers are a customary sympathy gift for good reason. They’re beautiful, uplifting, and can breath life into an otherwise bleak period. These lovely sympathy flowers for pet loss features an assortment of white roses and carnations accented with bluebells and forget-me-nots.
17. Pet Garden Stone
Looking for great pet memorial gifts for the garden?
A personalized garden stone makes a great pet sympathy gift because your friend can use it in several different ways, all without taking up space in the house.
Garden stones can mark the actual burial site, if the pet was buried in the yard. They can be placed in a garden where your friend will be reminded of all the memories they shared with their pet as they till, plant, weed, and water their garden each day. Garden stones can go in the front walkway right by the door where it will be seen every day or tucked away in a corner of the yard out of sight, but still there for when a reminder is needed.
For all these reasons and more, personalized garden stones are ideal for a heartwarming pet bereavement gift.
18. Thoughtful Care Package
These are the types of pet sympathy gifts that say, “Hey, I am here for you and I care about your well being during this tough time.”
Through companies like Here for You, you can create custom care packages filled with exactly what you think they’ll need most during this time. That’s why this idea is our #1 pet sympathy care package.
19. Personalized Pet Remembrance Ornament
Searching for personalized pet memorial gifts around the holidays?
Hang this personalized pet ornament on your tree this holiday season or display it proudly, letting its personalized charm of your pet’s portrait serve as a lasting tribute to the warmth and companionship of your beloved pet.
20. Loving Memories Pet Bracelet
This sweet bracelet from Demdaco is a wearable reminder of the bond you shared with your beloved pet. Subtle and unobtrusive, it will go with any outfit and is suitable for men and women alike.
10 Unique Pet Memorial Gifts
Seeking heartfelt ways to honor your furry friend’s memory? Our pet remembrance gifts and ideas are deeply personal, and are crafted with a tender touch to celebrate the life that brought immeasurable joy and companionship to your heart.
These ideas go beyond the ordinary, offering heartfelt gestures that pay homage to the profound and unique bond you held with your cherished companion. Whether it’s a personalized memorial garden stone or a dignified custom pet portrait, our collection is a personal reflection, helping you celebrate the distinct life and enduring legacy of your beloved pet.
Explore our animal sympathy gifts and ideas for a personal and touching way to honor the lasting impact of your furry companion’s presence in your life.
21. Personalized Wooden Heart Memorial
Simply adorable! Give this little wooden memorial to your friend as a sympathy gift and it will warm their heart.
The artist handcrafts each heart from olive wood. This showcases the unique wood grain of each individual piece, which the artist polishes smooth to the touch. Each gift includes custom laser engraving of a paw print and the pet’s name.
22. Heart-Shaped Bowl Pet Sympathy Gift
Always in our hearts… thus reads this attractive and minimalist heart-shaped bowl. The artist hand crafts each one and stamps in the memorial phrase and a paw print along with the pet’s name.
This pet sympathy gift will go perfectly on the bereaved pet owner’s nightstand or end table, or as a place to set their keys and remember the love they shared with their pet.
23. Pet Loss Sympathy Cookies
A perfect way to send love and comfort to someone who is struggling through loss of a beloved pet. These sweet treats can feature a personalized design if you choose to work with the artist, and are available in chocolate, vanilla, and lemon.
24. Comforting Mini-Vacation
Sometimes the best thing for someone who is grieving is to just get away for a bit. There’s something so hard about being in the same space that you’re used to seeing your sweet companion in. You find yourself expecting them to pop their head around a corner or come running to the door when you get home.
A mini-vacation may be just the thing to temporarily distract them from sorrow so they can gather their thoughts and emotions and start to heal.
25. Cremation Memorial Heart Sculpture
These beautiful, glass works of art give new meaning to “forever in my heart.” Fashioned individually by the artist, you send a small portion of your sweet pet’s cremated ashes and he will turn them into a unique keepsake that can be treasured for a lifetime.
26. Angel Wings Photo Locket Necklace
This delicately crafted locket symbolizes the enduring spirit of your beloved dog, cat, or other companion.
Insert a treasured photo of your pet into the locket to customize this piece into a unique and personalized tribute. Meticulously crafted with quality, this necklace ensures it remains a lasting and meaningful part of your remembrance collection.
The Angel Wings Photo Locket Necklace is more than just jewelry; it’s a heartfelt expression of love and a fitting addition to our collection of dog remembrance gifts.
27. Custom Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Candle
These sweet remembrance candles would make such wonderful comfort gifts for those grieving the loss of their sweet companion. With customizable artwork and dates, it will be a fitting tribute to their memory when lit.
28. Custom Music Box with Photo Frame
What touching pet bereavement gifts these music boxes would make.
The top of the box is a photo frame where you can put a favorite picture of you and your pet, and you can customize the song played through a USB module. You’ll get to see your sweet companion’s face each and every morning as you get ready for the day.
29. 3D Memorial Tile Keychain
These are such unique pet sympathy gifts, and are a perfect way to keep them by your side. The Captur3d 3D memorials take a photo of your beloved companion and laser etch it into a crystal display to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake keychain.
30. Sympathy Fruits & Sweets Gift Basket
When someone you know is grieving the loss of anyone — whether that’s a loved one, friend, or animal companion — making sure they are taking care of themselves is really important.
While you may not have control or influence on things like sleep and personal care, you can help make sure they’re eating by offering meals or gifts like this fruits and snacks gift basket.
Pet Remembrance Gifts and Ideas
These unique memorial gifts extend a warm, personal embrace, allowing you to express sentiments in a way that feels truly distinctive. From custom-engraved keepsakes to humanitarian contributions, every item serves as a meaningful expression, capturing the essence of your beloved pet in a uniquely personal manner.
Surpassing the conventional, these provide one-of-a-kind remembrances that reflect the individuality and cherished memories you hold close.
Whether it’s a grand gesture like replanting the forest or something sweet like a custom ornament, our collection aims to offer heartfelt tributes, bringing comfort and solace to those who seek a personal connection in their memorials.
31. Tree Planting Memorial Gift
If you’re looking for a pet sympathy gift that is more meaningful than materialistic, consider the gift of a tree.
There are plenty of reasons to plant a tree in memory of a pet. Here are a few:
- New trees are good for the environment in general.
- Trees planted in devastated forest areas help restore our national forests.
- Trees greatly benefit the local wildlife.
- The tree is a symbol of life and hope.
- A tree planted in memory of someone is more than just a symbol; it’s real.
- This is not a trinket that someone will feel obligated to keep.
- Memorial trees are not like funeral flowers, which will quickly fade and die.
- Planting a tree in memory is generally more affordable than flowers.
- You can send a card or plaque directly to the recipient’s home.
- The memorial tree can be located and viewed online.
We recommend using Trees for a Change to order your memorial gift. They do a great job planting trees where they are needed most.
32. Donation to Animal Charities in the Pet’s Name
This is a favorite choice of dog sympathy gifts for many, especially if your precious pooch was a rescue. Make a donation to a local shelter or animal hospital in their name, and watch their legacy continue.
33. Rainbow Pet Remembrance Keepsake Ornament
Hang this Rainbow Pet Remembrance Keepsake Ornament with pride, allowing its colorful presence to evoke fond memories and bring comfort during the holiday season and beyond.
It’s not just an ornament; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the enduring bond with your furry companion.
34. Engraved Pet Photo on Glass Cup
Pour one out in remembrance of an incredible companion gone too soon. These custom glasses are laser engraved with a portrait of your beloved pet, and make an excellent tribute to their memory.
35. Guardian Angel Pet Memorial
If the garden was your sweet Fido or Fifi’s favorite place to be, then this darling garden statue is just right for their memorial. With warm LED lights to light the pathway in the evening, this little guardian angel will watch over you.
A favorite pick of dog sympathy gifts for those grieving a loss.
36. Build a Memorial Website
A pet memorial site is like a type of digital sanctuary crafted with love to honor the enduring bonds we share with our cherished furry friends. Here, they provide a compassionate space for pet owners to commemorate, celebrate, and cherish the memories of their beloved companions.
Create personalized memorials with photos, stories, and heartfelt messages, preserving the unique spirit of your pet in a way that resonates with their individuality.
You can also connect with others who understand the profound impact of pet loss. Share experiences, offer support, and find solace in a community that empathizes with the journey of saying goodbye.
37. Get Pet Tattoos
This is a beautiful and meaningful way to carry their memory with you for the rest of your life! Within this pet tattoo guide, there are so many stunning and sweet ideas for pet memorial tattoos, from delicate paw prints to elaborately detailed portraits.
Be sure to find an artist whom you trust and appreciate their style, that way you are guaranteed to love the results of this special memorial.
38. Pet Memory Flower Garden Kit
Grow a beautiful garden in their memory! There’s nothing like a living, growing tribute to their legacy, and it will bring a smile to your face every time you see it. These pet perennials garden kits are so sweet and include everything you need to start a thriving flower bed.
39. Star in Their Name
They deserve to be among the stars because they were a shining star in your life, bringing light and a bit of magic.
You can register your sweet pet’s star and have it named after them, and you’ll receive a unique star chart so you can easily find their light in the night sky. A whimsical choice of pet sympathy gifts that we love.
40. Pet Remembrance Photo Album
A heartfelt space to preserve and cherish the memories of your beloved furry companions. This album is designed to encapsulate the joy, love, and unique moments shared with your pets.
Whether it’s playful adventures, cozy moments, or those endearing expressions, this photo album is a perfect canvas to immortalize the special moments that defined your pet’s life. Flip through the pages and find solace in the visual journey of your pet’s life.
This album is more than a collection of pictures; it’s a comforting reflection of the love and companionship that will forever remain in your heart.
As anyone who has grieved understands, the significance lies not just in the item itself but in the thoughtfulness behind the gesture.
Choosing a pet sympathy gift is a deeply personal endeavor, and it is crucial to consider the unique connection that existed between the individual and their pet. Whether it’s a memorial keepsake, a personalized ornament, or a comforting photo album- the chosen gift should resonate with the shared moments, quirks, and love that made their pet irreplaceable.
As we go through this delicate moment of remembrance, I invite you, our readers, to share your own experiences or additional gift ideas in the comments below. Your insights may provide comfort and inspiration to others seeking meaningful ways to express sympathy and support during their time of grief.
In honoring the memories of our furry companions, let us continue to extend compassion and understanding through thoughtful gestures, fostering a community of support during the difficult moments of pet loss.
Read Next: What to Get Someone Whose Dog Died
