Ways to Memorialize the Loss of a Pet

Draw a picture or write a letter

Kids often find it helpful to draw a picture of or write a letter to their pet that expresses how they feel. “After your child has drawn a picture or composed a letter,” says Ken Breniman, a licensed clinical social worker who works with children, “invite your child to put it somewhere special, such as on the pet’s grave or in a favorite sleeping spot.”

Have a portrait made

Commission a professional portrait to be made of their pet. “Once all the toys, bowls and other pet items are put away,” says Roxanne Hawn, the author of Heart Dog: Surviving the Loss of Your Canine Soul Mate, “it can renew the sense of emptiness in your home.” A portrait of your pet can remind the family of happy memories with their beloved animal companion.

Create a memory box or bowl of memories

Creating a pet memory box or a bowl of memories is another great way to memorialize a beloved pet. Your children can collect their pet’s favorite toys in a special box and place it somewhere where they have easy access to it. “The collected belongings,” says Soli Martin, a professional pet loss grief specialist, “can give your child the chance to honor their memories of time shared with that pet.”

Encourage your children to write down as many happy memories as possibly on colorful scraps of paper and then place all the scraps in a bowl. If your kids can’t write yet, have them put drawings of their pet in the bowl. “Anytime someone experiences a surge in grief,” Ms. Hawn says, “they can grab one of those slips of paper and, at least for a moment, remember a happier time.”

Make a scrapbook

Have your kids take colorful scraps of paper and create a scrap book of happy memories of their pet. Add some of their favorite photos of the pet to the book. “Crafting scrapbooks,” says veterinarian Dr. Debbie Stoewen, “can provide an outlet for and give form to, important feelings.”

Plant a tree/flower or create an indoor memorial

If you to have a backyard, plant a tree or flower in memory of your children’s pet. They could help pick out the tree or flower, choose the spot and then plant it. If you don’t have any outdoor space, create an indoor memorial with a framed photo of the pet. “Invite your child to help you light a candle next to the picture frame,” Mr. Breniman suggests, “to help keep the memory of your pet alive.” Alternatively, you could put a battery-powered LED candle next to the picture frame. These imitation candles are typically safer than lit candles. “Get some rechargeable batteries,” Ms. Hawn advises, “because you’ll go through a lot of them if you keep the LED candle on around the clock.”

Share stories

Suggest that your children share their favorite stories and reminisce about the happiest times with their pet. Those memories are part of the natural healing process, Dr. Stoewen says, and can provide great comfort. “Friends and family can help by sharing their stories and special memories too,” Dr. Stoewen says.

Create a digital slideshow or video

If you’re a bit computer savvy, help your children create a digital slideshow or video tribute to their pet. Select a meaningful song to accompany it and then document your pet’s life and important role in your family through photos or video clips. “Once the tribute is complete,” Ms. Hawn suggests, “perhaps you can host a special family dinner to watch the finished project together.”

Read a book together

There are many great fiction and nonfiction books on pet loss for kids. Some of the most well-known ones include Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant, The Rainbow Bridge by Adrian Raeside and When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers. “Reading a story can help kids know they’re not alone and normalize what they’re experiencing,” says Litsa Williams, a licensed clinical social worker and grief counselor.