For many, a pet is part of the family and, when someone's longtime animal companion passes away, it can hit really hard. Help someone commemorate the special relationship with their beloved pet — be it a dog, cat, or a host of other creature companions — with a thoughtful gift that shows you understand what they are going through.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$199 from Petsies
They're not a substitute for your own beloved pet, but Petsies' custom stuffed animals are designed to look pretty close. Just send over a photo of a cat, dog, horse, or other treasured animal, and Petsies will use polyester furs, specialty noses and eyes, and airbrushing to create a believable look-alike. Choose from a 10-inch or 16-inch stuffed animal.
$22 and up from Etsy
There's a special relationship between a girl and her dog. Honor that loyal bond with this mug that can be personalized for both woman and dog (and man and dog, too, of course). This custom mug option from Etsy seller Helena Wilhelm Shop lets you customize a number of personal details like quote, hair style, outfit, dog breed, skin tone, and so on, so that you can make it a truly unique and special gift.
$10 from Amazon
Anyone who's ever lost a pet has likely heard the moving words of "The Rainbow Bridge." Veterinarian offices have even been known to share it with their mourning customers. You, too, can share these comforting words through this picture frame, suitable for a dog or cat. It includes a space to insert the beloved animal's picture. A hanger and easel for choice of display are also included.
Related: 13 Free Perks of Owning a Dog
$35 from Personalization Mall
Crafted in a resin designed to look like stone, this memorial, which can be placed at a burial site or simply displayed in a garden for reflection, can be personalized with a pet's name and memorial years. It receives wonderful reviews, with nearly 200 customers giving an average of 4.9 stars.
$79 and up from ForAllGifts
Upload a photo of a beloved pet, and it will be turned into a one-of-a-kind keepsake designed to keep memories alive with a single glance. The crystal design can be engraved with a name or special words. For those who really want to splurge, upgrades such as a lighted base are also available.
$20 from Amazon
Our keys are something nearly always with us, so a commemorative keychain offers the chance to keep a pet's memory very close at hand. This personalized stainless steel keychain, which allows you to upload a photograph of a beloved pet, offers several options for angel-inspired phrases in the customization process.
$28 from Amazon
A memorial wind chime in stainless steel offers a gently soothing sound whether placed indoors or out, and its chime will help a grieving pet parent remember a beloved dog or cat through its paw-inspired design highlighted by inspirational words that offer comfort. This gift comes in a crafted box that's ready to present and includes a poem meant to soothe the loss of a pet.
$7 from Amazon
Leave it to the late, great, and timeless Fred Rogers of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" to lend a hand when it comes to helping children cope with the loss of a pet. This 1998 classic still offers comfort to those ages 4 to 8, encouraging children to share feelings and reassuring them during a traumatic time.
Related: Things You Didn't Know About Dogs
$36 and up from Amazon
Commemorate a favorite feline or canine with this handcrafted sterling pendant, an elegant interpretation of a cat or pup that hangs from an 18-inch chain. In addition to its visual appeal, the pendant is designed "to hold a tiny clip of hair or portion of cremains" and includes a small funnel to make transfer simple.
$15 and up from Amazon
When a beloved cat earns its angel wings, there will be some sadness. Its life, though, can be honored with this charming, petite figurine. Complete with its own wings and "loved" inscription, the statue is available in two color options. Crafted in hand-painted resin that mimics a carved-stone finish, this gentle reminder of a playful pal adds a peaceful accent to any room.
$25 and up from Perfect Memorials
Sometimes, just a few words say it all. This heart-shaped silver pendant, bordered with delicate paw prints, assures that "Cats Leave Paw Prints On Our Hearts." Simple and to the point, this piece can be customized with engraving, enhanced with additional charms, and more.
$15 from Etsy
This bone-shaped metal ornament is custom made, complete with personalization and a faux wood background. Hang it from its satin ribbon on your Christmas tree every year or display it year round for a constant reminder of a beloved furry friend.
$20 and up from Personalization Mall
If a beloved pet had a special chair or place on the bed, keep that memory alive with a personalized pillow. Add the late pet's name, memorial years and one of six "loving phrases" to make this pillow particularly personal. There are multiple style and size options, with covers created in either polyester or velvet.
$12 from Amazon
If someone you know is really struggling with the loss of their beloved animal companion, this book may make a most-welcome gift. "If you've found yourself almost inconsolable after your pet died, please know that you're normal," notes the summary of this well-reviewed, 2014 volume by Russell Friedman, Cole James, and John W. James. They team up to apply their Grief Recovery Method to pet loss; as we know, sometimes expert advice can make all the difference.
$18 from Amazon
This simple cuff bracelet in satin-finish, hammered aluminum seems ideal for those who prefer to mourn more privately. A simple paw print decorates each end, while a heartfelt inscription — "If love alone could have saved you, you would have lived forever" — fills the bracelet's interior. It's a message only the wearer will know is there.
$30 from Amazon
This sculpted, hand-painted figurine in resin by Missouri artist Susan Lordi has layers of meaning, celebrating friendship in general but also giving a nod to the relationship between a person and their dog.
$17 from Zazzle
Dramatically evocative imagery gives this ceramic tribute to a horse who's passed away an air of elegance. The words "Forever Free" also offer comfort for a rider who's lost their treasured pony. Personalization, including size and shape of the piece, is available.
Related: Gifts for Women Who Love Horses
$10 and up from Adopt A Star
For those who look up to the skies and believe their beloved pet is in heaven, you can adopt a star to give them something tangible to key in on as they gaze. Established in 2008, the Colorado-based nonprofit Adopt a Star program supports "the scientific research efforts of an international team of astronomers," so this is a gift that gives back. A personalized certificate commemorates the gift and secures a signature spot in the night sky.
$25 and up from World Wildlife Fund
If a youngster in the family lost a pet turtle, help him or her see the bigger picture via the World Wildlife Fund. The organization offers virtual adoptions of a green turtle, an endangered species and one of the world's largest sea turtles. Kits vary in price and offer a selection of materials that allow one to both help the environment and learn more about a favorite pet's "larger family."
$13 from Amazon
Now, if your little turtle lover simply needs a hug, why not send this stuffed turtle that seems designed for cuddling? Billed as "extra-huggable," this 7-inch plush toy is called Pokey Belly and described as "a shy green turtle with a brown and tan shell."
$31 and up from Etsy
Those who don't see the appeal of a fish tank might not appreciate that each of those little swimming guys can have a personality — and a fan. When someone loses a special fish, acknowledge their loss with this personalized keepsake stone that commemorates the little swimmer's life in marble, concrete, or slate stone. Add a stand for a more formal display.
$182 from Wildlife Wonders
Whether it's to hang in the barn or near a home's front door, this aluminum Painted Sky Benches coat rack offers a decidedly understated tribute to a horse that's passed away while also recognizing the enduring appeal of having horses in one's life. Both practical and artistic, it shows support in a quiet way.
$59 from Wayfair
Bird lovers might be missing their pet and not be ready to start caring for another one right away. This bronze piece offers a clever way to pay tribute to someone's love of birds while offering a relatively maintenance-free way to enjoy a multitude of backyard birds. It's also multifunctional, serving as a birdbath, a feeder, and a flower planter. As one five-star reviewer noted, this elegant addition is "easy to assemble and a pleasure to see through my kitchen window."
Related: Bird Watchers Flock to These 15 Prime Spots Across America
$24 from Etsy
Commemorate a lost rabbit's life with this silver bracelet featuring a customizable rabbit charm. Its sleek minimalism makes it ideal for any age.
$90 from Uncommon Goods
This enamel and recycled brass necklace created by Massachusetts-based artist Jade Gedeon would surely hold special meaning for anyone who's lost a pet feathered friend, as it depicts a soaring bird set within a celestial-themed design. The sense of flight is inspiring and likely healing, as well.
$33 and up from Zazzle
Those who've lost a pet sometimes want a bit of distance from their actual loss. They still love dogs, say, but might not want to look at a picture of their own lost pup. This cozy blanket offers a way to keep the "idea" of dogs close, offering a bit of warmth and a reminder of how much a dog adds to one's life. Other offerings from the K9PrintArt shop feature specific breeds.
$49 and up from Etsy
Memorialize any pet with this customizable LED lamp — an Etsy bestseller. Just upload a photo of the animal, include his or her name, and it will be turned into a heartfelt reminder of a beloved pet. Buyers can customize the shape of the lamp (round or square) and the light color.
$27 from Amazon
The lighting of a memorial candle is a universal way to honor a death. Extend that comforting spirit to one who's lost their dog with this unusual design that holds a flickering LED candle (included). Made of polished polyresin material, this glowing tribute will likely be appreciated for a long time.
$22 and up from Gearlit
For the bird-loving lady who's lost her beloved feathered friend, this mug offers an artistic tribute to the relationship. Personalize with the names of both the owner and pet, with several bird-themed designs and other customizations available.
