When a beloved pet passes away, you might choose to hold a memorial service to celebrate their life and the joy they brought you over the years. From a traditional burial with a pet headstone to a small gathering at home, the service can take many forms. Here are a few tips for planning a memorial service for your pet.

How to Pick a Location for the Service

Your pet was important to your family, but others might love the opportunity to say their goodbyes, too. Your friends and the pet's sitters may want to attend the memorial service, for example. If you're planning on inviting a larger group, a cemetery may provide enough space for everyone. Many cemeteries and funeral homes offer special services for those who have lost their pets. These providers offer burial and cremation, and will help you pick pet headstones, caskets, and urns accepted by your chosen cemetery.

Alternatively, you might choose to hold the memorial in the home you shared with your pet. This can be a more intimate setting, which is helpful if you only want to invite a couple loved ones to the service.

How to Commemorate Your Pet

At the memorial, host activities that encourage your loved ones to share memories of your pet. For instance, you might hang up some foam board and ask guests to hang up their favorite pictures. You could also prepare a slideshow of memories of your furry friend. 

Releasing lanterns or lighting candles are also common choices. Giving guests opportunities to participate will help make the memorial a bonding experience and create moving tributes to your pet.

If you’re saying goodbye to a beloved pet, turn to McGee Monument Co. for beautiful urns and pet headstones. With locations in Morrilton and Russellville, AR, they help families throughout the area pay tribute to lost loved ones. They understand that pets can be as important as family members, and will provide compassionate service to help you celebrate their life. Visit their website to learn more about their work. To discuss a project, call (800) 750-0177 in Morrilton, or (479) 968-6651 to reach their Russellville location.