How To Find The Right Pet Urn

Losing a pet is an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. As we come to terms with the loss of our beloved companions, one crucial decision is choosing the right urn to store their ashes. The perfect urn not only honors the memory of our pets but also serves as a lasting reminder of the love and happiness they brought into our lives. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of finding the right size urn for your cherished pet, ensuring a fitting tribute to their memory.

Understanding Urn Sizes: A Matter of Cubic Inches

When selecting an urn, it's essential to understand the concept of cubic inches. In general, one pound of a pet's body weight will yield approximately one cubic inch of ashes after cremation. For instance, if your dog weighed 60 pounds, you would need an urn with a capacity of at least 60 cubic inches. However, it's always a good idea to choose an urn with a slightly larger capacity than required to ensure a secure fit and to account for any measurement discrepancies.

Taking Your Pet's Measurements: A Simple Formula

While the cubic inch rule offers a helpful starting point, it's also wise to measure your pet before cremation to ensure you select the right urn size. You can use the following simple formula to determine the approximate dimensions of an urn that will comfortably hold your pet's ashes:

Measure your pet's length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail.
Measure the height from the top of their head to the ground.
Add the length and height measurements together.
Divide the sum by 20 to obtain the urn's approximate capacity in cubic inches.

For example, if your cat measures 18 inches in length and 9 inches in height, you would add these measurements together (18 + 9 = 27) and then divide by 20 to determine the urn's capacity (27 ÷ 20 = 1.35). In this case, you would need an urn with a capacity of at least 1.35 cubic inches.

Exploring Urn Materials: Styles and Considerations

Now that you have a better understanding of urn sizing, it's time to explore the variety of materials and styles available. The choice of material can significantly impact the urn's size, durability, and appearance, so consider the following options:

Metal Urns: Metal urns are popular for their durability and timeless appeal. They come in various materials such as brass, bronze, and stainless steel, and often feature intricate designs and engraving options. Metal urns tend to be heavier and more substantial, providing a sense of permanence.
Ceramic and Glass Urns: Ceramic and glass urns offer an elegant and artistic touch to your pet's memorial. These urns come in countless shapes, colors, and designs, that reflects your pet's unique personality. While ceramic and glass urns can be delicate, they make for beautiful display pieces in your home.
Wooden Urns: Wooden urns evoke a sense of warmth and natural beauty. They are available in various wood types, such as oak, cherry, or walnut, and can be customized with engraved nameplates or images. Wooden urns often have a more understated appearance and can blend seamlessly with your home decor.
Biodegradable Urns: For those seeking an eco-friendly option, biodegradable urns are an excellent choice. Made from sustainable materials like paper, clay, or plant-based materials, these urns are designed to break down over time when buried or placed in water. Biodegradable urns allow your pet's ashes to become one with nature, offering a comforting sense of closure.

Selecting the Right Urn Style: Functionality and Aesthetics

In addition to considering the urn's material, it's crucial to choose a style that complements both your personal preferences and the intended use of the urn. Some common urn styles include:

Classic Urns: These urns feature a traditional vase-like shape and often come with a secure lid or closure mechanism. Classic urns are available in various materials and can be personalized with engravings, nameplates, or images.
Photo Urns: Photo urns incorporate a picture frame into the urn's design, allowing you to display a cherished photo of your pet alongside their ashes. This style is particularly popular among pet owners who wish to keep their pet's memory close at hand.
Figurine Urns: Figurine urns feature a sculpture or representation of your pet's breed, adding a unique and personal touch to your memorial. These urns can be made from various materials, such as resin or metal, and can be customized to resemble your pet's specific coloring or markings.
Keepsake Urns: These smaller urns are designed to hold a portion of your pet's ashes, while the rest can be scattered or stored elsewhere. Keepsake urns are ideal for families who wish to share the ashes among multiple members or for those who want a small reminder of their pet in addition to a larger memorial.

Finalizing Your Selection: Double-Check the Measurements

Once you've determined the right size, material, and style for your pet's urn, take the time to double-check your measurements and consider any additional factors, such as whether you'll be storing the urn indoors or outdoors or if you plan to relocate the urn in the future. Ensuring that you've made the correct choice will provide peace of mind and a fitting tribute to your beloved companion.

Conclusion: A Loving and Lasting Memorial for Your Pet

Selecting the perfect urn for your cherished pet is a deeply personal decision that requires careful thought and consideration. By understanding urn sizing, exploring the various materials and styles available, and taking your pet's unique personality and needs into account, you can create a loving and lasting memorial that honors their memory and the special bond you shared. In doing so, you'll be reminded of the love, joy, and companionship your pet brought to your life for years to come.