A gentle guide

Ideas for remembering a beloved pet

There's no right way to remember a pet, only the way that feels like them. Here are some gentle, heartfelt ideas for keeping their memory close, whether you'd like something to hold, something to visit, or something to share.

Create an online memorial

A beautiful memorial website is a lasting place to gather everything, their life story, a gallery of photos, video memories, a candle to light, and a wall where family and friends can add their own memories from anywhere in the world. Unlike a box in the loft, it's always there to return to, and easy to share with everyone who loved them.

Keep a keepsake to carry

Small keepsakes bring a lot of comfort. A photo keyring in your pocket, a clay or ink paw print, a piece of memorial jewellery, or a little of their fur kept safe. Something to hold on the days you miss them most.

Make a photo book or frame a favourite

Gather your favourite photos into a printed book, or simply frame the one that always makes you smile and give it a place in your home. Everyday snaps often say more than perfect ones.

Plant something in their memory

A tree, a rose, or a pot of their favourite spot's wildflowers, something living that grows and returns each year. If you buried them at home, a plant above makes a gentle, natural marker.

Give in their name

A donation to an animal shelter or rescue in your pet's name is a lovely way to turn love into kindness for another animal who needs it. Many charities will send a little card in their memory.

Write them a letter

It sounds simple, but writing down what you'd like to say, thank you, I'm sorry, I'll never forget you, can be quietly healing. Some people keep it, some read it aloud at a small goodbye, some add it to their memorial page.

Keep a memory box

A box for their collar, tag, a favourite toy, a photo, and anything else that holds a memory. Tucked away, but there whenever you'd like to open it.

Mark the day

On their birthday or the day they passed, some people light a candle, take a walk you used to take together, or simply pause and remember. Small rituals help love find somewhere to go.

A beautiful place for all of it

A Little Legacies memorial gathers their story, photos, videos and memories in one lasting place, for every kind of pet, kept online for good.

See how it works

More gentle reading: What to do when a pet dies →