A Loving Tribute to Your Furry Friend

Losing a pet is never easy. They leave paw prints on our hearts and empty spaces in our homes. One beautiful way to honor their memory is by creating a pet memorial garden. This garden will serve as a serene living tribute. It’s a place where you can reflect, heal, and celebrate the joy your pet brought into your life. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, here’s a step-by-step guide to designing a space that keeps your pet’s spirit close.

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Spot

The first step is finding the right location for your pet memorial garden. Think about where your pet loved to spend time. Did they bask in the sun by the window, dig in the backyard, or nap under a favorite tree? Pick a spot that feels connected to them. It could be a corner of your garden, a section of your patio, or even a collection of pots on a porch. The size doesn’t matter. What matters is that your pet memorial garden feels special to you.

Step 2: Plan Your Design

A pet memorial garden can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Sketch out a rough plan to visualize the space. Consider these elements:

• Plants: Choose flowers or shrubs that remind you of your pet. For example, marigolds for a sunny disposition, lavender for a calm companion, or catnip for a playful feline.
• Pathways: Add stepping stones or gravel to create a small path, giving the space structure and a place to walk.
• Seating: A bench, chair, or even a flat stone can provide a spot to sit and remember.
• Boundaries: Use rocks, wooden edging, or low fencing to define the area.

Keep it personal—there’s no “right” design. This is your canvas to celebrate your pet’s unique personality.

Step 3: Add a Focal Point

Every memorial garden needs a centerpiece that draws the eye and the heart. Here are some ideas:

• A Headstone or Marker: Engrave it with your pet’s name, dates, and a short message like “Forever in Our Hearts.” You can buy one or do it yourself with a painted stone or wooden plaque.
• A Statue: A small figurine of a dog, cat, or an angel can symbolize their spirit.
• Their Favorite Item: For a nostalgic touch, place a weathered collar, a chewed-up toy, or a tiny water bowl.
• A Tree or Shrub: Planting something permanent, like a dwarf fruit tree or rose bush, can represent their enduring presence.

>> See the outdoor memorial items in our store.

Step 4: Select Pet-Safe and Meaningful Plants

Fill your garden with plants that reflect your pet’s life. If they loved chasing butterflies, add pollinator-friendly flowers like zinnias or cone flowers. If they were a digger, opt for hardy plants like succulents that can withstand a little chaos (even if it’s just in memory!). Research pet-safe options—some plants, like lilies or azaleas, can be toxic to other animals if you have more pets at home. Native plants are also a great choice; they’re low-maintenance and support local wildlife, creating a living legacy.

Step 5: Personalize with Details

Make the space unmistakably theirs with personal touches:

• Paw Print Impressions: Press their paw print into clay or concrete before it sets, or use a kit to preserve one you already have.
• Wind Chimes: Hang chimes that tinkle softly, mimicking the jingle of their collar.
• Photos: Seal a small photo in a weatherproof frame or laminate it to tuck among the plants.
• Lights: Solar-powered lanterns or fairy lights can add a warm glow for evening visits.

Step 6: Create a Ritual

A garden isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. Build a ritual to connect with your pet’s memory. Maybe you visit on their birthday with a cup of coffee, plant a new flower each spring, or leave a treat on the marker during holidays. These small acts keep the bond alive and give you a way to process your grief.

Step 7: Maintain with Love

Like any garden, this one will need care—watering, weeding, and pruning. Think of it as tending to your pet’s memory. Over time, the plants will grow, and the space will evolve, much like your healing journey. If gardening isn’t your thing, choose low-maintenance options like drought-tolerant plants or evergreens so the focus stays on remembrance, not chores.

A Few Final Thoughts

Your pet memorial garden doesn’t have to be perfect or finished all at once. Start small—a single plant and a stone—and let it grow as you do. It’s okay if tears water the soil alongside the rain; that’s part of what makes it sacred. This space is for you as much as it is for them—a quiet corner to smile at old memories and feel their presence in the breeze.

Have you created a pet memorial garden or have a special way you honor your pet? I’d love to hear your ideas—share them below!

>>Learn about managing your grief in our Pet Loss section.

Loop Biotech’s Mushroom Caskets and Pet Urns Take Root in Deathcare

For a few months this summer, millions of people from across the United States were reading about the burial of Maine resident Mark C. Ancker. It wasn’t because Ancker’s funeral was over-the-top or attracted thousands of mourners; his was, in fact, a lovely and thoughtful low-key, private ceremony. No, what made Ancker’s burial newsworthy was his status as the first person in North America to be buried in a mushroom casket — the brainchild of Bob Hendrikx, founder of Loop Biotech.

Since its June 2025 U.S. launch, Netherlands-based Loop Biotech’s Loop Living Cocoon™ mushroom casket has grown from an eco-curiosity into a certified, functional option for green burial and cremation — and its potential positive impact on the environment has reached well beyond the deathcare community. The global press has noticed. 

It’s about TIME

Last month, TIME Magazine named the Loop Living Cocoon™ one of its Best Inventions, describing it as “an all-natural casket that actively enriches nature, even after we’re gone.” The magazine noted that more than 2,500 burials worldwide using Loop’s mushroom-hemp caskets since launch.

This recognition, along with Loop’s partnerships and growing North American presence, helps counter earlier skepticism about mushroom-based burial options.

“Sometimes people say, ‘The mushroom suit didn’t work, so this doesn’t work either,’” Hendrikx admits. “That’s a pity, because it’s a totally different thing. Our product just dissolves into nature — we focus on the enrichment of the local soil. That’s the most important trait for us.”

At just 31, Hendrikx balances innovation and family life (he and his wife recently welcomed a baby boy) while redefining what a casket can mean in the 21st century. Loop Biotech’s products don’t just decompose — they compose life anew.

For funeral professionals, the company’s success underscores a growing shift: families increasingly seek products that heal the planet as they honor their loved ones.

“Our goal,” Hendrikx says simply, “is to make sure that when you leave this world, you leave it a little bit better.”

Touch and feel

Attendees of the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo had the opportunity not only to meet Hendrikx and his team, but also to get up-close and personal with the unexpectedly-touchable Loop Living Cocoon.

“We grow an exterior mushroom skin,” Hendrikx explains. “It sounds a little bit technical, but basically, it feels — it is — pure mushroom. It’s super soft, almost like velvet.”

That “velvet” softness has surprised many funeral directors and families who’ve handled the Loop Living Cocoon, the company’s biodegradable coffin grown from mycelium — the root structure of mushrooms — and hemp fibers. 

It’s the same material that composes Loop Biotech’s newest deathcare product, Loop FurEver™, the world’s first mushroom urn for animals. Announced on World Animal Day (October 2, 2025), the urn is designed for both indoor keepsake and outdoor burial.

“They’re very cuddly,” Hendrikx says with a smile.

The urn comes in two sizes — 0.5 liters for smaller animals and 1.5 liters for larger pets — and is crafted from mycelium and upcycled hemp fibers. When buried, it biodegrades fully within 45 days, enriching the soil. Families can also keep it indoors as a natural, organic memorial. 

Easier than ever before

No matter which of Loop Biotech’s products deathcare professionals may be interested in, it’s easier than ever before to offer them to the families you serve. In the early days, every casket shipped from the Netherlands — a logistical nightmare for a time-sensitive profession.

“People died and I was like, hey, can you ship it? Sure,” Hendrikx laughs. “It takes one month — or a few days if it goes by air, but that’s super expensive.”

Now, Loop Biotech has warehouses in New York and Los Angeles, allowing next-day delivery anywhere in the U.S.

“That totally changed,” Hendrikx says. “We can have it the next day with any family member, which is a huge win.”

An ever-expanding footprint

The company has also built its business around transparency and practicality.

“We’re super transparent with pricing,” Hendrikx explains. “We have a distribution model, regular funeral home model, and end-consumer pricing — with enough margins for all parties to eat and make sure the sustainable impact goes hand in hand with profits. Because in the end, we can only make a sustainable impact if there really is a functioning business model.”

That three-pronged distribution model has proved successful for Loop Biotech, as the press and public accolades for its products have intrigued both corporate partners and eco-conscious individual families.

“We had several direct sales from families,” says Hendrikx. “We had various indirect sales via partners. We onboarded new partners like Titan Casket, Passages International, and recently also in Canada with Mount Pleasant Group and Victoriaville. We see a lot of interest coming up from various angles — a lot to juggle, but the good problems to have.”

Those “good problems” reflect the momentum of a young company scaling fast. Hendrikx estimates that 15 to 20 burials using the mushroom casket have already taken place in the United States.

With U.S. warehouses, expanding partnerships, and international recognition, Hendrikx says the next step is deepening their North American presence — and perhaps a broader retail partnership. To learn more about Loop Biotech, reach out to Hendrikx and his team at https://loop-biotech.com/contact/.

PLPA Short Course 2025 Equips Deathcare Professionals to Lead in the Growing Pet Loss Market

STERLING, Va. (August 7, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), in partnership with the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance (PLPA), is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course, held July 18–20 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

The two-day program brought together funeral service professionals, crematory operators, and pet loss providers for a focused, hands-on curriculum aimed at integrating pet loss services into traditional deathcare operations. Topics ranged from compliance and crematory care to family engagement and business development.

“This course isn’t just about pet loss—it’s about leadership in a space that demands empathy, innovation, and thoughtful integration. Serving pets is serving people,” said Lauren Blevins Hogan, CCFE, CPLP, PLPA Committee Chair. “Attendees left with practical tools, renewed confidence, and a deepened sense of mission.”

Educational highlights included sessions on leveraging AI for compassionate service (Pierce Dempsey), emerging legal risks (Poul Lemasters, Esq.), how pet cremation can serve as a bridge to preplanning discussions (Tony Armogida), and operational best practices in pet cremation (Larry Stuart Jr.). Attendees also explored cemetery development strategies with John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE CXE, phone etiquette with Nicki Wiedeman, CSE, and pet program development with Andrew Parsell.

“This course demonstrates what’s possible when you combine operational excellence with heartfelt service,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “It’s one of the many ways ICCFA is helping our members meet the evolving needs of today’s families.”

“As the pet loss profession continues to evolve, this course offers timely education and practical tools,” said ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE. “It’s encouraging to see our members thinking proactively about how to serve pet families with both compassion and innovation.”

In response to strong attendee feedback, the ICCFA and the PLPA are expanding next year’s program to a three-day format, returning to the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta. The 2026 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course will take place July 17–20, 2026.

For more information and future updates, visit iccfa.com/pet-short-course. 

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

Expand, Integrate, Connect: Register for the 2025 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course

STERLING, Va. (June 4, 2025) – As more families view pets as members of the family, the demand for compassionate, professional pet loss care continues to grow. The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) is proud to host the 2025 Pet Loss Professionals Alliance (PLPA) Pet Loss & Integration Short Course, taking place July 18–20 at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. This intensive, two-day course is designed to equip deathcare professionals with the tools, strategies, and knowledge needed to establish and elevate pet loss services within their businesses.

Led by PLPA Committee Chair Lauren Blevins Hogan, CCFE, CPLP, the course will feature a diverse lineup of expert instructors and engaging sessions. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your existing pet program, this event offers actionable strategies and real-world guidance you can bring back to your business right away.

Educational sessions include:

• Developing a Pet Program
  Andrew Parsell, Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium & Parsell Pet Crematorium
  Learn how to identify market needs, establish a pet program from the ground up, and effectively serve the growing “pet parent” community.
• Legal Matters with Pet Burial and Cremation
  Poul Lemasters, Esq., ICCFA General Counsel
  Explore liability risks, regulatory challenges, and how historical trends can help you prepare for the future of pet deathcare.
• Embracing Pet Loss: Bringing Families Back
  Tony Armogida, Global Atlantic Financial Group
  Discover how to transition pet cremation experiences into conversations about human funeral preplanning and deepen family relationships.
• Best Practices in Pet Loss Integration
  Lauren Blevins Hogan, CCFE, CPLP, Park Lawn Corporation
  Hear firsthand strategies and lessons learned from integrating a successful pet program into an existing funeral home model.
• Pet Cremation 101: Tips, Tricks, and Operational Best Practices
  Larry Stuart Jr., Raven Plume Consulting
  Enhance your crematory operations with actionable insights on equipment maintenance, respectful handling, eco-conscious practices, and more.
• Creating Spaces for Pets in Your Cemetery Development Plan
  John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CXE, CSE, Park Lawn Corporation
  Learn how to design and implement pet memorial areas in cemeteries and understand the ROI of this growing service offering.
• Phone Etiquette for the Pet Loss Profession
  Nicki Wiedeman, CSE, Dead Ringers
  Improve your team’s communication with pet families by mastering tone, empathy, pricing discussions, and call follow-up through real call examples.
• Practical Technology in Today’s Business
  Pierce Dempsey, Leaf Cremation
  Get a hands-on look at how to use AI and accessible tech tools to enhance efficiency and deliver more personalized pet aftercare services.

In addition to classroom instruction, attendees will enjoy networking opportunities including a welcome reception, shared meals, and a student night trivia event — all in conjunction with the ICCFA University. It’s the perfect setting to connect with peers and build lasting professional relationships.

“I’m incredibly excited to welcome attendees to this year’s Pet Loss & Integration Short Course,” said Lauren Blevins Hogan, CCFE, CPLP. “This program is so important because it gives professionals the knowledge and tools that they need to serve families with the same level of compassion and care we provide for human loss. Serving pets is always about serving people, and by supporting pet families through their grief, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in our communities—and set our businesses apart through thoughtful, professional care.”

Thanks to the generous support of ICCFA Educational Foundation donors, four individuals have been awarded scholarships to attend the PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course without the registration fee. These scholarships help remove financial barriers and expand access to education for professionals committed to serving pet families with care and compassion. The 2025 recipients are:

1. Dorothy Bothwell, Ivy Lawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home | Ventura, CA
2. Brittany Morgan, Springfield Funeral Home | Kelowna, BC
3. Ashley Nicks, Peaceful Paws Mortuary & Crematory | Lugoff, SC
4. Danny Santiago, Memorial Reefs International | Ocean View, NJ

Registration is open now through July 9, 2025. To learn more or secure your spot, visit iccfa.com/pet-short-course.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

Losing a pet is a deeply emotional experience. Our furry friends become integral to our lives, offering unconditional love and companionship. The grief that follows their loss is profound and often equates to losing a family member. Coping with this loss involves navigating through various emotions and finding ways to honor their memory. Here’s a comprehensive guide on creating strategies for grieving and how to cope with the loss of a pet.

Understanding Your Grief

The pain of losing a pet is often underestimated. It is common for us to ask ourselves why it hurts so much to lose a pet. Remember, pets aren’t just companions; they offer unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and a constant source of comfort. We share laughter, tears, walks, cuddles, and quiet moments of companionship. So, when they’re gone, it’s not just a creature we miss but an integral part of our daily routines and emotional landscape.

Here’s what makes coping with the loss of a pet so significant:

The human-animal bond is powerful. It offers us a safe space for emotional vulnerability and a sense of purpose. The sudden absence of our pet creates a void that echoes far beyond missed walks or playtime. Our pets offer unwavering acceptance and love. Losing this constant source of affection and emotional support can be incredibly difficult. Knowing that our pets have shorter lifespans than we do doesn’t lessen the pain of loss. We navigate a lifetime of love knowing their time is finite, yet the inevitable still hits us hard.

Allow Yourself to Grieve the Loss of Your Pet

Grieving the loss of a pet is a natural process, and it’s important to acknowledge your feelings. Grief manifests in different ways and may include stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages don’t necessarily follow a linear progression and can vary in intensity and duration for each individual.

Acknowledge the Loss of Your Pet

Accept that it’s okay to grieve for your pet. Your sadness, loneliness, and guilt are valid and part of the healing process. Bottling up your emotions can hinder healing. Don’t be afraid to cry, scream into a pillow, or write down your feelings.

Give Yourself Time

Healing from such a loss takes time. Don’t rush through your emotions or feel pressured to “move on” quickly. You do not need to hold yourself to an arbitrary timetable. Be patient with yourself as you navigate through your emotions. Remember, seeking help and leaning on others during this time is okay

Express Your Emotions

Allow yourself to cry and talk about your pet. Share stories and memories with friends, family, or a pet loss support group. Talking openly about your beloved companion can be incredibly cathartic.

Find Support

Surround yourself with people who understand and respect your grief. Consider joining a pet loss support group. Sharing your experience with others who have gone through similar losses can be incredibly comforting and validating. If your grief feels overwhelming, seek help from a therapist or counselor specializing in pet loss.

Honor Your Pet’s Memory

Creating a tribute for your pet is a meaningful way to honor their memory and aid healing. Plant a tree, create a scrapbook, or donate to a pet charity in your pet’s name. This keeps their memory alive and allows you to cherish the bond you shared. Below are a few ways you can create a lasting memorial to your pet:

• Create a Memory Book: Compile photos, stories, and mementos of your pet into a scrapbook. This can serve as a tangible reminder of the joyful times you shared.
• Hold a Memorial Service: A small ceremony can provide a sense of closure. Invite family and friends to share their memories and celebrate the life of your pet.
• Plant a Tree or Garden: Planting a tree or a small garden in your pet’s honor can be a living tribute. Each time you tend to it, you can remember the love and happiness your pet brought into your life.
• Keepsakes: Consider keeping a favorite toy or collar or create a paw print impression to remember your pet by.

>>Check Out the Selection of Pet Items in Our Memorial Store

Find New Routines

Pets often become a central part of our daily routines. Adjusting to their absence can be one of the hardest parts of the grieving process. While some adjustments are inevitable, try maintaining aspects of your daily routines that can provide a sense of normalcy. Establish new habits or rituals to fill the void left by your pet. This might include taking walks in new places, engaging in hobbies, or dedicating time to self-care.

Volunteer

Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Helping other animals can provide a sense of purpose and a way to channel your love and care.

Adopt When Ready

Consider adopting another pet if you feel ready. It’s important to ensure that you’ve allowed yourself enough time to grieve and that you’re prepared to open your heart to a new companion. While nothing will replace your lost companion, welcoming a new furry friend can bring joy and companionship back into your life. However, wait until you’re emotionally ready for this commitment.

Take Care of Yourself

Prioritizing self-care during grieving is vital. Grief can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Below are a few tips for approaching self-care.

• Maintain a Healthy Routine: Regular eating, sleeping, and exercise help your body and mind stay balanced.
• Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help manage stress and anxiety.
• Express Yourself Creatively: Writing, painting, or engaging in other creative activities can be therapeutic and offer an outlet for your emotions.

Reflect on the Bond You Shared

Cherish the memories you shared with your pet and recognize their positive impact on your life. In time, the pain of loss will be replaced with gratitude for the moments you shared.

Learning how to cope with the loss of a pet is a deeply personal and emotional journey. By acknowledging your grief, seeking support, honoring your pet’s memory, adapting to new routines, and taking care of yourself, you can find a path to healing. Remember that it’s okay to grieve and that the bond you shared with your pet will always hold a special place in your heart.

How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get over the grief of losing a pet?

There’s no question about it: losing a pet is hard! The first thing to remember is that you need to give yourself a break. Your beloved companion was a member of the family. Allow yourself to grieve. As mentioned in the article, there are many things you can do to help you work your way through the grief. What is right for you will depend on a lot of things. Talk to people who will understand or create a memorial for your pet. Above all, take care of yourself. If you feel the grief is just too much, seek professional help.

How long does pet grief last?

There is no timetable for grief. Everyone is different. Some people return to normal activities relatively quickly, while others take a while. Chances are, you’ll work through some or all of the stages of grief (https://www.funeralwise.com/grief/stages/). Give yourself time to heal and avoid giving yourself an artificial deadline for getting over the loss.

Why does losing a pet hurt so much?

Losing a pet can be a truly traumatic experience. You had a deep bond with your pet, which is now broken. Keep in mind that many studies have been done on pet loss, and these studies tell us that we feel the pain from pet loss as deeply as we do when we lose a close human. The pain can even be physical. We must be kind to ourselves when it comes to handling the grief. You can’t just snap your fingers and be done with it.

What to do when a pet dies?

There is no right or wrong method for dealing with losing a beloved pet. Every situation is unique, and everyone’s needs are different. We hope that the article above will help you develop strategies for dealing with the loss of your pet. For many people, talking about your pet with people who knew your companion can help. For others, creating a memorial is helpful. Regardless of what works best for you, giving yourself time to heal is important. Get help if you need it, and be kind to yourself.

>>Learn More About Coping With Pet Loss

Aubrey is a lifelong writer who has served in the funeral industry since 2016. After graduating from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, she knew she wanted to continue to serve families through her writing, but didn’t know how.

Soon after, Aubrey experienced a “lightbulb” moment and started her eulogy writing business, Eulogies by Aubrey, in 2019.

Aubrey has written professionally since 2012, covering not only funeral-related topics and gift trends, but also for TV guide listings, as well as legal topics. She began writing for US Urns Online in 2019.

Aubrey’s work has been featured in Huffpost, Coming of Age Magazine, and 1800Flowers.com. She holds certifications in Cremation Arrangement (ICCFA) and Burial at Sea (NEBAS), and as of 2023, is a trained and certified birth and bereavement doula (SBD). Aubrey is currently studying toward her degree in Business Administration.