8 thoughtful pet loss sympathy gift ideas

The bond between a pet and its family can be undeniably strong. In some cases, the companionship can become so strong that people start preferring their furry relations to their human ones. And in situations like this, losing that pet can hurt just as much as losing any other family member.

So if someone you care for has recently said goodbye to a beloved pet, you may want to consider sending them a pet loss sympathy gift or card. After all, showing you care during times of loss, stress, and sadness is just human nature. And if you were also close to the pet and its family, you may be grieving too.

There are many ways to celebrate the life of a much-loved pet. But here are 8 pet sympathy gift ideas that cater to a range of budgets and styles. Hopefully, one of them will strike the right note with whoever receives your gift.

1. Flowers to brighten their day

Flowers are used to mark some of life’s greatest events – birth, two people uniting, celebrating another trip around the sun, and, quite rightly, when someone passes. Giving flowers allows us to express our feelings when we can’t find the right words. And in modern society, we use flowers to send someone a hug and a reassuring smile when we can’t give them one in person.

When it comes to sympathy flowers, we suggest basing your choice on the recipient’s favorite flower or color. Personalizing the arrangement makes it feel extra special, and (hopefully) brings them greater comfort and joy.

Extra tip: Does the recipient have other pets? If yes, mention this to the florist to ensure they use only pet-friendly flowers.

Satin Pothos

2. A memorial plant or tree

For a long-lasting tribute, send them a house plant or plant a memorial tree in the pet’s honor. If you go down the house plant route and they still have pets, make sure the plant you choose isn’t toxic to animals. If the home is currently pet free, then bright, leafy house plants that radiate energy are great choices.

A few of our favorites are:

• peace lilies
• zz plants
• pothos.

These are all easy to grow, and can withstand missing a watering or two.

3. Commission a pet portrait

Another option is to send a favorite photo of their petto a pet portraiture artist for them to recreate. The cost of this gift idea can vary wildly, as the final price will be based on:

• the artist’s rates
• the artwork style
• the size of the portrait.

It’s not uncommon for people to spend hundreds of dollars on a private commission. But if you’re looking for something heartfelt without the big price tag, check out Etsy. You can find simple yet stylish customized pet artwork for $20 bucks or less.

4. Frame your favorite photo

This pet loss gift idea lets you share your favorite photo and memory. Find a photo of your friend’s companion that you love, and then pick out a frame. You can even add some context by writing a note or message on the back of the frame. Share a few words about why you love this particular photo, and why, where, and when (if you know the date) it was taken.

5. A garden memorial stone

Regardless of whether the animal is buried in their owner’s yard, a memorial stone is a thoughtful way to commemorate a pet – especially if they spent a lot of happy times out in the yard. Designs can include the pet’s name, their birth date and when they passed, paw prints, and even an etched image of the pet.

6. Commemorative jewelry

Animal-themed jewelry the recipient can wear to remind them of their pet is a simple yet thoughtful sympathy gift. Paw prints and animal silhouettes that represent the pet are easy to find, and can be bought as earrings, brooches, necklace pendants, or bracelet charms.

7. A custom-made wind chime

While this idea is quite specific, the pet memorial wind chimes Fire-Wood Creations makes really caught our attention. Like all family members, pets bring their own voice to a household. And once they’re gone, there might be a hush over the household. Gift the wind chime to remind them of the little voice that’s no longer there.

8. A keepsake box

Owners often hold on to their departed pet’s collar and tags, lead, or favorite toy. A keepsake box is a nice way to keep these treasured possessions safe. Glass-cased ones are ideal if your friend or family member wants to display the items inside.

Message ideas for a pet loss sympathy card

Knowing what to say during times of loss is always hard. But when it comes to pets, you might find it even harder – especially if you didn’t know the animal very well. So what should you write in the card that will accompany your gift? And, more importantly, what shouldn’t you write?

In terms of what not to say, don’t mention getting another pet. Sentiments that talk about the joy of getting a new pet make it seem as if the one they just lost can be easily replaced. And for some, the sense of loss might be so great that they don’t want another pet.

As mums and dads of various furry critters ourselves, here are the sorts of messages that would bring us comfort.

• “[Pet’s name] was an awesome [type of animal]. I’ll miss our playtimes, and I know you’ll miss their ongoing love and company.”
• “Sorry to hear about the loss of [pet’s name]. Thinking of you during this hard and sad time.”
• “What I loved about [pet’s name] the most was their [character trait or trick]. They’ll be missed big time.”
• “Losing a true friend is heartbreaking. Sending you love during this difficult time.”
• “I was so sorry to hear [pet’s name] had died. They were an amazing [type of animal], and a true part of your family.”
• “I’m thinking of you. And if you ever want to talk or share memories about [pet’s name], give me a call.”
• “Sorry to hear about the passing of your little [feathered/furry] friend. I know you gave them the best life a [type of animal] could ask for, and they loved you for it.”(This one is ideal for the loss of a smaller, but no less important, creature.)
• “[Pet’s name] was a character who left paw prints in the hearts of everyone they met. They will be greatly missed.”
• “Your home may feel empty with [pet’s name] gone, but may the memories you have of them ease your sadness.”

Use these message ideas as inspiration, or to get you started. If they’re not quite what you’re after, you could look for a pet sympathy quote. Or write a few lines from a well-known poem that fits the sentiment you want to capture.

Need to send pet loss sympathy flowers?

At Gaia Flowers we create thoughtful arrangements for all of life’s losses, and for all creatures great and small. If your recipient is in the Las Vegas area, we can help you create the perfect floral tribute. Using our Just For Them service, we can create a custom design for the recipient. We can then hand-deliver your flowers, or you can pick them up at our downtown flower shop.