World Pet Memorial Day

Discussing The Importance Of Remembering Our Deceased Pets And The Holiday That Honors Them

Every great story has both a beginning and an ending. This is true for both us and our pets. Being a pet owner is a truly wonderful experience. However, there eventually comes a time where we must say goodbye to our furry, feathery, and scaly friends. To help honor the lives of our pets, every second Tuesday of June is observed as World Pet Memorial Day. This article will discuss the importance of World Pet Memorial Day and offer some different ways you can observe this important holiday too.

How It Started

Like most pet themed holidays, there is both a purpose and an organization behind the founding of the holiday itself. The A.V.M.A. (American Veterinary Medical Association) is responsible for creating and promoting World Pet Memorial Day. They invented this holiday so pet owners around the world could have a chance to honor and remember their deceased pets. World Pet Memorial Day continues to be observed by the A.V.M.A. every year on the second Tuesday of June (this year, 2023, it will land on June 13th). 

Why It’s Important 

World Pet Memorial Day is a very impactful and important holiday because it gives pet owners everywhere an opportunity to memorialize their deceased pets. Most pets have a much shorter life expectancy than humans. Therefore, it’s almost inevitable that most pet owners will eventually see their pet’s lives come to an end. However, it’s not the death of our pets that is important. It’s the life that they lived which matters most. Although it’s sad knowing that they’re gone, it’s important to remember all of the happiness, joy, and love they brought into our lives.

Different Ways To Observe

The thought of our pets that have passed away can sometimes be painful and sad. But, it’s important to remember them and to focus on all of the good things they brought into your life and into the world. There are several different ways to observe this holiday and honor your pets memory. Here are just a few examples of ways you can memorialize your pets.

Memorial Stone

One of the most popular and modern ways to honor your pet’s memory is to make and/or purchase a memorial stone. A memorial stone is similar to a tombstone but without the actual grave. They are usually made out of flat stone and contain personal information about the deceased inscribed on them. This information includes things like a photograph, an epitaph, and/or a quote.

Placing a memorial stone in your garden or along a walkway on your property is a great way to see it everyday and remind you of your beloved pet. Companies like Etsy and 4EverInMyHeart are great places to customize and order pet memorial stones right to your door. 

Donate/Volunteer

Another great way to honor your pet’s memory is to donate to your local animal shelter. Most animal shelters are always in need of funding or donations such as blankets, towels, dog & cat food, cat litter, toys, etc. Donating money or your old pet supplies will help other pets in need. This selfless act of helping pets in need is something we’re sure your passed away pets will appreciate. 

Aside from donating money and supplies, you can also work as a volunteer at a local animal shelter. Many animal shelters operate on a low budget and are always looking for extra help. Spending time with shelter animals and giving them a better quality of life is a fantastic way to honor the life of your pets that are no longer here. 

Create A Photo Album

Thanks to the accessibility of smartphones and cameras, it’s never been easier to take and collect pictures of your pets. Rather than looking at your deceased pet’s pictures on your phone or computer, put them into a photo album. This way you can look at and reminisce about them anytime you want with ease. There are many companies that will even make your photo album for you such as Snapfish, Shutterfly, and MixBook. 

Get A Tattoo Of Your Pet

While this one won’t appeal to everyone, it is a great way to memorialize your pets forever. Getting a tattoo of your pet on your person is not only cool looking, but it lets you carry a piece of their memory with you everywhere you go. A word of caution though. Tattoos are permanent so think carefully about whether you truly want this on your body for the rest of your life. 

A Holiday That Remembers

It’s never easy losing a loved one, but it’s still very important to remember them. As long as we continue to remember our pets that have passed away, they are never truly gone. They continue to live on through us and in our hearts everyday. World Pet Memorial Day aims to remind us of this. 

At Lucky Dogs & Cool Cats Pet Sitting, we have had the pleasure of getting to know many of our clients’ pets and sadly having to eventually say goodbye too. It’s ever easy and it always feels like losing a piece of our own family. But, we make it a point to never forget the positive impact these pets have on our lives. Pets are not simply our job, they are our life. We hope you enjoyed this article and that you take the time to honor your deceased pets in observance of World Per Memorial Day and every day after.