Pet Urns Guide: Choosing the Right Memorial Urn for Your Pet
Pet urn sizing follows a simple rule: about 1 cubic inch of urn capacity per pound of your pet’s body weight. A 50-pound dog needs roughly a 50 cubic inch urn. Materials range from wood, metal, ceramic, and stone for display urns to paper or plant fibers for biodegradable scattering urns. Prices run from $30 for simple urns to $250 and up for custom artisan pieces.
What Is a Pet Urn?
A pet urn is a container that holds cremated remains after pet cremation. Urns vary in size, material, appearance, durability, and how they are used. Some are decorative and meant for display at home; others are biodegradable and designed for scattering or burial.
How Big Should a Pet Urn Be?
Most cremation providers follow a simple rule: about 1 cubic inch of urn capacity per pound of your pet’s body weight.
- 20 lb dog → roughly a 20 cubic inch urn
- 50 lb dog → roughly a 50 cubic inch urn
- 70 lb dog → roughly a 70 cubic inch urn
When unsure, size up rather than down. An undersized urn cannot hold the ashes; a slightly oversized one is fine.
Types of Pet Urns
Traditional display urns
The most common type. Materials include wood, metal, ceramic, marble, and stone. Most can be engraved with a name, dates, or paw print, and some include a small photo insert. Families typically place display urns on shelves, mantels, memorial tables, or bedroom furniture.
Keepsake urns
Smaller urns that hold a portion of ashes. Useful when:
- Multiple family members each want their own memorial
- The full ashes are being divided
- Part of the ashes will be scattered later
Common in larger families or when family members live in different homes.
Biodegradable urns
Designed to break down naturally over time. Materials include paper, salt compounds, sand, plant fibers, and bamboo. Best for water scattering, earth burial, or eco-friendly memorials. See our guide to scattering pet ashes for where this is and is not allowed.
Pet cremation jewelry
Small pendants, bracelets, rings, or lockets that hold a tiny portion of ashes. A discreet, portable memorial that families can wear daily. Often paired with a larger keepsake or display urn at home.
Custom memorial urns
Hand-painted urns, sculpted breed-specific pieces, glass art infused with ashes, or portrait urns made by individual artisans. Usually more expensive than standard options, but families often treat them as heirlooms.
Common Pet Urn Materials
Wood
Among the most popular. Common species include oak, walnut, cherry, and maple. Best for traditional home decor, engraving, and long-term indoor display.
Metal
Durable and often more decorative. Common metals include brass, aluminum, and stainless steel. A good choice for ornate designs or long-term preservation.
Ceramic
Often artistic, with hand glazing or painted designs. Elegant indoors but can break if dropped.
Stone or marble
Heavy and permanent. Often chosen for outdoor memorials, cemetery placement, or permanent indoor display.
Should You Keep a Pet Urn at Home?
Many families do, and there is no expected timeline for what to do next. Some keep the urn permanently. Others scatter the ashes after a year or two. Some bury the urn outdoors or move it to a memorial space.
There is no right or wrong answer. The choice is personal and can change over time.
Personalization Options
Common customizations:
- Pet’s name
- Birth and death dates
- A favorite quote
- Paw print engraving
- Breed silhouette
- Photo engraving or photo insert
Families sometimes display the urn alongside collars, ID tags, small toys, or a memorial candle.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Pet Urn
Will the urn stay indoors or outdoors?
Outdoor urns need to be weather resistant. Stone, marble, and certain metals work well; wood and ceramic generally do not.
Is this for permanent storage or scattering?
Biodegradable urns are designed for scattering or burial and will not last as a display urn. Choose based on the end use, not just the look.
Do multiple family members want a keepsake?
If yes, plan for keepsake urns or memorial jewelry alongside the main urn before the ashes arrive.
Does the urn match your home?
Families often underestimate this. The urn may sit in a visible spot for years; aesthetic fit matters more than it might seem at first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pet urns cost?
Prices typically fall in three ranges:
- Simple urns: $30 to $80
- Mid-range memorial urns: $80 to $250
- Custom artisan urns: $250 and up
Can ashes be divided between urns?
Yes. Most providers will divide ashes into multiple urns or keepsakes if requested in advance.
Are pet urns airtight?
Some are sealed or threaded; others use a simple lid. Ask the seller before buying if you plan to travel with the urn or move it frequently.
Can you travel with pet ashes?
Usually yes. The TSA permits cremated remains in carry-on bags inside containers that can be screened by x-ray. Wood and plastic generally pass; some dense metals and stone may not. Check with your airline before flying. See TSA’s policy on cremated remains for current rules.
For more on what to do with ashes after cremation, see our guide on what to do with pet ashes.
By Cheryl Wright, Founder · Updated May 2026 · See our editorial standards.