Paw Prints on a Headstone: Meaning

For many people, their dogs and cats were family. A trail of paw prints on a headstone honours that love — whether on a pet memorial or on the owner's own stone.

What it means

On a person's headstone

Animal lovers often want their pets remembered with them:

• A paw trail across the base.
• Pets' names beside the paws.
• A dog or cat silhouette — see ideas for a dog lover and for a cat lover.

See adding a pet to a headstone.

Using your own pet's print

Your vet or pet crematorium may make an ink or clay print. Scan it at high resolution and it can be etched exactly — see fingerprint engraving for a similar process.

Epitaphs to pair

• Paw prints on our hearts.
• Together again.
• Walking with my best friends.
• Until we meet at the bridge.

See what to write on a pet memorial stone.

Can pets be buried with their owners?

Some families wish to have a pet's ashes buried with their owner. Rules vary widely: many human cemeteries don't allow it, while some have dedicated sections for people and pets together. Ask the cemetery before planning. Even where burial isn't permitted, a pet can still be honoured on the owner's headstone with a name and paw prints, or remembered with a separate garden stone at home.

Key Takeaways

• Paw prints honour beloved pets.
• Trails and hearts are popular designs.
• Your own pet's print can be etched.
• They suit both pet memorials and owners' stones.

Next Step

See pet memorial stones.