What can you do with pet ashes?

Most families keep ashes in an urn at home, scatter them in a meaningful place, divide them between keepsakes like jewelry or glass art, or bury them in a pet cemetery or memorial garden. Many of these can be combined.

Is it legal to scatter pet ashes?

It usually depends on the location. Public parks, beaches, and waterways often have local rules. Private property is generally fine with the owner's permission. Calling the local parks or municipal office is the most reliable way to check.

How do you split pet ashes between keepsakes?

Many cremation providers will divide ashes between multiple containers if you ask. Cremation jewelry, glass art, and parting stones use only a small portion, so most families have plenty left for an urn at home or scattering.

Can you bury pet ashes in your backyard?

Often yes on private property, depending on local rules. Some cities and HOAs have specific guidelines. Memorial trees, biodegradable urns, and small markers are common ways families create a place to visit at home.

Do you have to decide right away?

No. Many families keep the starter urn for months or years before deciding. There's no rush, and the choice can change as time passes.

What to Do With Your Pet's Ashes | FinalPaws

There's no right or wrong thing to do with your pet's ashes. Some families keep them in an urn at home. Others scatter them in a favorite place. Some divide them between keepsakes. The notes below are calm ideas to help you think it through. There's no rush — many families wait weeks or months before deciding.

A quick answer

Most families either keep their pet's ashes in an urn at home, scatter them in a meaningful place, divide them between keepsakes, or bury them in a pet cemetery or memorial garden. Many of these can be combined — for example, keeping most of the ashes in an urn and scattering a small portion at a favorite trail.

Keep the ashes in an urn

Many families keep ashes in an urn on a shelf, mantle, or somewhere meaningful at home. Urns range from simple wood or ceramic boxes to engraved, photo, or hand-finished pieces. Most cremation providers offer a starter urn and let you upgrade or order one separately later.

Wooden boxes (often included as a starter urn)
Ceramic urns and pottery
Photo urns with a printed image of your pet
Custom-engraved urns with name, dates, or a short message
Handcrafted or artisan urns from specialty makers

Scatter ashes in a meaningful place

Scattering ashes is a calm, deliberate way to honor your pet. Many families choose a favorite trail, a beach, a lake, a backyard tree, or somewhere the pet loved. Local rules vary — public parks, beaches, and waterways often have specific guidelines, so it's worth checking before you go.

A favorite walking trail or hiking path
A backyard garden, bed, or under a tree
A beach or lakeside spot
Provider-coordinated sea scattering (offered by some communal cremation services)

Divide between keepsakes

Some families divide a small portion of the ashes between keepsakes so each family member or household has something to hold. Common options include cremation jewelry, glass-blown pieces with infused ashes, parting stones, and small wooden tokens.

Cremation jewelry (pendants, lockets, rings)
Glass-blown art or paperweights with infused ashes
Parting stones — small stones made from cremated remains
Pet portraits or shadow boxes that include a small token

Bury or inter the ashes

Pet cemeteries and memorial gardens offer ash interment in a marked plot, columbarium, or shared memorial space. Some families bury ashes in their own yard where local rules allow. Pet cemeteries also offer pre-need planning if you'd like to choose a place in advance.

Find pet cemeteries near you

Plant or grow with the ashes

Memorial trees and biodegradable urns let you plant a tree or shrub that grows alongside a small portion of the ashes. Some families choose a memorial garden bed with a marker. The result is a living place to visit.

Wait if you're not ready

If you're not sure what to do, you don't have to decide now. Many families keep the starter urn for months or years and revisit the choice later. There's no expiration on grieving.

Find pet grief support

Checking local rules

Scattering and burial rules vary by city, state, and the type of land (public parks, beaches, federal land, private property). When in doubt, a quick call to the local parks or municipal office is the most reliable way to confirm.

Read: How much does pet cremation cost?

Find local pet cremation providers

Frequently asked questions

What can you do with pet ashes?: Most families keep ashes in an urn at home, scatter them in a meaningful place, divide them between keepsakes like jewelry or glass art, or bury them in a pet cemetery or memorial garden. Many of these can be combined.
Is it legal to scatter pet ashes?: It usually depends on the location. Public parks, beaches, and waterways often have local rules. Private property is generally fine with the owner's permission. Calling the local parks or municipal office is the most reliable way to check.
How do you split pet ashes between keepsakes?: Many cremation providers will divide ashes between multiple containers if you ask. Cremation jewelry, glass art, and parting stones use only a small portion, so most families have plenty left for an urn at home or scattering.
Can you bury pet ashes in your backyard?: Often yes on private property, depending on local rules. Some cities and HOAs have specific guidelines. Memorial trees, biodegradable urns, and small markers are common ways families create a place to visit at home.
Do you have to decide right away?: No. Many families keep the starter urn for months or years before deciding. There's no rush, and the choice can change as time passes.

FinalPaws provides general information and directory listings. For medical guidance, contact a licensed veterinarian.

Last reviewed: April 2026

What to do with your pet's ashes