Is It Bad To Keep Dog Ashes At Home? [+ Alternatives]

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

As much as we love our furry friends, there comes a time when we have to say goodbye.

For many pet owners just like myself, the thought of parting with my pet is simply too much to bear, which is why I considered keeping its ashes at home.

But is it bad to keep dog ashes at home?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Some people believe that it is bad luck to do so, while others believe that it is a way to keep the dog’s spirit close. It’s important to remember that this is your pet, and you should do what feels right for you.

In this post, I wanted to share some of my thoughts as well as provide you with some alternatives you can consider other than keeping your dog’s ashes at home.

What to Consider When Keeping Your Dog’s Ashes At Home

If you decide to keep the ashes of your dog at home, there are some things to consider.

For example, how will it affect other members of the family? Did they know about your plans? What will happen when it comes time to move?

If you choose to keep ashes at home, there are a few things that you will need to consider.

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First, you will need to decide where to place the urn

It is important that you find a place where it will be out of the way but still accessible.

Ask yourself, where do you want to keep them? Do you have an area in your house that has special meaning for both of you?

Consider keeping them there so that you can think of them whenever you visit that room.

Next, do you want other family members or friends to be able to see them?

If so, consider putting the urn in a place where everyone can view it easily, for example in a glass cabinet that is out of reach for kids.

Additionally, you may want to tell visitors about your decision if they are curious about why you have them at home.

And finally, decide on how you want to display the urn

Will you set up a space with your favorite photos, flowers, or its favorite toy?

All these considerations will play a part in selecting the perfect spot at home.

What Are The Benefits Of Keeping Dog Ashes At Home?

First of all, I don’t believe that it causes any kind of bad luck and I’m really surprised to hear this statement.

In fact, some people believe that keeping the ashes close to you is the best way of honoring and remembering your dog.

Secondly, you can choose where exactly you wish to place the urn instead of struggling to find the “perfect” spot in a dog cemetery.

Some people choose to keep their dog’s ashes in an urn on the mantel or in a prominent place in the home where they can see it easily and thus keep the memories alive.

How To Keep Your Dog’s Ashes At Home?

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping dog ashes at home.

First, be sure to clean and sanitize any surface you plan on putting them on.

Even though your dog is gone now, it is important to provide it with a respectable resting place.

Regular wiping of the surfaces around it as well as the urn itself should be done at least weekly to keep it spotless.

Second, make sure that the space you choose is accessible and safe.

That means no access by other pets and little children at any time.

If you have guests over, I would advise you to let them know of the urn’s presence.

Not everyone is so mindful and letting them know ahead of time can prevent any accidents from happening.

It should also not be exposed to the elements, particularly strong winds which might knock it down.

Finally, remember to commemorate your pet every day by doing something special for them – even if it’s just taking a moment to feel grateful for their presence in your life.

What Are Some Alternative Ways To Keep Your Dog’s Ashes?

There are a variety of alternative ways to keep your dog’s ashes.

Here are some ideas you can consider.

Burial

One method you can consider is to bury your dog’s ashes (in the urn) in your backyard or in a pet cemetery.

When done at home, you can erect a small gravestone for remembrance, and since it is the urn that is buried (rather than just burying its body), it will be easy to dig it out when it comes time to move.

On the other hand, a pet cemetery will provide all the services to place your dog’s urn in some place safe as well as all necessary maintenance.

Scatter

Another option is to scatter the ashes in a special spot.

This could be at a favorite park, or at a spot that was important to your dog during his lifetime.

It is possible to have funeral arrangements made and then scatter the ashes yourself.

Just be sure to check your local laws regarding this practice so that you do not break any rules.

Jewelry

More and more commonly, dog owners are turning their dog’s ashes into jewelry.

This is an excellent option for those who want to keep their dog’s ashes close to them.

Some owners will have their dog’s ashes turned into jewelry that they can wear, while others will have them put into an ornament or plaque.

It is also possible to create a piece of art out of the ashes, such as a painting or sculpture.

Tattoo

If you are a dog owner who is looking for an uncommon way to remember them, then you may want to consider having your dog’s ashes turned into a tattoo.

This is a great option because it allows you to keep your dog with you always and show off their memory at the same time.

It is done simply by mixing the ashes into the tattoo ink.

This can be a great way to feel close to your pet even after they are gone.

It also makes for an interesting conversation starter!

In Conclusion: Is It Bad To Keep Dog Ashes At Home?

Different people deal with the loss of their pets differently, but one thing that is common is keeping their pets close to their hearts even after they are gone.

Keeping their ashes at home is one good way to do that, but as this article has shown you, there are several alternatives too.

I hope that you can feel better soon and maybe be blessed with another lovely dog again in the future!

Be sure to continue reading other dog care tips such as can you bury a dog that died of parvo, should you put puppy pad in crate at night, pros and cons of getting a third dog, and many more!