The 6 Best Pet Loss Sympathy Gifts

Pets are a source of unconditional love that touches even the most hardened heart. They pierce right through to the core of you with their sweet faces, their innocence, and their quirks. And when they cross over the Rainbow Bridge, it’s like a piece of you goes with them. Although you can’t take the pain away from the person who has just lost a pet, you can gift them with something heartfelt and thoughtful that honors the memory of their fur baby. Here are our top picks for pet sympathy gifts.

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Pet Loss Sympathy Gifts

#1 Best Overall: Capti Rainbow Bridge Dog Memorial Gifts

The best overall pet loss sympathy gift is this rainbow bridge memorial by Capti. You can purchase this for console your loved one who recently lost a pet. This memorial statue features three arches of a rainbow and a pet owner bending down to touch foreheads with either a dog or a cat. It’s designed to let the person know how much you care and comes with the inspiring Rainbow Bridge poem that will surely bring a sense of comfort. It’s made with unique handcrafted wood and no two gifts are alike. Each one will vary in color, cut, and size. Your loved one can place this memorial over their fireplace, next to their pet’s ashes, or in anywhere they choose to set up memories of their beloved pet.

One of the features of this pet sympathy gift that we really appreciate is that each purchase benefits animal rescue programs. Dogs and cats make a massive contribution to the home they dwell in and beyond the comfort of the poem and the statue, your loved one will know that this final gift really encompasses the charitable nature of their late pet. This is an artisan-crafted and meticulously sourced pet memorial that serves as a reminder that there was once an animal that showed them unconditional love. The Rainbow Bridge has that symbolic meaning that both brings a tear to the eye and a sense of comfort that someday they will be reunited.

This pet memorial statue is rated 4.9 out of five stars. One customer shares that the quality is amazing, the card inside perfectly encapsulates the right words, and the packaging was beautiful. Fair warning that anyone who receives this gift because they are likely to have a cathartic experience. It’s a beautiful and well-made gift that customers highly recommend, whether they’re purchasing for themselves after just losing a pet or whether they’re purchasing for someone else whose pet has crossed the rainbow bridge. Another customer shares that she received this gift when her beloved pet passed and now it’s her go-to gift for other pet parents who meet the same inevitable fate. She says it’s always appreciated and serves as a great comfort for years to come.

A few reviewers said that their memorial was missing pieces or the gift card.

Pros and Cons of the Capti Rainbow Bridge Dog Memorial Gifts

Best Overall

Capti Rainbow Bridge Dog Memorial Gifts

• Memorial statue designed to let the person know how much you care
• Each purchase benefits animal rescue programs
• Rated 4.9 out of five stars on Amazon

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2. Best Budget-Friendly: Sympathy Gift Bereavement Crystal Glass Heart Décor

Sympathy Gift Bereavement Crystal Glass Heart Décor is a budget-friendly option with a beautiful saying that offers comfort to parents who lose their fur babies. There are hearts and paws on the crystal acrylic and the words read, “When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.” It’s a lightweight design that can be placed literally anywhere without taking up too much space. It’s made from quality transparent acrylic that is hand-cut for an elegant touch. Its impact-resistant and the clear printing on it will never fade.

It’s a great gift that lasts for many years to come. The pattern in the words offers that sense of comfort that your loved one needs, especially when the sun rises every morning, and they wake from sleep only to remember their loss. Although shaped like a heart, this tabletop heart has a flat bottom so that it can stand upright on any flat surface. It measures approximately 5.5″ tall and 5.08″ wide. It can be placed on a desk, fireplace, or any table along with other memorial gifts.

This product has an overall rating of 3.8 out of five stars but the issue for those customers is that there was a misspelling on the product. However, the seller has since corrected the spelling and one happy customer was very impressed with how beautiful and expensive it looks. She says it’s a real comfort to see each day and read it to herself. She decided to place it next to her beloved pet’s photo and is grateful that she has such a wonderful remembrance piece.

Pros and Cons of the Sympathy Gift Bereavement Crystal Glass Heart Décor

Best Budget-Friendly

Sympathy Gift Bereavement Crystal Glass Heart Décor

• Budget-friendly option with a beautiful saying that offers comfort to grieving pet parents
• Lightweight design that’s easy to package or store and can be placed literally anywhere
• Overall rating of 3.8 out of five stars on Amazon due to initial misspelling that's been since corrected

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3. Best for Outdoors: VENBEEL Pet Memorial Gifts, 28″ Pet Memorial Wind Chimes

If you have a loved one who enjoys spending time on an outside porch or balcony, VENBEEL Pet Memorial Gifts, 28″ Pet Memorial Wind Chimes may just be the perfect gift. These windchimes have a pet paw, heart, and text engraved on the pendant. The words read “Listen to the wind and know I am near,” and at the bottom, it says “Best friend ever.” This gift also comes with a beautiful note that offers words of comfort to the grieving person. Sometimes, it’s not easy to come up with words on your own, so having a gift that comes with a card already expressing the right sentiments is a huge help.

These wind chimes are made with premium, durable material and are about 28″ long from the hook to the bottom of the pendant. They’re made with high-quality pine wood and thickened aluminum tubes, which makes them ultra-durable and wear resistant. Each wind chime tube is hand-tuned by a professional tuning expert so that your loved one experiences the most beautiful sounds. Each time the wind blows, your loved one will hear those peaceful sounds and associate them with their beloved fur baby.

The windchime tubes are available in black or “golden.”

This pet loss sympathy gift has a 97% rating. People who have received this gift say that the sound is very soothing and the card inside beautifully explains the meaning of those wind chimes. One customer has experienced the sound of expensive windchimes and cheaper wind chimes and finds that these are beautifully made and of impressive quality for an affordable price. They are easy to hang and require no assembly. If there’s wind on the day you receive them, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful sound right away.

One reviewer said that the bottom wooden piece is fragile and that it broke. Another negative review said that the chimes were “cheap looking” and that they weren’t even going to give this gift to the grieving pet parent.

Pros and Cons of the VENBEEL Pet Memorial Gifts, 28″ Pet Memorial Wind Chimes

Best for Outdoors

VENBEEL Pet Memorial Gifts, 28" Pet Memorial Wind Chimes

• Beautiful windchimes which come with a touching message
• Chimes are made with premium and durable material
• 100% five out of five-star rating from Amazon customers

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4. Best for Indoors: Pawprints Left by You Memorial Gifts Pawprint Left Metal Lantern

The artfully crafted Pawprints Left by You Memorial Gifts Pawprint Left Metal Lantern can make the perfect gift for someone mourning the loss of their animal companion. There is an LED candle inside and the glass reads, “You were such a great companion constant, loyal, and true. My heart will always wear the paw prints left by you.” There’s a small paw print at the bottom of the saying with a little heart in the middle of it. Although this can be set up outside, it makes a beautiful addition to any indoor table where the candle can flicker as a gentle reminder of your loved one’s pet.

It’s made with black metal that has glass inserts, which lets the light of the candle shine brightly through it. It measures 10” x 4.75” x 4.75.” It also comes with a 3″ flickering LED candle that requires AAA batteries so if you’re picking this up as a gift, make sure that you also purchase batteries to go along with it. Along with the lantern, the person also receives a memorial gift tag and ribbon.

Customers rate this gift 4.8 out of five stars. One customer shares that one of his very good friends lost one of his beloved corgis and aside from sending I’m sorry messages and shedding tears with his friend, he hadn’t found anything that could even come close to helping him during such a terrible loss. However, when he received this candle and lit it up for his friend, it gave him a degree of comfort that he previously did not have. It’s a small gesture but it means a lot to someone who is grieving the loss of their pet. It also made him feel like he made an impact in a way that he couldn’t before.

A few reviewers said that this lantern was “poor quality” and a couple said that it was “cheap and flimsy.”

Pros and Cons of the Pawprints Left by You Memorial Gifts Pawprint Left Metal Lantern

Best for Indoors

Pawprints Left by You Memorial Gifts Pawprint Left Metal Lantern

• Beautiful, black metal lantern w/ 3-inch flickering LED candle
• Lovely message written inside
• Customers rate this gift 4.8 out of five stars

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5. Best Customizable: D-Story Pet Loss Sympathy Blanket Pet Memorial

The D-Story Pet Loss Sympathy Blanket Pet Memorial allows you to customize a deeply meaningful memorial throw blanket. Choose from 10 designs, then upload photos, names, and sayings to be printed on this 40” x 30” skin-friendly fleece blanket. The print will appear on one side.

These blankets are made in the U.S.A., which means that you’ll receive them in a timely manner. They’re made with high-quality anti-pilling flannel, which makes them soft, smooth, and super comfortable. This is a unique gift that offers a sentimental tribute and that can provide comfort for many years to come. While other gifts sit on a table or hang outside, this is something that is likely to be used regularly and the customization offers that extra personal touch that shows how much you care.

This pet loss sympathy gift is rated 4.8 out of five stars. One customer was concerned about how the photos would print on the blanket but when she received the blanket in the mail, she says it turned out beautifully. The softness is also a plus and she says that you won’t be disappointed with the quality. Another customer purchased this for herself after she had to help her first dog ever cross the Rainbow Bridge. It’s something that she can take with her everywhere and highly recommends it.

A few reviewers reported that photos and messages weren’t printed correctly. One said that the material was “cheap and thin,” while another said, “This item was not much bigger than a bath tow (a small one).”

Pros and Cons of the D-Story Pet Loss Sympathy Blanket Pet Memorial

Best Customizable

Pet Loss Sympathy Blanket

• Customizable: choose from 10 designs and upload photos, names, and sayings
• High-quality anti-pilling flannel that's made in the USA
• Rated 4.8 out of five stars on Amazon

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6. Best for Dying Pets: Pearhead Pet Pawprints Wall Picture Frame and Clay Impression Kit

When you still have a pet that is alive, but you know that their time is approaching, you can pick up the Pearhead Pet Pawprints Wall Picture Frame and Clay Impression Kit. The kit comes with one distressed white frame, a pet-safe impression clay, a rolling pin, an adhesive tab, and a ruler so that you can easily shape and cut.

Your loved one will get a chance to get their pet’s paw and print it on the clay impression kit while they’re still alive. On the other side of the frame, they can mount their favorite picture of their pet and have this charming piece of home décor to make a beautiful memorial wherever they choose to put it.

Customers rate this gift 4.7 out of five stars. One customer shares that he bought this when he found out that his kitty had cancer. It was a bittersweet process taking his print knowing that he would want it after he passed and though it was tough, he was so glad he followed through with it. The clay impression kit was so generous that he actually had enough to take a print of his German shepherd’s paw as well. He now cherishes this small memorial and finds it extremely meaningful.

The sole negative review said, “Love the concept. Unfortunately the frame looks cheap and flimsy. Very disappointed.”

Pros and Cons of the Pearhead Pet Pawprints Wall Picture Frame and Clay Impression Kit

Best for Dying Pets

Pearhead Pet Pawprints Wall Picture Frame and Clay Impression Kit

• Kit comes with one distressed white frame, a pet-safe impression clay, a rolling pin, an adhesive tab, and a ruler
• Your loved one will get a chance to get their pet’s paw and print it on the clay impression kit
• Customers rate this gift 4.7 out of five stars

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How to Choose the Best Pet Loss Sympathy Gifts

This is the type of decision where your heart should lead the way. The top six pet loss sympathy gifts we highlighted above are all meaningful and the perfect gift for different people. When selecting the right gift, consider the lifestyle of the person you’re purchasing the gift for. For example, if the person has an arsenal of beautiful throw blankets, the customizable blanket will make the perfect gift. You know they’ll use it because they already have several they purchased on their own, and it’s a personalized gift that they’ll always cherish.

For those pet parents who spend time outside their home with gardening projects, or who just enjoy sitting out to enjoy the fresh air, the wind chimes would make a wonderful gift. They can appreciate them more than someone who spends all their time indoors with their windows closed. The other items we chose can be picked based on your budget—but no matter what, they are all imprinted with the kind of comforting words that you sometimes can’t put together yourself.

How to Comfort Someone Who Lost a Pet

Offer Condolences

There are many ways for you to offer condolences. You can keep it simple and simply say “My condolences.” However, you can also say what you remember fondly about their pet.

For example, “I am so sorry to hear about (pet’s name) passing. I remember the day when (name of pet) was out playing in my yard and chewed up my spouse’s favorite sandal. We had such a laugh that day and it was so easy to forgive (pet’s name) because he was such a sweet and innocent presence in our lives. We will never forget him.” Adding a personal memory always provides that person with a greater comfort because they realize how much their loved one meant to you as well. They can see how their loved one impacted the people around them in ways that they may not have known of.

If you never had a chance to meet that person’s pet and you are still wanting to offer condolences, you can go for a simple message. You can say something like “I’m sorry for your loss.” Or you can offer a more pet-friendly or a pet-focused sentiment, using the terms “rainbow bridge” and “fur baby.”

Help with the Practical

When somebody experiences a great loss, all practical matters seem to fly out the window. It can be hard for them to get out of bed, make meals for themselves, and take care of any practical responsibilities. They may need some time off work to process the initial grief and one thing that always helps is a home-cooked meal. If you’re in the local area, you might want to drop off a simple meal and if you are not in the local area, you may want to send over a gift card for a local restaurant or a local delivery service so that your friend can still get some sustenance even though they don’t feel like lifting a single pinky.

Another way to help with practical matters is to offer to make phone calls and arrangements for cremation or burial of their pet. Making phone calls to loved ones to alert them of the loss can also be of great help as can simple acts like picking up their mail and dropping it close to their front door. People don’t always know how to ask for what they need so making sure that those practical matters are taken care of can help to relieve the otherwise mounting pressure that person may be feeling, particularly if they live alone.

Give a Gift

This is where the list above comes in. Each pet loss sympathy gift we chose allows you to express your love and care for the person who just lost a pet. These gifts help to memorialize the important pet in that person’s life and give them something to look at and remember fondly. They don’t just get a chance to remember their pet, which they will do regardless, but they also get a chance to remember how you loved them through a very hard time in their lives.

Gift giving is much like an art form and not everyone knows how to do it. Especially in situations like these, whether the pet death was expected or whether it was tragic, many people feel like they’re at a standstill. They don’t know how to comfort their loved ones and they don’t know what to get them with. We created the list above to make that selection process a little bit simpler for you and help you offer comfort to the person who just lost their beloved pet.

Add a Heartfelt Note

With a sympathy gift comes a card. You can always pick one up that has all the right things already written on it or you can write a heartfelt note yourself. Whatever you choose, this is also an important part of the gift giving process. We recognize that not everyone knows exactly what words to use in these situations, so we encourage you to find something already pre-written if that’s the case for you. You can always write a sweet sign off that says “love always,” “here for you,” or anything else that feels heartfelt for you. It doesn’t have to be a full sentence, rather, it can just be something simple (even a drawn heart) that lets the person know that you are there for them.

Don’t Forget About Them

Anybody who has suffered through grief after the loss of a pet knows the emptiness that comes after the wave of initial support. Loss isn’t just something that occurs over the course of one or two weeks. It isn’t something that can be quantified in one day. Rather, it’s something that you learn to live with. It becomes a part of you. The best way to help your loved one get through the loss is to stick around even after the wave of initial support. Those flowers they received, the fruit baskets, the food donations, the hugs, the sweet words of encouragement … all of that recedes like a wave in the ocean. Then, they’re left with themselves again. If you’re truly invested in helping someone get through the loss of a pet, don’t forget about them. They will be missing their beloved fur baby at all hours of the day and if you can make time for them on a regular basis, they will gain the connection they need to move past such a painful event. They’ll never get completely over it but with friends and loved ones by their side, the path is easier.