The Best Dog Tombstones: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Austin S.
Updated: May 27, 2024
© Antimon/Shutterstock.com

Advertisement


This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

Dogs are not exempt from death despite being a wonderful gift to their owners everywhere. Losing your furry best friend is indeed such a painful and sad experience that many dog owners seek comfort wherever they can find any. Our dogs are one of the best parts of our lives, and it is heartbreaking that we have to say goodbye to our dogs at some point. If one can remember them with a dog tombstone, it will help.

Many dog owners cope with the loss of their four-legged loved ones in various ways. We all need and cherish meaningful ways to keep our furry friends alive and close to our hearts even after they are long gone. If your dog has sadly crossed the rainbow bridge, they deserve the best of final celebrations, such as a befitting tombstone. 

Tombstones are a beautiful way to remember and help your dog live on after they have passed. Many dog owners who have lost their dogs admit that placing a pet tombstone enabled them ‌to find peace. We know how important it is for grieving dog parents to honor their deceased, so we searched thoroughly to find some of the best dog tombstones. Here they are with all the details you need to know.

  1. Carson Industries Forever Dog Memorial Garden Stone
    • Made of resin
    • Durable and weatherproof
    • Has a discreet keyhole hanger to be hung as a plaque
    • It can be placed directly on the ground on your lawn, patio, or garden
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone w/ Picture Frame
    • Can withstand any harsh weather
    • Shaped like a paw print with an etched quote
    • Slit at the base to fit in a photo of your pet
    • Mae of waterproof resin
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Carson Industries Paw Prints On Our Hearts Sand Stone
    • Very affordable
    • Durable and weather-resistant
    • Can be placed on the ground in your garden
    • Features a keyhole hanger for easy hanging
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone Marker
    • Made of weatherproof resin
    • Sturdy base for placing on flat surfaces
    • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
    • Durable
    Check Chewy

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Dog Tombstones

#1 Best Overall: Carson Industries Forever Dog Memorial Garden Stone

In our review, the best dog tombstone is the Carson Industries Forever Dog Memorial Garden Stone.

This beautiful keepsake is made of resin which makes it durable and weatherproof. It is shaped like a heart with a sculpted dog’s silhouette at the center. The sculpted center pup is designed with wire wings, beautifully representing the sweet angel that your best furry friend has now become. The stone also has the sweet words, “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”

This tombstone features a keyhole hanger on the back so it can be hung as a plaque. However, it can also be placed on the ground, such as on a lawn, patio, or garden.

The only drawback to this touching tribute that we can find is that it is not customizable, nor is there a place for you to place a photograph of your pet.

Pros and Cons of the Carson Industries Forever Dog Memorial Garden Stone

ProsCons
This tombstone features a beautiful sculpted dog silhouette in the center.It is not customizable.
It features a touching quote.There is not space for a photograph.
It has a discreet keyhole hanger so it can be hung as a plaque.
It is durable and weatherproof.
It can be placed directly on the ground in your lawn, patio, or garden
Overall Best
Carson Industries Forever Dog Memorial Garden Stone
  • Made of resin
  • Durable and weatherproof
  • Has a discreet keyhole hanger to be hung as a plaque
  • It can be placed directly on the ground on your lawn, patio, or garden
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Waterproof: Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone

The Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone is a genuinely heartwarming memorial stone that is not only beautiful to see, but it is also waterproof.

The waterproof design of this tombstone means that you can give your sweet furry friend a befitting tombstone that can withstand any harsh weather when placed outside. However, the sturdy base also means it can sit on a mantlepiece, shelf, or table. This tombstone is shaped like a paw print with an etched quote that says, “Missing your unconditional love and playful paws, we are now apart.” 

One of the best features of this tombstone is that it has a space for you to insert a picture of your beloved pet at the bottom. Although this stone is a touching tribute it is unfortunately not customizable, nor is the space for the photo very big.

Pros and Cons of the Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone

ProsCons
This tombstone has a waterproof design which can withstand harsh weather conditions.It is not customizable.
It features a touching and heartfelt quote.The space for the photo is not very big.
It has a beautiful paw print design.
There is a space at the base to fit in a photo of your pet.
It has a sturdy base to place it on a shelf, table, or mantle.
Best Waterproof
Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone w/ Picture Frame
  • Can withstand any harsh weather
  • Shaped like a paw print with an etched quote
  • Slit at the base to fit in a photo of your pet
  • Mae of waterproof resin
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best on a Budget: Carson Industries Pawprints on our Hearts Sand Stone

Our selection as the best on a budget is the Carson Industries Pawprints on our Hearts Sand Stone.

This tombstone is cast in resin to make it durable and weather-resistant, but also to look similar to real sandstone. This stone is durable and engraved with touching words that read, “You left paw prints on our hearts and we are forever changed.” It also features a keyhole style hanger which means that you can hang it as a plaque instead if you wish.

Unfortunately, this option does not allow for any customization, nor does it have space for a picture of your pet.

Pros and Cons of the Carson Industries Pawprints on our Hearts Sand Stone

ProsCons
This tombstone is cast in resin to make it durable and weather-resistant.It is not customizable.
It features a touching quote.
There is a keyhole style hanger on the back which means it can be hung as a plaque.
Best Budget-Friendly
Carson Industries Paw Prints On Our Hearts Sand Stone
  • Very affordable
  • Durable and weather-resistant
  • Can be placed on the ground in your garden
  • Features a keyhole hanger for easy hanging
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Most Durable: Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone Marker

Our selection as the most durable option is the Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone Marker which is made from waterproof resin.

This tombstone features a sturdy base so it can be placed in a flat spot. It is brilliantly designed with two hearts — the smaller one over the larger one — and paw prints inside them both. It is etched with a beautiful and touching quote that says, “Missing your unconditional love and playful paws, we are now apart. You’re gone from our lives, but never from our heart.’’ Also the back is smooth enough to etch your beloved furry friend’s name.

This tombstone also has a space for you to put your dog’s picture, although this is unfortunately not particularly big.

Pros and Cons of the Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone Marker

ProsCons
This tombstone is made from waterproof resin which is tough and durable.The space for your dog’s picture is small.
It has a beautiful design with hearts and pawprints.
It features a touching quote.
It has a sturdy base for placing on flat surfaces.
Best Durable
Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone Marker
  • Made of weatherproof resin
  • Sturdy base for placing on flat surfaces
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Durable
Check Chewy

Choosing The Best Dog Tombstone: What To Look For

As heartbreaking as it is, the reality of losing your beloved pooch is inevitable. As with your human friends and family, you create a unique bond with your dog — a bond that does not fade easily or quickly. When dogs pass on, it is common for dog owners to want to keep their beloved dog’s spirit alive. While some do this with key chains, urns, and photo frames, you have come here to find a befitting tombstone. 

When you choose the tombstone that will be a crucial part of laying your dog to rest, you should pick the very best that best suits your dog, their personality, and the beautiful moments you shared. Below is a concise buying guide to show you some factors to consider when searching for the best dog tombstone.

Size

It’s up to you to determine how large or small you want your dog’s tombstone to be. Some tombstones are made to accommodate photos of the sweet friend you have lost. In this case, consider the size of the picture you have in mind and see if the tombstone has enough space to accommodate it. Ensure the dimensions of the tombstone are perfect for your dog’s photo.

Material

Pet tombstones come in different materials to give a different feel, appearance and even meaning. Most dog memorials are wood, stone, resin, and plastic. The material used to make a tombstone will determine how you maintain it and where you can keep it. Ensure that you consider your plans for the tombstone and pick accordingly.

Durability and Quality

If you buy a dog tombstone then you want it to be high quality and long-lasting. Ensure that the tombstones you purchase are of excellent quality and guaranteed to last long. 

Personalization

Personalizing a dog tombstone is perhaps the most emotional aspect of getting one at all. Find out if you can customize or personalize whatever tombstone you have in mind. Alternatively, if the manufacturer is not customizable, you can have the stone stenciled. This way, you would be able to engrave a heartfelt, personalized message to express your love and emotions about your sweet pup.

Price

If you are working with a specific budget, consider your plans when purchasing a tombstone for your dog. This ensures that you can get your money’s worth and something of great value within your budget.

Up Next

About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

The Best Dog Tombstones: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much is a dog headstone? 

While prices may vary due to the brands, size, and material, dog headstones can be pretty affordable. Depending on the factors above, the cost of dog headstones can range from $17 to $100 on average.

What do you put on a dog's grave marker? 

This is entirely peculiar to you. You may include your pet’s name, date of birth and death, age, photos, and even a sweet personalized message of love. Such messages are called epitaphs, and they can be as long or short as you wish.

What is the difference between a gravestone and a tombstone? 

There’s a difference between gravestones and tombstones, mostly related to their positioning. While gravestones are stones that typically sit flat on the ground on top of a grave, tombstones can be stone lids of the grave itself. (Headstones sit upright at the head of the grave).

How do you make a memorial stone for dogs?

You can make a dog memorial stone yourself by carving or designing one yourself, using tiles made of either granite, marble, brick, or, if you can, concrete. You can find these tiles at a local hardware store around you. Alternatively, you can purchase one online.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.