Helping the caregiver memorialize their pet is one of the best ways of expressing support and empathy for bereaved clients. Some ideas for clients include the following:

• Donations to a charity, veterinary school, or animal welfare organization in the pet‘s name
• Conducting an annual memorial service for all deceased pets
• Giving the client a memorial item (paw print, fur, nose print)
• Sending a personalized condolence card
• Writing a letter to the pet
• Writing a poem about the pet
• Planting a memorial tree or providing the client with seeds to plant in the pet‘s honor
• Obtaining a professional pet portrait
• Creating a photo album or journal about the pet
• Creating jewelry or charm containing the pet‘s ashes