As a pet grief blogger, I’ve learned a lot about the process of grieving and remembrance days to honor our pets. So you can imagine my surprise when I discovered a (not-so) new pet holiday- World Pet Memorial Day.
Since the passing of my cat Dusty, I was well aware of RainbowBridge Memorial Day in August; however, I did not know about World Pet Memorial Day.
Every day I’m growing and learning. So if you are like me, and had no idea about this day, let’s explore the origins and simple ways to celebrate pets on World Pet Memorial Day.
Origin of World Pet Memorial Day
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) created World Pet Memorial Day. This special day is meant for us to honor the memory of our pets that have passed away. It is recognized on the second Tuesday of every June annually.
How can I honor my deceased pet?
Here are five simple ways to celebrate the life of your angel pet during world pet memorial day.
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5 Ways to celebrate your pets
1. Create a collage/scrapbook of photos.
One of the most traditional and easiest ways to honor the memory of your pet is to create a scrapbook of memories. Pull out the boxes of photos you know you have stuffed in the corner of your spare room and make a book of memories.
If you are the type to capture all of your thousands of photos on your digital camera or cell phone, upload your photos to a site like Shutterfly or Canva, where you can create your own digital memories board.
I made a sample memories board with my cats Dusty and Precious below. Canva allows you the tools to not only use your creativity but also add small additional features and details for a nice added personalized touch. You can learn more about how Canva can help you create more projects on their website.
2. Donate to your favorite non-profit in their memory.
A second way you can honor your pet’s memory is by donating to your favorite cause. I’m a fan of donating to non-profit organizations in need, particularly establishments I have personally volunteered. As a person who has volunteered for a non-profit, I can attest that they need as much help and resources as people can provide.
A great way to help is by donating funds or your time. Also, if you don’t want to leave your house, a super simple way to give back is to purchase items from a “wishlist” for an animal welfare organization.
Here’s an Amazon wishlist for People for Animals, low-cost spay and neuter non-profit in New Jersey, helping provide affordable basic care to pet parents and their pets.
3. Walk in honor of their memory.
If you enjoy being active or want to challenge yourself for a good cause, this next idea is for you. A third way to honor a pet that has passed is by participating in a walk/run race to benefit animals and supporting organizations.
There are several opportunities to choose from. Below are a couple of races I discovered online. Check them out and see if any resonate with you.
Kitten Rescue- Los Angeles
Animal League for the 2022 TCS NYC Marathon
4. Hold a memorial celebration
Hosting a memorial celebration is another simple way to celebrate your pet without breaking a full sweat. Your celebration of life can be as simple or elaborate as you wish.
It can be a Zoom happy hour celebration online or explore inviting a few close friends over to remember and honor your pet.
Don’t feel like cooking? Make it a pet memorial pot-luck party. You can reminisce with different food selections while sharing stories and celebrating your pet’s life.
5. Pay it forward
Lastly, volunteer! I’m a big fan of volunteering. Giving back to others makes you feel helpful and improves your mood. Knowing you are helping positivity impact the lives of others increases confidence and motivation to do more.
Volunteering can involve anything from clerical work at an organization to cleaning animal cages or even fostering pets in your home. Food and basic supplies are provided at no cost to you as a fosterer.
I shared my adventures, and success fostering in another blog post called My foster success & 7 lessons learned along the way.
Final Thoughts
The second Tuesday of every June is a special time to honor and celebrate our pets that have earned their angel wings. World Pet Memorial Day is a special day set aside to remember them. Finding ways to celebrate their lives does not have to be complicated or costly. I hope sharing these five simple ideas helped provide you with unique ways to honor your pet.
Looking for more ideas to memorialize your pet? Check out my other popular blog posts.
Top 10 Memorial Gift Ideas for Bereaved Pet Parents
6 WAYS TO MEMORIALIZE YOUR PET
15 Unique ways to honor and remember your pet
Have you tried any of these ideas? Do you have a different activity in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Be sure to pin and share this post with a friend. Spread the word about ways to celebrate your angel pets for World Pet Memorial Day.
10 Comments
Michelle & The Paw Pack
This is a great list of ways to honor departed pets! This year was my first hearing about World Pet Memorial Day, although I’ve always memorialized my past furry family members and never needed a special day to do so.
Admin
Michelle,
Same here! I didn’t know about this day until this year. And I agree. We celebrate our angel pets every day. 🙂
Ruth Epstein
What a great post. I remember Baby every year by posting photos of her on social media and in my house I have a wooden box with her collar and tags inside plus two stale rock hard bagels from a bagel store that makes doggy bagels and they were the last two I bought for her. She is very much part of our lives to this day
Admin
Ruth,
I’m glad this post resonated with you. Aww sweet Baby! I know she’s always be remembered.
Beth
These are wonderful ideas to help honor the memory of a beloved pet. I especially love the idea of volunteering and helping pets that don’t have a home.
Admin
Thank you! Volunteering is one of my favorite activities to help too!
Terri
What a lovely holiday! I have made memorable albums, donated, volunteered, and paid it forward. I haven’t helped a memorial or walked in my fur kids’ memory. But I do like those ideas. You are always very creative. I really love the Canva page you created.
Admin
Terri,
Thank you so much!
Cathy Armato
I love your memory board – it came out beautiful! All of these are great ideas and can fit anyone’s schedule or budget.
Admin
Cathy,
Thank you! Yes, you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to find a unique way to honor and remember your pets.