How to write a pet obituary
A pet obituary is a short account of a life you shared. It can include their name, the years they were with you, the things that made them unmistakably themselves, and the people who loved them.
You do not need perfect words or a complete life story. A few honest details can say more than a long tribute. Start with one memory, take breaks when you need them, and write in your own voice.
Five parts to write
Begin with their name and dates
Introduce your pet by name, including a nickname if it feels right. Add their birth and passing dates, or simply the years you shared. If you do not know their birthday, an adoption year is enough. You do not have to describe how they died.
“We remember [name], our beloved [dog, cat, or other companion], who shared our lives from [year] to [year].”
Describe their personality
Choose two or three details someone who knew them would recognize: a stubborn streak, a gentle welcome, a favorite hiding place, or a habit that always made you smile. Specific details help their personality come through.
“[Name] was happiest when [favorite activity] and never missed a chance to [familiar habit].”
Share a favorite memory
Pick one scene rather than trying to include everything. A walk, a sleepy afternoon, a mischievous moment, or an ordinary daily ritual can show what your time together felt like.
“We will always remember [a moment, place, or ritual you shared].”
Remember their family
Mention the people and animal companions who loved them. First names or a simple phrase such as “their family” are enough. If the obituary will be public, leave out addresses, contact details, and any names you would rather keep private.
“[Name] was loved by [family or companions], who will miss [a small, meaningful detail].”
Close with a few words of love
End with a thank-you, a farewell, or a sentence about what they gave you. A closing line can be simple. You do not need to borrow a poem or find a grand way to explain your grief.
“Thank you, [name], for [what they brought to your life]. You will always be part of our story.”
A simple pet obituary template
We remember [name], our beloved [companion], who shared our lives from [year] to [year]. [Name] was [two or three personality traits]. They loved [favorite things] and were known for [a familiar habit]. We will always remember [a favorite memory or daily ritual]. They were loved by [family or companions], who will miss [a meaningful detail]. Thank you, [name], for [what they brought to your life]. You will always be part of our story.
Sample obituaries
Benny
Sample dog obituary
Benny, our beloved dog, shared our lives from 2012 to 2026. He was gentle, determined, and certain that every visitor had come to see him. He loved slow walks, crunchy carrots, and the sunny patch beside the kitchen door. We will always remember how he carried his leash to us each morning, even on rainy days. His family and his cat companion, Nell, will miss his warm welcome and patient company. Thank you, Benny, for making ordinary days feel full of love.
Mabel
Sample cat obituary
We remember Mabel, who joined our family in 2016 and stayed beside us until 2026. Curious and quietly affectionate, she claimed the top of every bookshelf and the corner of every freshly folded blanket. Our favorite memory is her soft paw on an open book, asking us to stop reading and sit with her. Mabel was loved by her family, who will miss her evening visits and small, steady purr. Thank you for choosing our laps and making our house your home.
Clover
Sample rabbit obituary
Clover was part of our family from 2019 to 2026. She was a bright, curious rabbit with a fondness for cardboard tunnels and parsley. We loved watching her explore the living room, then settle beside us as if she had finished an important inspection. Her family will miss the little thump that announced her opinions and the happy hops that made us laugh. Thank you, Clover, for the trust you gave us and the joy you brought to our days.
Make the words your own
Use the template as a starting point, not a set of rules. You can write a few sentences or several paragraphs. Read your draft aloud and keep the details that sound like your pet. Leave out anything that feels too private to share.
If the words are not coming yet, write down three things you remember and come back another day. Someone who knew your pet may be able to help you recall a moment or choose a photo. There is no deadline for remembering them.
Before publishing, check the spelling of names and any dates. Keep a copy of your writing for yourself, and choose a sharing setting that feels comfortable.