How to Make a Gravestone for Your Pet

The passing of a beloved family pet can be a traumatic event in any household. Giving your pet a proper resting place is a comfort to children and provides a sense of closure for the family. Pet owners are faced with decisions when a pet dies. Cremation is one option; burial is another. Either way, a gravestone for your pet is a great way to honor his memory and keep him close to your family. Using a homemade stepping-stone kit, you can create a personal memorial for your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Stepping-stone kit (including mold and concrete mix)
  • Pail
  • 1-1/2 cups water
  • Concrete tint
  • Trowel
  • Plastic trash bag
  • Plastic letters
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a stepping-stone kit from a craft store or a website such as stonefaceskit.com. You will find a wide variety of styles to choose from. Depending on how decorative you wish to make your pet̵7;s gravestone, the price and complexity of your kit will vary as well.

    • 2

      Open your kit and make sure all of the necessary pieces are there. To complete your stone you will need a mold, concrete mix, concrete tint and a trowel. If your kit is missing any items, return to the store for a replacement. If you ordered your kit online, call or email the company and ask them to send your missing items.

    • 3

      Choose a spot where your stone can be left to dry undisturbed for two days and spread a plastic cover, such as a trash bag, over your work area.

    • 4

      Mix the bag of concrete with one and one-half cups of water in a pail. Stir with the trowel. Add the concrete tint as you mix. Start with minimal tint and add more until you reach your desired color. If your concrete mix seems too thick, add more water one tbsp. at a time. Your concrete is a good consistency when it slides easily off the trowel.

    • 5

      Fill your mold with the concrete. Use your trowel to press the concrete into the mold. When the mold is full, smooth the surface with the back of the trowel.

    • 6

      Decorate your stone. Be creative during this step. Using plastic letter imprints, you can imprint your pet̵7;s name. If you don̵7;t have plastic letters, you can carve the letters into the concrete with a stick or even your finger. If you feel it is appropriate, you can take an imprint of your pet̵7;s paw for the stone.

    • 7

      Carefully lift the mold straight up and off of your stone.

    • 8

      Allow your stone to dry for 48 hours.