Pets are family. Anyone who has lost one knows that the grief is real — and the desire to mark that loss with something permanent is completely understandable.
Pet memorial stones have become increasingly common, and the options have improved significantly. You’re no longer limited to a simple flat rock with a name scratched into it. Custom granite pet memorials can be just as detailed and personal as any headstone we make for a person.
Here’s what families in the Wichita area typically ask us about when it comes to pet memorials.
Why Granite
Granite is the same material we use for human memorials, and for good reason. It’s one of the hardest natural stones on earth. It handles Kansas weather — freeze-thaw cycles, summer heat, heavy rain — without cracking, fading, or deteriorating. A granite pet memorial placed in your backyard or garden today will still look good in twenty years with almost no maintenance.
Other materials like concrete, resin, or wood are cheaper upfront but don’t hold up outdoors over time. If you want something that lasts, granite is the right choice.
What Goes on a Pet Memorial Stone
This is entirely up to you. Most families include the pet’s name and dates. Beyond that, common additions include:
A short phrase or epitaph — something that captures your pet’s personality or your relationship with them
A laser-etched portrait from a photo — black granite shows portrait etchings most clearly
A paw print — simple and recognizable, either carved or etched
Breed-specific imagery — a silhouette or symbolic element that feels right
There’s no right or wrong here. We’ve made pet memorials that are simple and understated and ones that are elaborate and full of detail. The right choice is what reflects your pet and feels meaningful to you.
Size and Placement
Pet memorial stones come in a range of sizes. A small flat marker for a backyard or garden might be 8x10 inches. A larger upright stone might be 12x18 or bigger. The size you choose should fit the space you have in mind.
Most pet memorials go in private spaces — a backyard garden, a flower bed, near a favorite spot the animal loved. Some families choose to bury their pet and place the marker at the grave site. Others use the stone as a memorial in a special location without a burial beneath it. Both are completely appropriate.
If you’re placing the stone outdoors, consider drainage. A flat marker in a low-lying area that pools water may sink over time. We can advise on proper setting for whatever location you have in mind.
Pet Cemeteries
Some families prefer a dedicated pet cemetery. There are pet cemeteries in the Wichita area that allow permanent markers. If that’s the direction you’re going, check with the cemetery first about size and style requirements — the same way you would for a human burial.
Ordering Process
The process for a pet memorial is the same as any other custom monument. You contact us, we ask a few questions about size, design, and what you want it to say. We put together a design proof for your approval. Nothing moves forward until you’re happy with it. Most pet memorials are completed and delivered faster than you might expect — often within a few weeks.
We understand this is a tender time. There’s no pressure, no upselling, no minimum order. If a simple flat marker with a name and dates is what you want, that’s what we’ll make.
Call or text us at 316-670-6350 and we’ll start with a conversation.