When someone's dog or cat dies, most people don't know what to say, let alone what to send. The truth is that a gift matters less than showing you noticed. These are the things that tend to help, when to send them, and a few things to avoid.
Start with a few words
Before any gift, send a message or a card that names their pet. "I'm thinking of you and Max" means far more than "sorry for your loss". If you're stuck for words, our guide to what to write in a pet sympathy card has lines you can borrow.
Gifts that people are glad to receive
- A portrait of their pet. A framed portrait made from a favourite photo is something they can keep for good. Our Memorial portrait shows a pet with soft angel wings in golden light. It works for dogs, cats and any companion.
- Flowers or a plant. A plant they can put in the garden or on a windowsill gives them something to look after.
- A meal or groceries. In the first week, many people stop eating properly. A cooked meal or a delivery helps more than most gifts.
- A donation in their pet's name. To an animal shelter or rescue they care about.
- A framed photo. If you have a good photo of the pet, print it. Many people have none that aren't on their phone.
- Your time. An offer to walk with them, visit, or simply sit.
When to send it
A message straight away. A gift can follow a few days to a few weeks later, when the first wave has passed and the house gets quiet. A portrait is a good "second" gift for exactly this reason: it arrives when the cards have stopped coming.
What to avoid
- "At least…" or "you can always get another." Even kindly meant, they land badly.
- Replacing the pet. Don't suggest or send a new animal.
- Anything with a due date. Gifts that need them to do something quickly add pressure.
Giving a portrait as a gift
You can order a portrait for someone else. The free preview comes to you, so the surprise stays a surprise, and you add their address at checkout. You'll need a clear photo of their pet, so ask a family member or look through photos they've shared. Here's how to choose the best photo. Your Instant free portrait preview shows it first. Cats are welcome too, and any companion.
If you're ordering to arrive by a certain day, see our order dates and allow for printing and delivery, which is usually one to two weeks after you approve.