Pet Memorial Plaque Wording: Ideas, Examples & a Phrase Picker
Losing a pet is losing a member of the family. A plaque in their favourite spot in the yard, on their ashes box or on the fence they used to guard gives you somewhere to remember them. This guide helps you find the right words, with real examples, a phrase picker you can tap to build your own wording, and tips from the pet plaques we've made.
The short version
- Start with their name, and their nickname if they had one.
- Add the years, or full dates if you know them.
- Choose one line that sums them up: loyal, cheeky, gentle or a bit of a legend.
- Add a photo or paw prints, if you'd like.
- Sign it from the family, if you'd like: "Love, Mum, Dad and the kids".
1. What goes on a pet plaque
Pet plaques are usually shorter and more personal than plaques for people. Most use three or four of these parts:
| Part | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Opening line | Sets the tone at the top | In loving memory of |
| Name | The biggest line on the plaque | Molly "Moo" |
| Dates | Just the years is most common | 2012 – 2025 |
| Tribute | Who they were to you | Best mate, always |
| From the family | Who's remembering them | Love always, the Taylor family |
| Photo or symbol | A portrait, paw prints or a bone | Their face, engraved from your photo |
2. Names, nicknames and dates
- Use the name you actually called them. If Maximilian was always Max, put Max.
- Nicknames read beautifully in quotes under the name: BELLA, then "Bells".
- Not sure of their birthday? Rescue pets often aren't. Use the year you got them, "Adopted 2014", or just the year they passed.
- Breed or a short description can go under the name: "Our gentle Labrador".
- For two pets on one plaque, give each their own name and years, joined with "&".
3. Phrase picker: tap to build your wording
Choose a theme, then tap any phrase to add it to your wording. You can edit it in the box, copy it, or send it straight to us with your enquiry.
Opening lines
Dogs
Cats
Horses
Birds & small pets
Love & loyalty
Playful & fun
Short & simple
Closing lines
4. Wording ideas by pet
A few complete examples to get you started. Swap in your pet's name and your own words.
5. Wording for where the plaque will go
Garden stakes and graves in the yard
Read up close by the family, so it can be warm and personal. Name, years and one or two lines is plenty. A photo or paw prints makes it instantly theirs.
Ashes boxes and urns
These plaques are small, so keep it to the name and years, or the name and one short phrase such as "Forever loved".
Walls, fences and gates
Their favourite lookout spot. A larger plaque fits a portrait photo with the name and a line underneath.
Rocks and garden beds
A plaque fixed to a rock in the garden can carry a little more: a photo, the name, the years and a short tribute. See garden plaques.
Working dogs and service animals
Police, farm, guide and assistance dogs often have their role, unit or years of service added: "Faithful working dog, 2012 – 2023". Badges and emblems can be engraved too; just send a clear image.
6. Photos, paw prints and symbols
A photo is the most popular addition to a pet plaque. We engrave it straight into the stainless steel, so it won't fade or peel. You can also add:
- Paw prints, as a border, a trail or a single print
- A bone, a ball, a collar or their favourite toy
- A heart, stars or a simple border
- Their breed silhouette
- A QR code that links to more photos and videos, on a story plaque
7. How much wording fits?
Fewer words in a larger font read best, especially outdoors. As a rough guide:
| Plaque size | Comfortably fits | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 90 × 60 mm | Name, years and 1 short line | Ashes boxes and urns |
| 150 × 100 mm | Name, years and 2 short lines, or a small photo | Garden stakes |
| 200 × 150 mm | Photo, name, years and 2 to 3 lines | Rocks, walls and fences |
| 300 × 200 mm | Large photo, name, years and a longer tribute | Feature plaques and portraits |
8. Before you approve your proof
- Check the spelling of their name and nickname.
- Check the years.
- Make sure the photo shows them the way you remember them.
- Ask the rest of the family to have a look too. Kids often come up with the perfect line.
Pet plaques we've made
Writing for a person rather than a pet? See our memorial plaque wording guide.
Questions we often get
What should I write on a pet memorial plaque?
Most pet plaques have the pet's name, the years and one short line, such as "Forever our good boy" or "You left paw prints on our hearts". Use the name you called them and a line that sounds like your family.
Can you put my pet's photo on the plaque?
Yes. We engrave the photo straight into the stainless steel. Send the clearest photo you have and we'll let you know if it will engrave well.
What if I don't know my pet's birthday?
That's very common, especially with rescue pets. Use just the year they passed, the year they joined the family, or leave dates off altogether.
Can you help with the wording?
Yes. Send us what you have, even rough notes, and we'll lay it out and suggest tweaks on your free proof.
Can I see the plaque before it's made?
Yes. We send a free proof showing the exact layout, and nothing is engraved until you approve it.
Ready to talk about your plaque? Send us the details below, call 02 4030 5878 or email office@planetengraving.net.
