Pet Memorial Framing
Dog Memorial Shadow Box & Pet Keepsake Frames
A dog memorial shadow box holds your dog's collar, tag, photo, paw print, and keepsakes together behind glazing in a custom-cut frame. We build pet memorial cases to your exact size, with interior backing in your choice of color and clear framer's grade acrylic. Add an engraved brass nameplate with your dog's name and the years they were with you. Standard orders ship in 3-5 business days.
Built to your size
Room for collar, photo, tag, paw print
Framer's grade acrylic
Clear glazing, lighter than glass
Multi-item layouts
Collar, photo, and nameplate together
Engraved brass nameplate
Name, dates, line of remembrance
Design Your Dog Memorial Shadow Box
Enter your width, height, and depth. Most dog memorials need 1.5 to 2 inches of depth for a collar with tags. Choose your interior backing color and add a mat with photo and nameplate openings if you want a layered layout.
What to Include in a Dog Memorial Shadow Box
The shadow box is built to your size, so you choose what goes inside. The most common items:
- Collar with tags, looped or laid flat on the backing
- A favorite photo, matted in the same frame or mounted directly
- Paw print, ink or clay impression
- A small piece of fur
- A favorite small toy, if it fits the depth you choose
- A brass nameplate with the dog's name and dates
Layout Options
Three layouts cover most dog memorial shadow boxes. The collar-focused layout places the collar centered with a photo and nameplate underneath. The photo-focused layout puts a larger photo at the top with the collar and nameplate as supporting elements. A multi-item grid suits collections from a long life together, with several photos, the collar, and multiple keepsakes arranged in the frame.
Cat Memorials and Other Pet Memorials
The same shadow box build works for cat memorials and other pet memorials. The case can be sized smaller for a cat collar and a smaller photo, or built deeper for a pet that had a larger collar or harness. The construction, glazing, and nameplate options are identical.
Backing Colors and Mat Options
Memorial pieces tend to look right in calmer backing colors. Cream, soft gray, navy, and sage are the most common choices. A mat in front of the backing with openings for the photo and nameplate gives the piece a layered, finished look and keeps the items separated visually.
Add an Engraved Nameplate
A brushed brass nameplate mounts inside the shadow box, usually below the collar and photo. Standard text is the dog's name on the first line, the years (for example 2008-2024) on the second, and an optional line of remembrance on the third. The nameplate is permanent once engraved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a dog memorial shadow box?
Most include the collar with tags, a favorite photo, and a brass nameplate with the dog's name and dates. Optional additions: a paw print, a small piece of fur, a favorite small toy, or a written note. The shadow box is built to your dimensions so you decide what fits.
How deep does the box need to be for a collar?
Most dog collars sit comfortably in 1.5 to 2 inches of interior depth, including the tags. A thicker collar or a harness may need 2.5 to 3 inches. Measure the tallest point and add about 1/4 inch of clearance.
Can I include a paw print or fur clipping?
Yes. Paw prints (ink or clay) mount directly to the backing or sit inside a mat opening. A small fur clipping can be placed in a sealed sleeve or behind a small mat window. Both are common additions to dog memorial shadow boxes.
Can I add a nameplate with my dog's name and dates?
Yes. The brass nameplate add-on engraves up to three lines: name, years together (for example 2008-2024), and an optional line of remembrance.
Do you make memorial shadow boxes for cats and other pets?
Yes. The same shadow box build works for cat memorials and any other pet. Size the case to the collar or items you want to include.
How long does the framing take?
Standard orders ship in 3-5 business days from when we receive the items.
Open the shadow box designer to enter your dimensions and set up your dog memorial.
Design Your Memorial Shadow Box