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For many people, pets aren’t just animals—they’re family. And increasingly, pet parents are looking for more meaningful ways to honor those companions after they’re gone.

That cultural shift is especially noticeable among younger generations. Millennials are having fewer children than previous generations, but they remain deeply devoted to their pets. According to Forbes Advisor, about 66 percent of U.S. households—roughly 86.9 million homes—have a pet, with dogs living in about 65 million households, making them the most common companion animal.

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As pets take on an even bigger emotional role in people’s lives, the way families memorialize them is evolving as well.

A Unique Way to Honor Your Beloved Pet

One company at the center of that shift is Parting Stone, which offers an alternative to traditional cremation ashes. Instead of returning loose ashes in an urn, the company transforms cremated remains into smooth, polished stones that people can hold, display or share with loved ones.

The process typically produces several stones depending on the pet’s size. For example, the solidification service for dogs usually returns about five to 40 stones, while cats typically result in about two to 10 stones. Each stone varies slightly in shape, color and texture, making every collection unique.

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How the Process Works

The process begins after cremation, when the remains are sent to the Parting Stone lab.

There, the cremation ashes are gently refined into a fine powder. A small amount of binder is added to create a clay-like material, which is then shaped into the individual stones. The pieces are placed in a kiln where they solidify before being polished and returned to the family.

The finished stones resemble smooth river rocks, with a durable ceramic-like material that doesn’t dissolve in water or easily scratch. The company says the stones are designed to last indefinitely.

For some people, this format simply feels more comforting than traditional ashes. Many families worry about accidentally spilling cremation ashes or feel uneasy handling them. Others simply don’t know what to do with them, which often leads to boxes being tucked away in closets or out-of-the-way places.

Stone remains, on the other hand, can feel easier to display and interact with. Instead of being tucked away in an urn or box, the stones can be placed in a small bowl, displayed on a shelf, carried in a pocket or shared among family members as a way to maintain a tangible connection. Some people even choose to paint the stones, turning them into small, personalized memorial pieces.

The full solidification service currently costs $1,195, and the company also allows families to send in ashes from a past cremation, meaning it’s never too late to convert them.

For many pet parents, the idea offers a different way to remember a beloved companion—one that feels a little more personal and easier to hold onto.

Related: 20-Year-Old Cat Complaining Over Mom Going to Work Drives a Hard Bargain

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.