Choosing a way to remember a beloved pet is a pretty personal decision. That’s why 3D printed pet urns are showing up in more homes than ever. Unlike traditional urns, these let you celebrate your furry friend with custom looks, shapes, and colors that fit right into your life. If you’re looking for something meaningful yet modern, 3D printed pet urn designs are definitely worth checking out.

Why 3D Printed Pet Urns Are Gaining Popularity
3D printing has opened up a world of cool options for personalization. When it comes to pet urns, this technology offers flexibility you just can’t get from mass produced ceramics or metal urns on store shelves. Creative pet owners can work with designers or even print their own urns if they have the knowhow.
Besides just looking unique, 3D printed urns can also be more affordable than custom handcrafted urns. Plus, you get to choose ecofriendly materials or something that fits your pet’s personality. Think bright colors, paw shaped designs, or even an urn shaped like your pet’s favorite toy.
Online retailers and local shops have started offering more of these, and platforms like Etsy are leading the way with hand finished, customizable urns for just about every type of pet. Being able to tailor every detail—size, color, engraving—means you’re not stuck with a generic option.
Types of 3D Printed Pet Urn Designs
The range of urn designs available through 3D printing keeps growing. Here are some popular types worth looking at:
- Sculpted Likeness Urns: These urns have a figurine or bust that looks like your pet. Some artists can work from photos to get the details just right. It’s a sweet reminder and a special keepsake.
- Themed or Toy Inspired Urns: Perfect if your cat was obsessed with yarn or your dog loved balls. Designers take classic shapes—bones, fish, hearts—and turn them into urns you’ll actually want to see every day.
- Minimalist and Modern: For those who like a more subtle look, minimal shapes and smooth finishes offer low key ways to honor your pet. These designs blend into home décor really well.
- Ecofriendly Bioplastic Urns: Many 3D printed urns are made from PLA, a plant based plastic that’s biodegradable. Great for those looking to balance looks and environmental values.
- Personalized Nameplate or Photo Urns: Some urns include a spot to add your pet’s photo or a plaque with their name and dates. The details are printed into the urn as part of the design.
Matching your urn style to your pet’s personality or your home style makes the memorial feel less clinical and more like a part of daily life.
How to Find the Right 3D Printed Pet Urn
Choosing an urn isn’t usually something you’ve done before, so here are some things that make the selection easier:
- Know the Size You Need: Urns come in many sizes, from small keepsake versions to standard ones that hold all your pet’s ashes. Sellers usually list volumes in cubic inches or centimeters. Check with your vet or crematory if you’re unsure.
- Pick a Material: PLA plastic is the most common, but there are options like PETG or even composites with wood fibers for extra texture. The finish can be glossy, matte, or painted.
- Choose a Design or Theme: Decide if you want something playful, classic, or totally custom. Look for examples and pick out shapes or colors that you connect with.
- Customization Options: Many 3D printed urns can be engraved or include printed names, dates, or artwork. Some shops even let you upload a 3D model of your pet.
- Order from Trusted Sellers: Shops like Etsy, Shapeways, and even some local print houses specialize in pet urns and can show you lots of examples before you buy. Reading reviews helps give you confidence that you’re picking a seller who cares about quality.
Getting a good photo of your pet handy helps if you’re thinking of going for a sculpted likeness or custom model. You’ll get the best results if you send a few shots showing your pet’s face and markings.
More pet owners are also joining online communities to share their experiences and reviews of 3D printed urns. These communities can give you an idea of what works well and let you pick up on any extra features or designs you might want to include in your own urn.
What to Consider Before Ordering a 3D Printed Pet Urn
Taking your time choosing a memorial is really important. Here are some tips to help guide you:
- Durability: Most 3D printed urns are plenty sturdy for indoor use, but some materials may fade or become brittle if left in direct sunlight or exposed to water. If you want to keep the urn outdoors or in a bright window, ask about UV resistance.
- Assembly: Some urns come in two or more pieces to make filling them easier. Double check how the urn opens (screw cap, snap closure, or hidden latch) so you’re comfortable with sealing the ashes inside.
- Finish and Detail: 3D printing leaves fine layers on the surface. Most designers smooth, sand, or paint urns by hand to give a clean look. Ask about finish options if you want something super sleek or painted in certain colors.
- Eco Impact: Choosing biodegradable or recycled materials is a smart pick if you’re concerned with a lower carbon option. PLA and similar plastics compost in industrial facilities but not in backyard piles, so check with the seller if that matters for you.
- Shipping Time: Custom urns can take a bit longer to make and ship, especially if you’re asking for a lot of customization. Most sellers list a production time frame. Rush orders are sometimes possible if needed.
Careful research helps buyers make informed decisions and makes the end result even more meaningful.
Where to Shop for 3D Printed Pet Urns
If you want a unique, handmade touch, Etsy is a top pick. Tons of shops on the platform work with pet owners to create just the right memorial. Plus, you can see customer photos and recommendations. Shapeways and 3D Hubs offer print on demand services and connect you with designers if you need help sketching out your idea. More local makers are adding urns to their 3D printing services, so it’s worth searching nearby as well.
Personalizing Your Pet’s Urn
The biggest advantage of the 3D print route is just how flexible it gets. Adding engraved names, favorite colors, or special symbols (like paw prints, hearts, or even a tiny toy) makes the urn more than just a container. Some families even order small matching keepsakes—little paw tokens or miniurns—to share with family members or keep somewhere special.
Texture and feel matter just as much as looks. Some people love the slightly matte or velvetlike finish of certain plastics, while others want a painted look or even glitter added for fun. You can also ask for unique closures or base designs that fit with the look you want.
Your pet’s collar tag, fur clipping, or a little favorite treat can sometimes be added in a small inner compartment if you ask your seller for a custom build. Some creative makers even offer urns with sound modules that play a favorite bark or purr, fully customizable to help you remember your pet’s personality long after they’re gone.
Answers to Common Questions about 3D Printed Pet Urns
How strong are 3D printed urns?
Most good quality urns made with PLA or PETG plastics are sturdy enough for display or safe storage inside your home. They can be made waterproof and tighter fitting if you let the seller know that’s what you want.
Can I design my own urn if I have a 3D printer?
Absolutely. If you’re familiar with free programs like Tinkercad or Blender, you can design something from scratch or start from an online template. Makers on forums or sites like Thingiverse often share designs for free or low cost, so you can tweak them as needed for your own pet.
How do I safely seal the ashes in a 3D printed urn?
Most urns have tight screw or snap on lids, and some offer additional security like built in glue channels. Ask the designer about the best method for your urn’s shape and style, especially if you’ll be moving it around or want it watertight.
Are 3D printed urns good for outside?
Standard PLA can fade or warp outside, but PETG or specially coated urns will last much longer. Just let your seller know where you plan to display it. For extreme outdoor climates or places with high humidity, consider double checking with the maker about protective coatings to make the urn last even longer.
Ideas for Honoring Pets with Unique 3D Printed Designs
Seeing what others have done can spark your own ideas. Here are a few more ways families get creative:
- Commissioning a cartoonstyle model of their dog, cat, or rabbit for the urn topper.
- Including a favorite quote or pawprint pattern that wraps around the outside.
- Ordering a set of matching urns or keepsake boxes for all the family pets, lined up together on a shelf.
- Choosing a color that matches a favorite collar, blanket, or even your home décor so the urn feels like part of everyday life instead of a separate object.
- Working with an artist to add special elements like wings, halos, or other symbols that carry meaning for your family.
With 3D printed urns, the possibilities keep spreading, making it easier for everyone to find something that just feels right. The ability to add new features and collaborate with talented designers is setting the bar high for pet memorials. Whether you want to celebrate your best friend with a playful, modern design or keep things simple and heartfelt, the world of 3D printed urns is filled with choices that help make memories last.
My Black Lab just turned 4, and I’m honestly not looking forward to the day I have to face something like this — but this really spoke to me. I never even knew 3D printed urns were a thing, let alone that they could be so personal and meaningful. The idea of being able to choose something that actually reflects your pet’s personality feels a lot more comforting than the standard options you usually see.
I’m hoping it’s many, many years before I ever need one… but reading this made me feel a little less anxious about that future moment.
Thank you so much for sharing this — I completely understand how you feel. I’ve been through this kind of loss before, and even now with my two dogs, I can’t bear to think about going through it again. Knowing options like 3D-printed urns exist does bring a bit of comfort, though, because they allow you to honor your pet in such a personal way. I’m hoping you have many, many happy years ahead with your Lab.