Pet Urn Sizing and Photo Checklist

If you are looking at urns and wondering what you need to know first, you can begin with these few practical details. You do not need a finished design or a perfect set of photographs.

I’m Tammy, the ceramicist behind Farbe Ceramics. This is the information I use to help you check a piece before we begin.

1. Ask your crematorium about the ashes

• Do you want to keep all the ashes, or a smaller portion?
• What is their actual volume in millilitres or cubic inches?
• Are they inside a sealed bag? What are its dimensions?
• Can the crematorium help you transfer them when you are ready?

Your pet’s body weight is a starting estimate, not a guarantee of the space their ashes will need. You do not need to send the ashes to me. Every memorial arrives empty.

2. Check the particular urn and size

• Confirm its usable internal capacity, not just the outside height.
• Ask for the opening dimensions and the closure used on that form.
• If you are keeping the bag sealed, check that it fits through the opening without forcing it.
• Check the outside height and width against the place you have in mind.

Our standard jar capacities are approximately XS 200 ml, S 650 ml, M 880 ml and L 1,800 ml. These are jar measurements. They do not apply to cat shaped, sleeping cat, Maneki Neko or other sculptural forms. Ask me about the exact shape and size you are considering.

3. Gather the photographs you already have

• A face view showing their usual expression.
• Both sides and the back, if you have them.
• A photograph showing their coat colour without a strong filter.
• A close view of any marking you especially want remembered.
• A short note telling me which photograph looks most like them.

If you have only one photograph, please send it. Tell me what you remember about the parts it does not show, and I will explain what we can work from. You do not have to sort through every photograph at once.

4. Write down the details that matter to you

• Your preferred shape and expression.
• Any name, dates or words, with spelling and punctuation checked.
• Markings or colours you want me to pay particular attention to.
• Any flowers or other decoration you would like to discuss.
• Whether you want a finish with more or less shine. Ask to see finished examples.

A change to the ears, tail or pose can require a different sculptural form. Please ask before ordering so I can check what is possible, the price and the making time.

5. Know what you are approving

1. The builder preview records the design choices. It is an illustration.
2. We review your photographs and agree the details before making.
3. I share photographs of the physical painted piece for your approval before the final firing.
4. The glaze develops in the kiln, so the final colour and shine can differ slightly from the painted proof or screen.

6. Allow time for making and delivery

Existing shapes usually take 6 to 8 weeks after we agree the design. Custom sizes and fully bespoke work usually take 8 to 10 weeks. Allow approximately 7 to 14 days for delivery after dispatch, with many Asian destinations around 7 days. These are estimates. If a date matters, please ask before ordering.

A note you can copy into your message

“I am considering [shape and size]. I would like it to hold [all the ashes / a portion]. The crematorium has confirmed [volume], and the bag measures [dimensions]. The detail I most want remembered is [detail]. I have attached [photographs]. Could you confirm the usable capacity, opening, outside dimensions and estimated making time?”

You can leave anything you do not know blank. Send me your questions, or read the pet urn size guide and how custom orders work.

When you want to look at shapes, you can compare the seated cat urn, sleeping cat urn and Maneki Neko urn. There is no need to choose one before asking a question.