About Us

Pet Declaration was founded in 2018 by Gena Norris (Hampton), a devoted pet parent who faced the heart-wrenching challenge of finding the perfect urn for her beloved Chihuahua, Poncho. After struggling to find an urn that truly resembled her cherished companion, Gena had to settle for an option that did not capture Poncho's spirit, which ultimately inspired her to create Pet Declaration. Headquartered in Tampa, FL, Pet Declaration currently offers only the Chihuahua breed. Our eCommerce site will eventually offer a variety of unique and personalized urns, ensuring that every pet owner can find a fitting tribute for their beloved companions.

Grief is not just an emotion—it’s an unraveling, a space where a beloved furry life once lived but is now gone. It carves through you, leaving a hollow ache where their warm presence once resided.

At first, it feels unbearable, like a wound that will never heal. The silence is deafening where there used to be the tap-tap of paws, a gentle purr, or an enthusiastic bark. But over time, the raw edges begin to mend. The pain softens, but the imprint remains—a quiet reminder of what once was. The truth is, you never truly "move on" from a love like that. You move with it.

The love you had for your companion does not disappear; it transforms. It lingers in the phantom weight of them sleeping on the bed, in the warmth of old memories, and in the silent moments where you still look to the door, expecting to see their face. And that’s okay.

Grief over a pet is not a burden to be hidden; it is a natural and understandable response. It is the deepest proof that love existed, that something beautiful and loyal once touched your life. So let yourself feel it. Let yourself mourn the loss of your best friend. Let yourself remember every joyful minute.

There is no timeline, no “right” way to grieve. Some days the house will feel heavy, and some will feel lighter. Some moments will bring unexpected waves of sadness, perhaps when you see their favorite toy, while others will fill you with gratitude for the years of unconditional love you were lucky enough to experience.

Honor your grief, for it is sacred. It is a testament to the depth of your heart and the bond you shared. And in time, through the pain, you will find healing—not because you have forgotten their little nose or their happy tail wags, but because you have learned how to carry both their love and their loss together.

 

In addition to honoring pets that have passed, Gena recognized the importance of supporting living animals. This led to the formation of Pet Declaration Cares, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that wants to assist other 501 (c)(3)s that are involved in pet rescue. A portion of the proceeds from our urn sales will be donated to this charitable initiative, which aims to rescue and care for animals in need.

 We also welcome donations to further support our mission of helping rescue animals. Thank you for being a part of our journey!