Custom Laser Etching Questions
1) I cannot seem to upload my photo what should I do? Answer
Please click on the WE DESIGN button and place the order. Email the photo to us separately. We will design the pet urn / pet memorial face plate and send you a simulation by e-mail.
2) The eyes on my photo are all red or all white. Can this be fixed? Answer
Our artists know to watch for this and will fix the eyes on your photo. This is to ensure that your custom etched pet urn or pet memorial is perfect.
3) I do not have a digital image of my photo. I only have a photograph. Answer
Please click the WE DESIGN button to place the order with all your information. Then mail us the photo. We will then scan it to create a digital image. We will email you a simulation of your pet urn / pet memorial for your approval. Your photo will be returned to you.
4) My poem is more than 100 character what should I do? Answer
Upon check out you will see a comments box, type in the whole poem there. We will use the entire poem. If the poem is exceptionally long, we will re-design the stone to make it work. We will send you a simulation of your pet urn / pet memorial before we etch it.
5) How do I place the ashes in the wooden pet urn? Answer
If you are purchasing a wooden pet urn there are 4 screws on the bottom of the urn. After removing them the bottom comes off. You would then place the ashes inside and replace the cover.
6) Can the pet memorial stone be used outdoors? Answer
That is actually the pet memorials intended use. We seal the pet memorials after etching to protect them from the weather. Pet memorials are meant for all climates. It is recommended that your re-seal it annually - though it will last a lifetime anyway.
7) How long will it take to receive my order? Answer
We can usually ship all orders, whether they are pet urns, pet memorials, or custom etching work, within 24-48 hours with UPS ground. Depending on where you are located in the U.S.A. from Laser Pals in New York, it can be 2-5 days approximately. If there will be a very long delay we will notify you.
8) Are your packing peanuts safe for pets and biodegradable? Answer
Our packing peanuts are made of cornstarch and therefore are biodegradable and non-toxic. Our cats used to try to eat them, so we know how nerve-wracking it can be wondering if the stray packing peanut Gnocchi ate was going to harm him...
9) I can't crop the photo the way I want it. Is there a way I can have it work? Answer
When you upload the picture for your custom pet memorial or pet urn, we get the entire photo every time. Often we re-crop to fit the picture better anyway. So, if you have a special request to have more of your pet or to include the paws or tail, just place your order, cropping as much as you can. At checkout, put any special instructions in the comments box.
10) There's a date on my digital image. Can you remove it? Answer
Yes, we remove all dates from photos before we etch. This is to ensure that your custom etched pet memorial or pet urn is perfect.
11) The background on my photo has some unsightly stuff in it. Can you remove it? Answer
Yes we can. We usually leave a background alone unless it is unsightly or distracting. If you would like a chair leg, weird shadow or something else taken out, just write it in the comments box at checkout. We will fix it. This is to ensure that your custom etched pet urn or pet memorial is perfect every time.
12) Can you make urns for people too? Answer
Yes, we often make urns for people. These urns are larger than our standard 5x7. Many people have requested our urns for their loved ones. It's an honor to treat our human friends as well as we treat our pets. As you know, we treat our pets to the best of the best.
13) Can you put "paw prints", hearts, shamrocks or other symbols on my pet memorial stone or pet urn? Answer
Yes, we can accommodate your requests for religious symbols, secular symbols, etc. Just tell us what you would like in the comments box after you place the order. We will likely have what you want. If not, you can e-mail us a digital file of it.
14) Can I have TWO pets on one memorial stone? Answer
Yes, we can design that for you. Just click on the WE DESIGN button, fill out your information for one pet. Then, when you e-mail the file, put the rest of the information in the e-mail. You will have to send a second e-mail with the second picture. Make sure you identify which pet is which. We will send you a simulation of your pet urn / pet memorial by e-mail before we etch it.
15) Can I have the Rainbow Bridge poem on my pet urn or pet memorial stone? Answer
Yes, we have that on file here. You can click on WE DESIGN and type in the poem box, Rainbow Bridge Poem. We will create your pet urn or pet memorial and send you a simulation before we etch it.
16) Do you make pet urns for large animals like pot-bellied pigs or horses? Answer
Yes, we do offer horse urns and other large animal urns. Since these are custom orders and therefore, take more time to make. Just e-mail us with the weight of your animal and we will recommend a size. Pricing depends on size, of course.
17) What size urn do I need? Answer
The appropriate pet urn if your animal is...
Bird Urn: 20 pounds or under the 3x4 urn, Small Dog / Cat Urn:20-40 pounds the 4x6 urn, Dog Urn: 40-120 pounds the 5x7 urn. For large dogs (or extreme cats) over 120 pounds we make a 6x8 urn. You can special request this pet urn or a horse urn via e-mail. Many people choose the 5x7 for the larger faceplate even though they have a smaller animal.
18) If my picture is blurry can you make it sharper? Answer
No. Unfortunately, we are only as good as the quality photo you give us. If it is the only photo you have and you are comfortable with the results (we'll show a simulation), then we will etch it only on your approval. We understand that sometimes it isn't about the quality; it's about the wonderful memory.
19) Can I use pictures copied off the internet? Answer
No. These are of such a low resolution, that they do not etch well. They become "pixilated" and look unclear. If you are okay with this, we will etch it anyway on your approval of a simulation, of course.
20) How can I fix the awkward line breaks on my poem? It doesn't read right. Answer
We will fix that naturally. The web site doesn't replace the designer. It does give you an idea of what type of pet memorial or pet urn you will be getting. If things look very unnatural, just make note of it in the comments box at the checkout. We'll make sure it comes out right.
21) HELP I MISSPELLED SOMETHING! Answer
Don't worry, we'll fix any misspellings. Make sure you write it in the comments box at checkout, OR IF YOU REALIZED IT AFTER YOU PLACED THE ORDER, don't panic, just e-mail us the correct information. Mention your name and the name of the pet. We'll make sure it will be made the right way.
22) Is the sample I see EXACTLY what my pet urn or pet memorial will look like? Answer
Not exactly... We make refinements to the design. We enlarge or reduce type size for balance. We fix type breaks so your words flow nicely. And, we re-crop the picture for the best results. If necessary, we fix eyes that have been washed out by the camera flash.
23) What if I want the full dates - month, day & year? Answer
You can have that. When place your order, at the checkout there will be a comments box. Just write the full dates as you want them here and we include these on your pet urn or pet memorial.
24) Does is cost extra to have you design it for me or if I want something done differently? Answer
It does not cost extra to have us design it for you. We want you to have your pet memorial the way you would like it to be. We'll do what we can to accommodate most requests.
25) I'm not comfortable ordering on the computer. How can I order a pet memorial or pet urn by mail? Answer
Look for "click here for a printable order form" on the Design Your Own or the We Design Page. Just click on that spot and it will open up a file that you can print on your computer's printer. It will have all the information you need to order. You can mail it to us and we will process your order. We will send a preview of your custom etched pet memorial or pet urn through your e-mail so you can see what it looks like.