Question 1

How big is it, and how thick is the steel?

Accepted Answer

265 × 195mm is the largest size across the whole collection, ground spike included — most designs sit smaller than that. It's cut from a single sheet of solid 5mm steel: substantial in the hand, but sized so one person can carry and position it easily. See the "How big is it?" diagram on any product page for exact dimensions.

Question 2

How long will the steel actually last outdoors?

Accepted Answer

It's solid mild steel, left untreated on purpose, so it rusts outdoors — that's the weathering you see in the slider. A thick solid piece takes many years to wear, but untreated steel does keep changing, so think of it as a keepsake that ages with your garden rather than something that stays as it arrived. If you'd rather it never rusted, choose brushed stainless steel instead.

Question 3

Can I see what it will look like before I order?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every product page has a live preview that shows your pet's name on the design as you type it, plus a patina slider so you can see how the steel will look on day one versus a few years outdoors.

Question 4

Is this only for a pet who's passed away?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Plenty of people choose one for a pet who's very much still with them — it's just as much a way to celebrate a much-loved animal as to remember one. At checkout you can say which it's for, and we'll word any follow-up accordingly.

Question 5

What if my pet's breed isn't listed?

Accepted Answer

Send us a photo through our guided finder or the contact page and we'll help you find the closest match, or look at creating one — we regularly add new designs.

Question 6

What if my pet isn't a dog, cat, horse, pony, rabbit or guinea pig?

Accepted Answer

Send us a photo and we'll see what we can do. We've made pieces for all sorts of animals that aren't in the main collection yet.

Question 7

How do I add my pet's name?

Accepted Answer

You'll type it directly on the product page — up to 20 characters (letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens and apostrophes), shown in our engraving font. The preview shows how it will sit on the design, and the lettering is engraved exactly as you've spelled it.

Question 8

Can the name go on a band instead of on the animal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On any design you can choose to have the name on a band beneath the animal rather than cut through it. If a name is too long to sit comfortably on the animal, the product page will suggest the band for you.

Question 9

Can I change the name after ordering?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch as soon as possible after placing your order. Once a piece has gone into engraving we usually can't change it, but we'll always do what we can.

Question 10

Can I request a different pose for a design?

Accepted Answer

Every design shown is what we currently offer for that breed, but if you have something specific in mind, send us a photo via our contact page and we'll see what's possible.

Question 11

How do I display it in the garden?

Accepted Answer

Each memorial has an integrated ground spike, so it's ready to push straight into soil or a lawn — no separate stand, fixings, or concrete needed.

Question 12

Will it stand up securely, even in wind?

Accepted Answer

The ground spike anchors it firmly in typical garden soil. In a very exposed spot, pushing it a little deeper or into firmer ground nearby will keep it steadiest.

Question 13

Can I move it once it's in place?

Accepted Answer

Yes — lift it straight out and reposition it whenever you like. It's not fixed or concreted in.

Question 14

Will the steel rust?

Accepted Answer

Yes — deliberately. Natural steel pieces are left untreated so they develop a rich rust patina outdoors, deepening in colour over the months and years.

Question 15

Can I have one that stays bright instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes — choose brushed stainless steel on any design (£10 more). It keeps its bright, brushed silver finish outdoors, with no rust and no patina, so it looks the same for as long as you have it. Natural steel is for the weathered, garden-grown look; stainless is for a clean, modern one. Both are cut and personalised in exactly the same way.

Question 16

Is the rusting normal, or a fault?

Accepted Answer

Completely normal, and part of the design — it's not a fault or a sign anything's wrong. Every piece weathers a little differently, which is part of what makes it feel like it belongs in your garden rather than sitting on top of it.

Question 17

How quickly will it change, and can I stop it?

Accepted Answer

You'll usually see the first colour change within weeks outdoors, developing further over the following months and years — use the patina slider on any product page to see the stages. If you'd rather it stayed close to its original finish, keeping it under cover slows the process, though we don't recommend sealants or coatings as they tend to weather unevenly.

Question 18

Does it keep changing forever, or does it settle?

Accepted Answer

The colour deepens fastest in the first year or two, then the change slows right down and becomes much more gradual. Untreated steel never stops weathering altogether, which is part of its charm — and if you'd prefer a finish that stays put, brushed stainless is there for that.

Question 19

Will it stain the paving or stone underneath it?

Accepted Answer

It can, especially while the patina is developing fastest in the first year — rust run-off is normal for rusting steel and can mark pale, porous stone directly beneath it. If that's a concern, position it on grass, soil, or a bed rather than light-coloured paving, or use a paving slab underneath purely as a drip tray.

Question 20

Does it need any special care over winter?

Accepted Answer

No — it's designed to live outdoors in all weather year-round. Frost, rain, and snow don't damage it; if anything, colder, wetter weather tends to develop the patina a little faster than a dry summer would.

Question 21

How long does an order take to arrive?

Accepted Answer

Every memorial is made to order once we have your engraving details. Please allow up to 28 days for UK delivery — most orders arrive well before that, but it's the figure to plan around.

Question 22

How is it packaged?

Accepted Answer

Carefully, to travel safely — each piece is wrapped and boxed to arrive in the same condition it left us in.

Question 23

Do you ship outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Currently we ship to the UK only. If you're elsewhere and would still like something made, message us and we'll see what's possible.

Question 24

What if my item arrives damaged?

Accepted Answer

Contact us with a photo within 14 days of delivery and we'll sort out a replacement or refund, no fuss.

Question 25

Can I return a personalised piece if I change my mind?

Accepted Answer

Because every piece is personalised specifically for you, made-to-order items aren't covered by the standard change-of-mind return right — see our Returns & Refunds page for the full picture, including what happens if something arrives faulty or wrong.

Frequently asked questions