Pet funeral words for Catholic families

A family prayer at home

An informal family gathering for Catholic households, with a psalm, memories and familiar prayers. We don't know of any official Catholic rite for a pet, and this isn't one. It isn't a sacrament, a funeral liturgy or a blessing, and it isn't an official rite of the Catholic Church. About 15 minutes.

The order of steps

1. OpeningWelcome everyone and begin with the Sign of the Cross. It doesn't matter how long ago your pet passed. It's never too late for this.
2. Psalm 103:24-25This is the Douay-Rheims Bible, where it's numbered Psalm 103. In most newer Bibles it's Psalm 104. You can read from your own Bible instead.

   How great are thy works, O Lord? thou hast made all things in wisdom: the earth is filled with thy riches. So is this great sea, which stretcheth wide its arms: there are creeping things without number: Creatures little and great.

   Source: Psalm 103:24-25, Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (1749-1752), public domain

3. RememberingShare stories about your pet, and invite others to share theirs.
4. Family prayers (optional)If your family would like, pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be in the words you know. Then pray in your own words for everyone who's grieving. If you're not sure what's appropriate, your parish priest can help.
5. A candle (optional)Light a candle by your pet's photo, and invite others to do the same, as a sign of remembrance.
6. Quiet prayer (optional)Take a few quiet moments. Kneel, sit or stand, whatever's comfortable.
7. ClosingGive thanks for your pet as one of God's creatures. St. Francis's Canticle of the Creatures is one reading you could use here. End with the Sign of the Cross.