Frequently Asked Questions

Are Fauna urns for people or pets?

Both. Fauna urns are created to honour either cherished people or pets. We offer six sizes, from small keepsake sizes through full-size adult urns.

The same sizing principle applies in either case: choose the urn based on body weight before cremation. If you are unsure which size is right, our Sizing Guide can help.

How do I know what size urn I need?

To make things simple, our urn sizes are labelled by the body weight they are designed to accommodate. As a general rule, 1 lb of body weight before cremation requires approximately 1 cubic inch of urn capacity.

25 lb urn: Up to 25 lbs of body weight
50 lb urn: Up to 50 lbs of body weight
100 lb urn: Up to 100 lbs of body weight
150 lb urn: Up to 150 lbs of body weight
200 lb urn: Up to 200 lbs of body weight
250 lb urn: Up to 250 lbs of body weight

Example: If your loved one weighed 140 lbs, choose the 150 lb urn. When in doubt, size up.

Still unsure? Visit our Sizing Guide.

How long will it take for my urn to arrive?

We offer two delivery options to ensure your memorial arrives exactly when you need it. Both options include a tracking number sent to your email as soon as your order ships.

Standard Shipping: FREE

  • Arrives in 5–7 business days.
  • Includes a 3-day window for careful production followed by fast-tracked shipping.

Rush Shipping: $28.00

  • Arrives in 2–4 business days.
  • Includes priority production and priority 1-day delivery.

Important Note: If you are working with a specific date for a service, please message us. We will do everything we can to accommodate your timeline.

What is your return policy?

We offer a no questions asked return and exchange policy to ensure you are completely satisfied with your choice.

  • 100% Risk-Free: If the memorial piece isn’t exactly right for any reason, you can return it for a full refund or exchange.

  • Zero Cost to You: We provide a pre-paid shipping label for all returns and exchanges.

  • Simple Process: No complex forms. Just email us at info@faunamemorials.com, and a member of our team will personally assist you.

I live in the USA. Will there be customs fees or delays?

Because our products are proudly made in Canada, they qualify for duty-free entry into the United States.

  • No Extra Costs: The price you see at checkout is the final price. You will not receive a bill for customs, duties or brokerage fees upon delivery.

  • Seamless Delivery: We use streamlined shipping routes to ensure your order moves quickly through customs without typical international delays.

  • Shipping Time: Most US orders arrive within 5–7 business days via our standard free shipping.

  • Need it fast? We offer Rush Shipping ($28) to the USA, which arrives in 2–4 business days. If you choose this option, a member of our team will personally reach out to you within 24 hours to coordinate the timing and ensure your needs are met.

Does the urn lock?

Each memorial is designed with a secure, precision-threaded screw-top lid that ensures a tight fit and will not accidentally open if the piece is moved or handled.

The lid is engineered to sit perfectly flush with the body of the memorial, maintaining its clean architectural lines and sleek matte silhouette.

While the threaded closure is very secure on its own, you may also choose to apply a few small drops of super-glue to the threads before the final closure for a permanent, tamper-proof seal.

What are your products made of?

Each Fauna urn is made from a mineral-infused resin composite with a smooth, refined matte finish. Natural mineral powder adds substance and depth to the material while keeping it lightweight, durable, and easy to handle.

The material allows us to create crisp sculptural detail without the weight of traditional stone or ceramic. Although the mineral matte finish has a refined, substantial appearance, Fauna urns are not made from stone or ceramic.

How do I take care of my urn?

Our products are designed for durability and a lifetime of display. To maintain the beautiful matte finish, we recommend the following care:

  • General Cleaning: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently remove dust. For more thorough cleaning, a slightly damp cloth with water is usually all that is needed.

  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners, chemical solvents, or wax-based polishes, as these can alter the signature matte texture.

  • Handling: While the material is strong and resilient, we recommend handling with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring natural oils or lotions to the surface.

  • Display Environment: Our products are designed for indoor display. To ensure the color and finish remain vibrant for years to come, keep your memorial away from direct, prolonged sunlight or high-heat sources.

Can the urn be buried?

While our products are designed as permanent tributes for home display or columbarium niches, they can be used for ground burial. Here is what you should know:

  • Cemetery Requirements: Most cemeteries require an Urn Vault (a rigid outer container) for ground burials to protect the site from settling. If placed inside a vault, the product will remain protected indefinitely.

  • Direct Burial: Our high-performance composite is plant-based and more eco-friendly. However, it is engineered for extreme durability and is not classified as a "rapidly biodegradable" burial urn. It is intended to be a lasting vessel.

  • Columbarium Placement: Our products are ideally suited for placement in a columbarium niche. We recommend checking the niche dimensions against our sizing guide to ensure a proper fit.

Recommendation: We always suggest checking with your cemetery's specific regulations regarding container materials and vault requirements prior to a service.

Can I place the urn outside?

No. Our products are designed exclusively for indoor display or placement within a protected columbarium niche.

  • Preserving the Finish: To maintain the premium matte texture and vibrant color, the product should not be exposed to outdoor elements such as rain, humidity, or freezing temperatures.

  • Sunlight Exposure: Just like fine furniture or artwork, prolonged exposure to direct, harsh sunlight outdoors may affect the finish over time.

  • Ideal Display: These pieces are intended for climate-controlled indoor spaces. Placing your memorial on a mantel, shelf, or bedside table ensures it remains a beautiful, lasting tribute for a lifetime.

How do I transfer the remains into the urn?

There are two common ways to handle the transfer of remains into your memorial:

  • Professional Assistance: Most funeral homes or crematoriums are happy to perform the transfer for you. If you provide them with the product, they can professionally handle the placement of the remains.

  • Self-Transfer: You can also perform the transfer yourself. Your loved one’s remains will typically be returned to you from the crematorium in a sealed, durable plastic bag. This bag is designed to be placed directly into the memorial without being opened.

Do you offer personalization or engraving?

Not at this time. We are currently focused on delivering a clean, calming design and a premium matte finish on every urn.

Simple ways to personalize
Many families add a small nameplate, memorial charm, or framed note alongside the urn to create a personal tribute without changing the urn itself.

Engraving options
Because the design is intentionally minimal, it also pairs beautifully with custom plaques from local engraving services, which can be displayed beside the urn if you would like a permanently engraved element.

What is a keepsake urn?

A keepsake urn is a smaller urn used to hold a portion of ashes rather than the full cremated remains. They're chosen for many reasons β€” some families split ashes between multiple people, some keep a small amount at home after scattering, and some simply prefer a more compact size for display.

All Fauna urns are available in sizes from 25 lbs capacity upward, making them suitable as both keepsake urns and full-sized memorials. If you're unsure which size is right for your situation, visit our Sizing Guide or message us directly.

What makes Fauna urns different from other cremation urns?

Most cremation urns follow the same traditional forms and materials that have existed for decades. Fauna was started because we believed there was a better way β€” pieces that feel personal, considered, and worthy of the lives they honour.

Each Fauna urn is thoughtfully designed, available in eight colours and six sizes, and made to order in our Vancouver studio from a mineral-infused resin composite with a refined matte finish. Every piece is designed to sit naturally within the home or a columbarium niche.

We also offer free shipping, free returns, and a 100% money-back guarantee because choosing a memorial should feel as straightforward and supported as possible.

Are your urns eco-friendly?

Every Fauna urn is made from a material selected in part for its lower environmental impact. Our mineral-infused resin composite produces substantially fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional plastics while remaining lightweight, durable, and designed for long-term use.

Each urn is also made to order in our Vancouver studio, helping us avoid mass production and excess finished inventory.