This beautiful garden is the perfect place to commemorate special pets. The tranquil setting is an idyllic haven where you can have quiet reflection for your much-missed four-legged friend. Nestling in a picturesque spot next to the Ilford PDSA Pet Hospital, the garden symbolises the special bond we share with our much-missed pets.
When designing the PDSA Paws Forever Pet Tribute Garden, we wanted to make it a special and memorable place. The distinctive paw print design was chosen to create a unique garden that celebrates the lives of many beloved pets.
The Pet Tribute Garden is located at the Ilford Animal Cemetery. Find out more information on the cemetery and how to get to Ilford PDSA Animal Cemetery.
A very special garden setting with a unique history
The peaceful setting of the pet tribute garden could hardly be more fitting. The adjacent animal cemetery dates from the 1920’s – and has some 3,000 animals laid to rest – including some of the bravest this country has ever known. These include 12 recipients of the PDSA Dickin Medal awarded to animal war heroes like Peter, the search and rescue dog that worked tirelessly, locating people buried in the debris of the London Blitz in WW2.
What is the PDSA Dickin Medal?
PDSA Animal Awards Programme aims to recognise acts of extraordinary animal bravery or exceptional devotion to duty by awarding three globally-recognised medals and a commendation for devotion. The three medals are PDSA Dickin Medal, PDSA Gold Medal and PDSA Order of Merit.
The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive for serving in military conflict. The award acknowledges outstanding acts of bravery or devotion to duty displayed by animals serving in war. The PDSA Dickin Medal was first instituted in 1943 by our founder, Maria Dickin CBE, and has since been awarded numerous times. Ilford PDSA Animal Cemetery is the final resting place for 12 recipients of the PDSA Dickin Medal.
The Pet Tribute Garden today
In 2006, PDSA approached the Big Lottery Fun for a grant to renovate the cemetery and, following local support, was awarded £50,000 from the People’s Millions. This generous grant allowed the graves of the PDSA Dickin Medal recipients to be restored, as well as the addition of accessible pathways and a new visitor’s centre to be built.
In 2007, Bob Flowerdew, the organic gardener and television and radio presenter, opened the Garden of Remembrance. He designed the garden for PDSA, basing the design on the colours of the PDSA Dickin Medal ribbon.
Our work continued and we opened the Paws Forever Pet Tribute Garden in 2008. The Paws Forever Tribute Garden is a place where supporters can view the many Pet Tribute Tags and Plaques, which have been dedicated to special pets and reflect on the life of their own furry friend.
Tribute Tags and Wall Plaques
The PDSA Paws Forever Pet Tribute Garden is dedicated to the memory of beloved pets. In the garden, you can find many Tribute Tags and Plaques dedicated to many much-missed pets, keeping their memories alive. Also found in this garden is a wall displaying plaques dedicated to memories of furry friends.
Unfortunately, our Tribute Tags and Wall Plaques are not currently available to purchase. However, you can still make a donation to PDSA and commemorate your special pet by adding them to our National Collection of Pet Memories.