Floating Lantern Pet Memorial 2026

Join us on the second Sunday in September (National Pet Memorial Day) for an evening of remembrance and gratitude for those special pets we have loved and lost.

Pet parents who wish to decorate and float a lantern in honor of one or more pets must reserve use of a lantern in advance.

If you cannot be present but would like to have a lantern floated for you, you may reserve an absentee lantern.

This is an eco-friendly event. LED lights are used to illuminate the lanterns. The lanterns are 100% re-usable. Nothing is left behind in the park or the water. Papers are flame cremated at Radiant Heart’s facility.

Also, please do not bring your dog, or any other pet, to this event This event is about honoring our departed companions, not the ones we are lucky enough to still have with us.

DECORATING YOUR PAPER

The lanterns consist of a floating base and a plexiglass cylinder top that fits snuggly onto the base. A 6″ x 18″ piece of transparent paper, decorated to honor one or more pets, rests on the inside edge of the plexiglass.  LED candles are placed in the center (under the plexiglass).

Participants will decorate their papers in advance and bring them to the event. You may have your blank paper mailed to you, or you may pick it up at Radiant Heart’s facility.

Adding Photos: You may upload up to 3 photos as part of your on-line reservation and Radiant Heart will print them on transparent paper for you. (Regular photo paper does not allow light to shine through, so standard photographs do not work in the lanterns.) You could also purchase translucent vellum or tracing paper at an office supply store and print photos at home that you can then cut-out and tape or glue onto your master vellum paper.

DAY OF THE EVENT – HOW IT WORKS

Please arrive at the camp ground at the designated time. (Participants are asked to select a time slot to avoid bottlenecks.)

Please dress appropriately for the weather, and consider bringing a lawn chair, cushion or blanket. A headlamp or flashlight is also recommended.

Please do not bring your dog, or any other pet, to this event. This event is about honoring our departed companions, not the ones we are lucky enough to still have with us.

After parking, please follow directions to the Radiant Heart tent to check in. (If you are unable to walk from the parking area to the check-in area, then you are welcome to drive on the paved road to the tent.) Please hand your pre-decorated lantern paper to a volunteer who will assemble the lantern for you. Once the lantern is assembled, a volunteer will ask to check your lantern just to make sure the top is securely on the base. Then, whenever you are ready, you may walk to the release point on the beach and float your lantern in the lake. You are welcome to stay to watch the lanterns (we encourage you to do so!).

As the end of the session approaches, volunteers in kayaks will begin retrieving all lanterns from the lake.

The floating lanterns are made of reusable materials and are lit by LED lights. Every single lantern will be retrieved from the water right after the event and a crew will check again the following morning. Reusable parts will be cleaned and stored for future use.

The decorated sheets of paper will also be collected and flame cremated at a later date.

DISCLAIMER

All participants understand that Radiant Heart After-Care for Pets has no control over unforeseen events nor will be held responsible for any loss, injury or damage to any person or property that may occur as a result.

Thank you so much for your interest. We hope you can join us!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there an admission fee? If you want to decorate and float a lantern then there is a reservation fee.

May I honor more than one pet on a single lantern? Yes — you may honor as many pets as you like on a single lantern.

May I bring my dog? No. Please do not bring your dog, or any other pet, to this event. This event is about honoring our departed companions, not the ones we are lucky enough to still have with us.

Will the event take place rain or shine? If the weather poses a threat to the well-being of the volunteer kayakers, then the event will be rescheduled. Any severe weather delays will be communicated via e-mail.

May I bring my own lantern to float? No. Out of concern for the safety of the participants and the environment, outside lanterns will not be allowed. Our lanterns had to be pre-approved due to Fire Department’s restrictions.

Do you use real candles? No. For the safety of the environment and all those involved, lanterns will be lit by amber-colored flickering LED lights that provide a visual effect similar to real candles.

What happens to the lanterns after the ceremony? Every single lantern will be retrieved from the water right after the event. Reusable parts will be cleaned and stored for future use. The paper sleeves will be respectfully collected and cremated.

Is Floating Lantern Pet Memorial Bellingham a non-profit organization? No. Radiant Heart is a for-profit venture that believes in giving back to the community. It is our privilege to sponsor this event.