Not at all. For a smaller cat or dog, the urn will have more room than the ashes require—and that's by design. Many families choose to fill that extra space with mementos: a collar, a clipping of fur, a favorite toy, or a handwritten note tucked inside. If the remains don't fill the urn completely, please know this is normal and nothing to worry about. The urn is sized to honor your pet with dignity, not to be filled to the brim.

You can do either—there's no more "correct" way than what feels right to you. Crematories typically return ashes in a sealed bag inside a temporary container, and you're welcome to place that bag directly into the urn if it fits. Or, if an extra layer of protection brings you peace of mind, we include a premium ash bag with every urn—simply place the premium bag inside the urn, then gently tuck the sealed crematory bag within it.

And if doing it yourself feels like too much, you don't have to—many families bring their POJU urn to their vet, who is often happy to assist with the transfer. The choice is entirely yours, and whichever you choose, your pet is cared for with the same tenderness.

Sealing is only necessary if you pour the remains directly into the urn. If the ashes stay in their sealed bag, you can skip this step—but please check the bottom stopper. Because each urn is handcrafted, the stopper fit can vary slightly from piece to piece. If it doesn't feel completely secure against the base, we recommend sealing the urn even if the remains are bagged.

If you choose to seal:

1. Apply a small amount of ceramic-safe adhesive around the rim of the opening.
2. Place the lid on top, pressing it firmly into place.
3. Hold it still for 5–10 minutes to allow the adhesive to set.
4. Leave the urn undisturbed for 24 hours to fully cure.

Additional care tips:

• If you decide not to seal at all, replace the silica gel packet inside the urn once a year to help maintain a dry interior.
• Our bottom stopper is made from food-grade silicone and will not discolor or change color over time.