Pet Cemetery

Section of the Pet Cemetery including some of the oldest known graves dating from 1936.

NPS Photo / Aaron Firth

Quick Facts

Location:

Fort Monroe, Va.

Significance:

Part of Fort Monroe National Monument

MANAGED BY:

Fort Monroe Authority

Amenities

2 listed

Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Atop Fort Monroe’s stone walls is one of the most intriguing aspects of Fort Monroe; a pet cemetery that acts as a reminder to the hundreds of pets lost to the people of Fort Monroe. Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, all sorts of animals are laid to rest atop the stone parapets. Walking along the top of this stone fort, you will see hundreds of stone markers denoting the final resting place of family members. These headstones, like all those dotting the land across thousands of cemeteries and graveyards, speak of the importance and love of animals we sometimes overlook while training, talking on walks, playing with, cuddling next to, or just feeling the calming presence they emit. Some headstones read, “Loved by…” while others still bear the tears shed over the passing of a family member, “In my heart,” and “Here Lies A Part of Our Lives.” Others speak to the characteristics of loved pets. Foxy, for example, was the “Fort Monroe Frisbee Champ.”

The oldest known headstone dates to 1936, but it is believed that over 400 pets rest atop Fort Monroe. Officially closed in 1988, the pet cemetery at Fort Monroe offers visitors an opportunity to reflect and remember their own pets lost but always in our hearts.