A Typo Is a Forever Regret
Engraving on a pet tombstone is not like writing on paper. On paper, you can erase. On stone, a mistake stays. Statistics show that about 8% of custom tombstone orders require design proof revisions before carving. But even with repeated checks, sometimes errors are only discovered after the stone arrives.
This guide shows how to fix errors that have already happened and how to prevent them.
Common Engraving Error Types
Spelling errors: The pet‘s name misspelled. “Charlie” becomes “Charile.” Nickname “Charlie Boy” becomes just “Charlie.”
Date errors: Wrong year (2024 vs 2025). Format confusion (MM/DD/YY vs DD/MM/YY).
Font errors: You chose script, artisan used serif. Font too small, hard to read.
Layout errors: Text not centered. Lines too crowded. Line break in wrong place.
Missing information: “In Loving Memory” left out. Middle name omitted.
Steps After Discovering an Error
Step 1: Stay calm. Don’t contact the artisan angry. Calm communication leads to better solutions.
Step 2: Take photos. Document the error and the entire stone.
Step 3: Review your contract. Most artisans offer free revisions before proof approval, paid revisions after. Some offer “one free re-engraving” policy.
Step 4: Contact the artisan. Explain the error, provide photos. Ask about solutions.
Fixing Options
Option 1: Free replacement (best)
If the error is the artisan‘s fault (proof was correct but carving was wrong), the artisan should remake the stone for free. The old stone is usually not taken back.
Option 2: Patch and re‑engrave
For small errors (one misspelled letter), the artisan can fill the error area with stone filler, then re-engrave after drying. Repair marks may be visible. Cost typically $50-100.
Option 3: Add a correction note
For a date error (wrong year), add “Corrected: 2025” next to it. This preserves the original engraving and adds correction info. Good for owners who don’t want to replace the stone.
Option 4: Accept and keep
If the error is minor, some owners keep it. “Charile” instead of “Charlie” becomes a unique memorial. The error becomes part of the story.
Option 5: Replace at your own cost
Order a new stone yourself. Use the old stone indoors as a keepsake or as a garden stepping stone.
How to Prevent Engraving Errors
Use a design proof checklist
Before approving the proof, check each item:
- Pet name spelling (including capitalization)
- Birth and death dates (numbers and format)
- Full epitaph (punctuation, line breaks)
- Font style and size
- Layout (centering, alignment)
- Symbol or pattern placement
Have a second person check
Your own eyes miss things. Ask a family member or friend to review.
Zoom in on the proof
Don‘t just look on a phone. Zoom in on a computer screen to actual size to check details.
Ask for a physical sample
Some artisans can engrave one or two letters on a sample stone so you can see the font before the full stone is carved.
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