What to Do If My Pet Passed?

Losing a cherished pet is a heart-wrenching experience, leaving pet owners with immense sadness and questions about what to do next. This guide will walk you through the practical steps to take when your pet passes away at home, as well as provide support and advice on navigating the grieving process.

Table of Contents

Confirming Your Pet’s Passing

It’s important to be certain your pet has actually passed away before taking any further steps. Check for signs of life such as breathing and a heartbeat. You can feel for a heartbeat by placing your hand under your pet’s chest, near their armpit. Look for a rise and fall of their chest to check for breathing. If their eyes remain open, check for a corneal reflex by gently touching their eyeball; there should be no response if they have passed. If there’s any doubt, it’s best to immediately take your pet to the nearest veterinarian for confirmation.

Important Steps to Take

1. Notify Your Veterinarian

Once you’ve confirmed your pet’s passing, the first step is to call your veterinarian. During regular business hours, your vet can guide you through the next steps and may have connections with pet cremation or burial services. If your pet dies after hours, contact a local emergency veterinary facility for assistance.

2. Handling Your Pet’s Body

An animal’s body begins to decompose right after death, so it’s important to handle their remains with care and as quickly as possible.

Here’s how to prepare your pet’s body:

Wear gloves to protect yourself from bodily fluids.
Gather a blanket, towel, or sheet large enough to wrap the body and a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.
Gently position your pet on their side in a curled-up, sleeping position on the blanket.
Wrap the body securely and slide it into the plastic bag. You may need help if your pet is large.
Secure the bag with a knot or tape and label it with your name and your pet’s name if necessary.

3. Deciding on Aftercare

You have several options for your pet’s remains:

Home Burial: Check local regulations, as home burial might be prohibited in some areas. If permitted, bury your pet at least three feet deep in a location unlikely to erode or be disturbed.
Pet Cemetery: Contact a pet cemetery for burial services.
Private Cremation: Your pet is cremated individually, and you receive their ashes.
Communal Cremation: Your pet is cremated with other animals, and you don’t receive their ashes.

4. Storage Until Final Arrangements

If you can’t immediately bury or cremate your pet, you’ll need to store their remains properly to prevent decomposition and odor.

Here are some storage options:

Freezer or Refrigerator: This is the ideal option.
Cool, Dry Place: If refrigeration isn’t possible, store the remains in a cool, dry area like a garage or basement for no more than four to six hours.

Grieving the Loss of Your Pet

The grief of losing a pet is profound and unique. Acknowledge your grief, allow yourself to cry, and don’t be afraid to seek support from others.

Here are some additional tips for coping:

Focus on happy memories: Instead of dwelling on the last moments, cherish the joyful times you shared with your pet.
Memorialize your pet: Create a tribute that honors their memory, such as planting a tree, making a memory box, or writing a letter to them.
Connect with others: Find support groups or online communities for pet loss, or talk to friends and family who understand.
Give yourself time: Grief doesn’t have a timeline. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to heal at your own pace.

Helping Children and Other Pets Cope

Children: Be honest with them about what happened using age-appropriate language. Encourage them to express their feelings through drawing, writing, or sharing memories.

Surviving Pets: They may also grieve. Provide extra love and attention, maintain a normal routine, and consult your vet if they show prolonged symptoms like loss of appetite or changes in behavior.

Considering a New Pet

It’s natural to miss the companionship of a pet. However, avoid rushing into getting a new one. Give yourself time to grieve and heal before welcoming a new furry friend into your life. Remember, a new pet can never replace the one you lost, but they can bring new joy and love to your home when the time is right.