Losing a pet is an incredibly painful experience. While many pet owners anticipate saying goodbye at a veterinary clinic, sometimes our beloved companions pass away peacefully at home. This unexpected event can be distressing, leaving you unsure of the next steps. At Pet Cremation Services, we understand the profound grief you’re experiencing, and we aim to provide compassionate guidance during this difficult time. This guide will offer clear, actionable steps to help you navigate what to do when your pet dies at home, ensuring you can honor your pet’s memory with respect and care.
If your pet was under veterinary care, your vet would typically guide you through the process after they pass. However, when death occurs at home, you have several options to consider. Whether your priority is arranging for the respectful removal of your pet’s body or you wish to explore memorialization options to celebrate their life, understanding your choices is the first step in navigating this sensitive situation.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when your pet passes away in the comfort of your home:
Confirm That Your Pet Has Passed
Before proceeding, it’s crucial to ensure that your pet has indeed passed away. Especially with older or sick pets, they may exhibit shallow breathing or remain still for extended periods, resembling death. Carefully check for vital signs. Look for a pulse, typically felt on the inner thigh, and listen intently for any breath sounds. If you are uncertain, it is always best to contact a veterinarian immediately for guidance.
Contact Your Veterinarian
Once you have confirmed your pet’s passing, take a moment to gather yourself and then contact your veterinarian. Inform them of the situation. If your regular vet is unavailable (e.g., after hours or if you are away from home), or if you do not have a regular vet, reach out to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Veterinary professionals can offer invaluable support and advice, particularly regarding the handling of your pet’s remains and the subsequent arrangements for saying your final goodbye.
Consider Options for Your Pet’s Remains
When you speak with your veterinarian, they may inquire about your wishes for your pet’s remains. While immediate decisions aren’t necessary, understanding your options can alleviate stress. Your vet can often assist in contacting pet cremation or burial services on your behalf. Depending on local regulations and personal preferences, common options include:
- Backyard Burial: Check local ordinances to ensure backyard burial is permitted in your area.
- Pet Cemetery Burial: Formal pet cemeteries offer burial plots for pets, providing a dedicated and peaceful final resting place.
- Private Cremation: Your pet is cremated individually, and their ashes are returned to you in an urn.
- Communal Cremation: Your pet is cremated with other pets, and the ashes are not returned to individual owners.
Reach Out to Pet Cremation Services (PCS)
If cremation is your preferred choice, consider contacting Pet Cremation Services directly, especially if your veterinarian hasn’t already done so. At Pet Cremation Services, we offer compassionate and reliable pet cremation services. We will arrange for a member of our dedicated care team to respectfully collect your pet from your home, following a well-established and trusted process honed over 25 years of service.
A comforting image of a deceased dog lying peacefully on a blanket, representing the quiet passing of a pet at home.
Prepare Your Pet’s Body
After your pet passes, physiological changes begin immediately. Muscle relaxation can lead to involuntary release of bodily fluids, potentially causing stains. To manage this, gently move your pet’s body to a cool, ideally non-carpeted area like a garage floor or tiled space. Place your pet on an old towel or blanket to protect surfaces and provide a comfortable resting place.
Position Your Pet’s Body Respectfully
To facilitate easier handling, transportation, or burial, gently arrange your pet’s limbs into a natural, comfortable position before rigor mortis sets in. Stiffening typically begins within 3 to 4 hours after death. If your pet is large, assistance may be needed for moving or positioning.
Allow Other Pets to Say Goodbye
If you have other pets in the household, consider allowing them to spend a short time with their deceased companion. Smelling the body can help them understand the loss and begin their grieving process. This can be an important step in their adjustment to the absence of their friend.
Keep Your Pet Cool
While awaiting collection by PCS or transport to the vet, it’s important to keep your pet’s body cool to slow down decomposition. If possible, wrap your pet in plastic bags (to contain any fluids) and place them in a cool, dry location such as a garage or basement. Avoid refrigeration unless specifically advised by a veterinarian or cremation service.
Memorialize Your Beloved Pet
In the days and weeks following your pet’s passing, you may wish to explore ways to memorialize your cherished companion. While it might be too emotional to consider immediately, when you feel ready, various memorial products can help you honor their life. Our website features a selection of memorial items. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team for guidance and support in choosing a meaningful tribute.
Allow Yourself Time to Grieve
The loss of a pet, whether anticipated or sudden, is profoundly painful. Pets are integral members of our families, and their absence creates a significant void. It is essential to allow yourself to grieve fully. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your loss and can offer comfort. Consider joining a pet loss support group or seeking professional grief counseling if needed.
Pet Cremation Services is committed to supporting you through every step of this difficult journey. We offer resources to help you cope with grief, detailed information about our cremation process, and answers to frequently asked questions. We also provide a range of memorial products to help you celebrate the precious life you shared with your pet. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for compassionate assistance and support.
