When Your Pet Passes Away
Losing a pet is one of life's most difficult experiences. This guide will help you through the immediate steps with gentleness and care.
First Moments
Take Your Time
There's no rush. Allow yourself to:
Sit with your petSay goodbye in your own wayGrieve without pressureInclude family members who need closureIf at Home
Your pet can remain at home for several hoursKeep the body in a cool areaPlace on a towel or blanketNatural changes are normalIf at the Vet
Ask about staying with your petRequest a private room if neededAsk about aftercare optionsTake as much time as you needImmediate Decisions
Body Care (Within 24-48 hours)
You'll need to decide on aftercare:
**Cremation**: Most common choice**Aquamation**: Eco-friendly water cremation**Burial**: At home or pet cemetery**Veterinary handling**: They can arrange cremationContact Options
**Your veterinarian**: Can often arrange cremation**Pet cremation service**: Direct service**Pet cemetery**: For burial options**24/7 services**: Available for after-hoursHandling Remains
At Home
If keeping your pet at home temporarily:
Place on a waterproof surfaceKeep in the coolest roomCover with a light blanketPlan next steps within 24 hoursTransportation
Many services offer home pickup:
Ask about pickup feesConfirm timingRequest gentle handlingAsk about viewing optionsPractical Matters
Notify Others
Family members who need to knowPet sitter or dog walkerGroomer or daycareVeterinarian (if not already aware)Paperwork
Locate registration documentsCancel pet insuranceUpdate microchip registryRemove automatic food ordersOther Pets
Other pets may grieve too:
Maintain normal routinesGive extra attentionWatch for behavioral changesAllow them to sniff/understandEmotional Care
For Yourself
Allow yourself to grieveThere's no "right" way to feelCrying is healthy and normalConsider taking time off workFor Children
Be honest and age-appropriateAvoid euphemisms like "went to sleep"Allow them to participate in goodbyesAnswer questions patientlyFor Family
Share memories togetherSupport each other's grief stylesConsider a small ceremonyCreate a memory togetherNext Steps
Memorial Planning
When you're ready:
Choose an urn or keepsakePlan where to keep ashesConsider a memorial ceremonyCreate lasting tributesSelf-Care
In the coming days:
Rest when you need toEat regular mealsConnect with understanding friendsConsider pet loss support groupsGetting Help
Immediate Support
**Pet Loss Hotline**: 855-245-8214**ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline**: Check current availability**Local support groups**: Ask your vetProfessional Help
Consider reaching out if:
Grief feels overwhelmingYou're having trouble functioningYou need someone to talk toWeeks pass without improvementRemember
Your pet was lucky to be loved by you. The depth of your grief reflects the depth of your love. Take all the time you need, and be gentle with yourself.
There's no timeline for grief. Honor your feelings and your pet's memory in whatever way feels right to you.