Whether you knew it was coming or completely unexpected, the death of a pet at home can be challenging. Along with experiencing grief, making arrangements and handling a pet’s remains can be stressful for pet owners. Knowing what needs to be done can help relieve some of this stress. Learn more about the process of caring for a pet after they die at home and ways to honor their life.
First steps
Make sure your pet isn’t sleeping. Animals can lay very still for a long time. Gently try to wake your pet. Watch and listen for breathing. Checking for a pulse varies depending on the pet, but it usually involves feeling for a heartbeat on the left side of the chest. If your pet is alive, but you believe they are experiencing an emergency, call a veterinarian or other animal service for guidance.
Reach out for assistance. Handling this process alone can be difficult; contact a friend or family member for help. Moving your pet’s body by yourself could be physically challenging and assistance may be necessary. Having someone there to provide emotional support is also beneficial.
Caring for your pet’s remains at home
Once you’re sure your pet has passed away, move them out of your home as soon as possible. It’s common for fluids to exit the body after death, so wear gloves for safety. You may wish to allow your other pets to smell the dead animal so they understand what has happened. If your pet has a collar, remove it if you want to keep it.
Move your pet to an uncarpeted area and place a towel or training pad underneath them. Note that an animal's body will start to decompose after death. You can lay your pet on its side and wrap them in additional towels or bed sheets. Carefully put your pet inside a garbage bag. Then you can move your pet to a cool, dry place, preferably a refrigerator. A cool garage or basement can also work for larger pets.
Depending on how you want to proceed with your pet’s remains, pick-up services are often available from veterinarians. You may also find 24-hour emergency services through your veterinarian or other facilities. Otherwise, keep your pet cool until you can make arrangements.
Choosing how to say goodbye
There are few options for handling a pet's remains after death. Many veterinarian offices offer short-term storage for remains while pet owners decide on the next steps. Veterinarians can also help arrange cremation or burial services.
Cremation. Pet cremation services are a convenient and affordable option. Ashes are typically returned to the pet owner to keep in an urn, bury or spread responsibly. Be sure to obtain permission before spreading a pet’s ashes in a public place, such as government-owned land and parks.
Cemetery burial. Burying a pet’s body or ashes in a pet cemetery may offer some reassurance that their remains will be cared for and honored.
Burying your pet at home. Depending on where you live, there are some potential issues to keep in mind. Research your state laws. It is illegal to bury a pet in some locations. Other states have strict burial requirements. Decomposition of your pet’s remains could contaminate groundwater. Additionally, domesticated and wild animals could smell the remains and dig into the grave. If you do choose to bury your pet at home, consider cremation first so these concerns are less likely.
Donating the body to scientific research. Some veterinary schools have donation programs where pet remains are used for educational purposes. This option allows veterinarians to learn and care for other pets. Arrangements are usually made before a pet's death, but local veterinarians or animal shelters can provide additional information if your pet dies unexpectedly.
Honoring your pet's life
After losing a pet, it’s common to grieve and experience sadness. You may miss spending time with your pet or seeing them when you arrive home after work. Celebrating your pet’s life and the good memories you shared may help ease some of the pain. You might also want to:
Organize a memorial service. Plan a service at home, the pet cemetery or your pet’s favorite place, such as the dog park. Inviting loved ones can help you process the grief. Consider presenting a slideshow with pictures of your pet or saying a few words about how they impacted your life.
Create a memorial. Put their name on a stone to add it to the garden or their favorite part of your yard. If your pet frequented a particular park, reach out to the park district to see if you may plant a tree in their memory or have your pet's name put on a plaque on a bench.
Keep your pet in your memory. Post pictures in frames, create an art piece, get a tattoo or wear jewelry engraved with your pet’s name and paw print. Some companies can also create jewelry from the ashes of the pet. Consider creating an altar or ofrendas in your home where you keep collars, toys and other items that belonged to your pet.
