Finding that your pet has passed away at home is a heavy, quiet moment. Even if you knew it was coming, the reality of it can leave you feeling stuck or unsure of what to do first. You might feel a sudden urge to call someone immediately, or you might find yourself unable to move at all. Both reactions are normal.
Take the time you need
The most important thing to know is that you do not have to rush. Unless there are other pets or children in the house who are distressed, you can sit with your pet for as long as you need. Use this time to say goodbye, stroke their fur, or simply sit in the silence with them. Their body will not change significantly in the first hour or two.
Practical steps for their body
When you feel ready to move, there are a few practical things to do to keep your pet comfortable and dignified. It is helpful to do these things sooner rather than later, as the body will begin to stiffen (rigor mortis) within a few hours.
- Position them gently: If possible, place them on their side in a curled, sleeping position. Tuck their legs in toward their body. This makes it easier to transport them later.
- Use a towel or puppy pad: When a pet dies, their muscles relax, which can lead to the release of fluids. Placing an old towel or a puppy pad under their back half will help keep things clean.
- Keep them cool: If you aren't planning to have them picked up for several hours, try to keep the room as cool as possible. You can turn on the air conditioning or move them to a cooler area like a basement or a tiled floor. If you need to wait overnight, you can place ice packs wrapped in towels around their midsection.
Closing their eyes
Many people find it upsetting that a pet’s eyes often remain open after death. You can try to gently close them, but they may not stay shut. This is a physical reality of how the muscles work and not a sign that they weren't at peace. Some people choose to place a small cloth or a favorite toy over their eyes if it feels more comfortable.
Deciding on aftercare
Once you feel settled, you will need to decide what happens next. You have a few options depending on your preference and the time of day.
Call your veterinarian
If it is during business hours, call your vet. They can talk you through the options they offer, which usually include communal or individual cremation. They may ask you to bring your pet to the clinic, or they may have a service that can come to your home.
Contact a pet crematorium directly
Many pet parents prefer to work directly with a local pet cremation service. Most of these businesses are used to receiving calls from grieving owners and will talk to you with a lot of kindness. They can often arrange to pick up your pet from your home.
Home burial
If you choose to bury your pet at home, check your local city or county ordinances first. Some areas have specific rules about how deep the grave must be or how far it must be from water sources. If you go this route, make sure the spot is one that won't be disturbed by future landscaping.
If it happens in the middle of the night
If your pet passes away late at night and you don't have access to a 24-hour emergency vet, it is okay to wait until morning. Follow the steps to keep them cool and wrapped in a blanket. You can place them in a sturdy box in a cool area of the house, like a garage or laundry room. It can feel strange or even wrong to leave them there, but it is a practical way to care for them until help is available in the morning.
Take things one small step at a time. There is no right way to feel, and there is no need to hurry through your goodbyes.
