Dog passed away at home Cat passed away at home Animal passed away at home Dog died at home Cat died at home Animal died at home Pet Cremation Home Pick Up Cremation Pick Up My Just Died What Do I Do My Dog just died what do I do My cat just died what do I do My pet just died what do I do My animal just died what do I do
What to Do When Your Pet Passes Away at Home:
A Guide for Pet Parents
If you’ve found yourself here, we want you to know we are so sorry for your loss. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is heartbreaking, and when it happens at home, it can be overwhelming figuring out what to do next. This page is meant to offer both practical guidance and emotional support to help you navigate this difficult moment.
You are not alone.
Confirming Your Pet Has Passed: If you are unsure whether your pet has passed, immediately seek guidance from your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or an on-call veterinarian to help you confirm. They may be able to assist you over the phone or advise on next steps if an emergency room visit is needed. Depending on your location, we recommend using your web browser to search for emergency clinics and 24/hr veterinary hotlines to quickly receive medical advice. You can also search for AAHA Accredited Veterinary Clinics Here.
Preparing and Moving Your Pet: Prepare to gently move your pet to a private and safe area, away from other pets (if applicable). We recommend lifting your pet with both hands supporting the head and rear, and laying them on a towel, blanket, or pet bed, which can help with movement and provide a sense of comfort and dignity as you prepare for the next steps.
Take Your Time - Remember that you do not need to rush. Take the time you need to sit with your pet, talk to them, or simply be present with your emotions. This is a personal moment, and everyone handles it differently.
Holding Your Pet & Making Arrangements: If you plan to contact a cremation service, veterinarian, or burial provider, it’s important to keep your pet’s body cool while waiting. Placing them in a cool room or shaded area of your home can help temporarily slow natural changes. You may also place a few bags of ice, wrapped in towels, underneath or alongside your pet to gently maintain a cooler temperature. We do not recommend immediately using a freezer unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian or after-care provider, as this can be distressing for many families and is not always necessary depending on timing (usually periods less than 24 hours).
Contact Your Chosen After-Care Provider: When you are ready, consider your after-care wishes and how you would like to honor your pet. You may contact a veterinarian, pet cremation service, or similar trusted providers to arrange for after-care. Some companies, including ours, offer home pick-up and burial services (location permitting) to help ease this process for you.
Preparing Your Pet for Transport: If you will be transporting your pet yourself, we recommend gently wrapping them in a blanket or towel before placing them in a pet bed, carrier, or container lined with soft material. This can help you carry them with dignity and care between your home and a vehicle. If you are in need of a residential pick-up for your beloved pet, after-care providers can guide you through the process and what actions you will need to take prior to their arrival.
If you are unsure about what steps to take, please don’t hesitate to call us at (254) 727-0299 for advice. Always contact a licensed Veterinarian or Animal Emergency Clinic first for medical direction.