Experiencing the loss of a pet is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through, especially when it happens unexpectedly at home. I understand this pain firsthand, and I'd like to share my own story with you.
My heart and soul dog, Bauer, had been diagnosed with suspected nasal cancer. Even though he had a terminal disease, his death came suddenly and unexpectedly. You see, I didn’t euthanize him, instead, I returned home from an appointment to find him passed away in his bed. The shock and grief were overwhelming.
At that moment, I realized I needed time - time to process, time to say goodbye, and time to come to terms with this loss, and I ended up staying with his body for the following 24 hours. During this time, I memorialized him, reflected on our journey together, and just gave myself the space I needed to grieve – to bawl my eyes out, to feel the love I had for him, and to say goodbye on my own terms, in my own way.
The photo accompanying this blog is the very last picture taken of Bauer and me. This grainy, final selfie of us together has become one of my most precious memories and it’s a photo I cherish deeply. Even if others may find it a little weird, “you took a picture of yourself with your dead dog?”, it serves as a testament to the love and connection we shared, even after he was gone.
When a pet dies at home, people often don’t know what to do or what to expect. And I totally get that. I hope this guide provides you the compassionate, practical advice needed to help you navigate this situation. Whether you prefer immediate assistance or want more time to say goodbye, like I did with Bauer, I hope the following information helps you understand what to expect and how to care for your pet (and yourself) following their death.
Take a moment to process:
It's okay to take some time to sit with your emotions. The loss of a pet is a significant event, and it's natural to feel shocked, devastated, or overwhelmed. Allow yourself the time needed to grieve before moving forward with the more practical steps. There’s time.
Confirm your pet has passed:
While it may be difficult, it's important to gently check for signs of life. This process can be emotional, but it's a necessary step. Here's what to look for:
It's important to note that small muscle tremors or twitches can occur after death due to the relaxation of muscles and nerves. These should not be mistaken for signs of life. These involuntary movements are a natural part of the process and don't indicate consciousness or pain.
If you're unsure about any of these signs or if you feel too overwhelmed to check yourself, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian for guidance on the best next steps. They can either guide you through the process over the phone or help arrange for a professional to come to your home to confirm.
Caring for your pet's body with dignity:
Once you've confirmed your pet has passed, there are some important steps to take:
Moving your pet:
Understand the timeline:
It's important to make arrangements relatively quickly, as natural processes begin soon after your pet passes. Here's what you might expect:
These timelines can vary based on factors such as your pet's size, the surrounding temperature, and any underlying health conditions they may have had.
To care for your pet with dignity and make the process easier for yourself, it's best to make aftercare arrangements within the first 24 hours if possible. If you need more time, keeping your pet's body in a cool environment (like a garage or basement in mild weather, or using ice packs) can help slow these natural processes.
Explore aftercare options
There are several ways to handle your pet's remains:
Seek professional assistance if needed
Companies like Honor Pet are able to help with deceased pet transport, respectfully moving your pet from your home and arranging for pet cremation services. We understand how difficult this time is and we take every measure to ensure your pet is cared for with gentleness and dignity.
Finding a pet crematorium
When the time comes to choose a pet crematorium, it's important to find a reputable and compassionate service. Here are some steps to help you locate the right option:
Create a meaningful memorial
Creating a memorial for your pet can be a comforting part of the grieving process. When I lost Bauer, I found solace in creating tangible memories. I left him for a short while to make a quick trip to the art store. I bought supplies to make clay prints of all 4 of his paws as well as a plaster kit so I could make a cast of his head; I wanted to always be able to kiss that kissable nose that I loved so much. Here are some ideas to consider while your pet is still in the home:
Take care of yourself in the process
Grief can be exhausting. Remember to:
Give yourself time
There's no set timeline for grief. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate this loss. It's okay to have good days and bad days. It’s OK to not be OK.
I hope this guide helps you with practical advice around knowing what to do and what to expect should your pet die at home. From walking you through the immediate steps to take, including how to confirm your pet had passed and how to care for their body with dignity, to providing insights into the natural processes that occur after death, helping you understand what to expect in the hours and days following your pet's passing.
By balancing practical considerations with emotional needs, this guide sought to empower you to navigate this challenging time on your own terms, whether you chose to spend extended time with your pet or needed to make arrangements quickly. And most importantly, I wanted to reassure you that there's no "right" way to handle this situation, encouraging you to honor your pet and your relationship in a way that feels most meaningful to you.