How Long After a Dog Passes Can You Choose Water Cremation?

Unfortunately, pet loss is a sad reality that every dog and cat owner must face. Saying “goodbye” is never easy, but you may be able to take some comfort in being with your pet while a vet gently euthanasizes them. As difficult as this is, euthanizing your pet in a vet clinic relieves you of the burden of handling their remains. 

What if your dog unexpectedly passes while you’re at home? Home pet death procedures can look a bit different, but the steps below can help you in this heartbreaking situation. 

1. Contact a Veterinarian

Tragic circumstances could leave you with a deceased pet at home. Your first move should be to contact a veterinarian for help. If your regular vet office is open, let them know what happened and ask about any veterinary support services they offer, such as collecting your pet’s remains and storing the body for a few days. 

You may ask the vet, “How long after a dog dies can you cremate them?” They’ll tell you that cremation or aquamation doesn’t have to happen right away, but transporting the body to another facility is crucial. 

2. Collect the Remains

Handling pet remains is one of the hardest aspects of a dog passing away at home. However, it may be necessary.

Some vet clinics or cremation providers offer mobile services and are willing to collect your pet’s remains. If providers in your area don’t offer pickup services, it’s up to you to transport your dog. 

Depending on your dog’s size and your emotional state, you may need a loved one to assist you. Work quickly, as animals begin to decompose shortly after death, which can emit a strong odor throughout your home. To safely transport your pet, experts recommend the following steps:

• Wear gloves when handling the remains to shield your hands from any bodily fluids. 
• Adjust the body so the dog looks like it’s curled up and sleeping. 
• Tightly wrap the animal in a large towel or blanket. Owners of large dogs can also use bed sheets. 
• Place the wrapped remains inside a large plastic bag for transport. 

3. Arrange Your Pet’s Final Farewell

How long after a dog dies can you cremate them? Is it possible to bury your dog on your property? 

You’ll likely have questions for veterinary professionals once you bring your pet’s remains to their facility. You don’t have to decide your final arrangements right away, though pet parents typically have three choices:

• Burial: Burying your dog allows you to always keep them on your property so they remain close to you, though some municipalities restrict people from burying pets. 
• Cremation: Animal cremation is common. Pet owners can either opt to receive their animal’s ashes after cremation or let a crematorium dispose of them. 
• Aquamation: Water-based cremation, also called aquamation, is becoming increasingly popular because it produces finer ashes and is more sustainable than flame-based cremation. 

4. Memorialize Them

How long after a dog dies can you cremate them? Suppose you initially want to bury your pet, but need a few days to figure out if it’s feasible. In the end, you decide against it and wish to proceed with either flame or water cremation. 

It doesn’t matter which option you choose for your beloved pet. After making your final arrangements, honor their memory with special pet memorial ideas. If you’re receiving their ashes back, select an urn to hold them or consider incorporating some of their ashes into jewelry or artwork.