What To Do if Your Pet Dies at Home

The death of a pet can be a shock that lands before your brain catches up. Your urge to act right away may be strong, but nothing has to be decided in the first hour. 

Choosing options like water-based pet aquamation in Atlanta can wait until you’re ready. While you clear your head and think about how to say goodbye, this guide from Heavenly Paws Pet Aquamation describes what to do if your pet dies at home, one step at a time.

1. Confirm Your Pet Has Passed Away

Take a minute to confirm your pet has passed away. Look closely at them to confirm there is no chest movement and no heartbeat. Look for fixed pupils that do not respond to touch. 

If you feel uncertain, call an emergency vet.

2. Handle Your Pet’s Body With Care

Move the animal’s body before stiffness sets in, often within two to four hours:

• Position them: Lay your pet in a natural sleeping curl.
• Protect the surface: Slide a towel or a blanket underneath them.
• Keep things cool: Lower the temperature or add towel-wrapped ice packs.

After this task, take time to breathe.

3. Give Yourself Time To Say Goodbye

When you are wondering what to do if your pet dies at home, remember that everyone handles these situations differently. You might let the family or other household animals sit with them a while.

Whether you are taking steps to prepare for pet loss or already reflecting on their lives after they’ve passed, consider memorial options for your pet, such as a last photo or a paw print.

4. Arrange Transport 

Most aftercare providers offer gentle in-home pickups, often the same day. You can also drive your pet yourself in a carrier or blanket-lined box or contact your veterinarian.

5. Choose an Aftercare Service

Do you want to arrange pet cremation, burial, or a more eco-friendly alternative? 

Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as aquamation, uses warm water and natural salts instead of flames, and releases no greenhouse gases. It also uses about 90% less energy than traditional cremation and returns 20% to 30% more ashes to your family.

Know That You Are Not Alone With Heavenly Paws Pet Aquamation

At Heavenly Paws Pet Aquamation, we can answer questions like, “How long can you keep a dead pet before cremation?” and more. Call (678) 995-9520 for help in Atlanta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s more about pet loss at home.

How Long Can a Pet Stay at Home After Death?

After a pet dies at home, aim for pickup within a day.

How Do You Choose the Right Urn for Your Pet?

Urns hold roughly one cubic inch per pound of your pet’s body weight. The style depends on where the urn will sit.

What if Your Pet Dies at Home Before You Have Made Plans?

A provider can help you with what to do if your pet dies at home. Nothing needs to be settled in advance.