What to Do When Your Pet Dies at Home | Step-by-Step Guide
Facing the Loss of a Pet at Home
Losing a pet at home can feel overwhelming. On top of the grief, families are often unsure what practical steps to take next. While this is never an easy moment, there are compassionate, safe ways to care for your pet’s body and make aftercare decisions.
Contact Your Veterinarian or Local Animal Control
The first step is to contact your veterinarian. They can guide you on what to do, provide support, and help arrange aftercare services such as cremation.
If your veterinarian is unavailable, your local animal control office can often provide information about handling and transport. Having professional guidance ensures your pet’s body is cared for properly.
Step-by-Step Preparation at Home
If you need to prepare your pet’s body before transport, follow these steps to ensure dignity and safe handling:
Clean the body gently. After passing, muscles relax and may release fluids. Use a clean cloth to wash around any affected areas.
Position the body. Before stiffness sets in, tuck your pet’s legs into a natural curled position. This makes transport easier and more respectful.
Wrap in a blanket. Choose a favorite blanket if you plan to bury your pet, or any spare blanket if cremation is planned.
Use a protective covering. If transport isn’t immediate, place the wrapped body in a large plastic bag and tie it securely.
Refrigeration if needed. If you must wait more than a few hours, store the body in a freezer or very cool area. At room temperature, odors begin within six hours and decomposition happens faster in warm weather.
Why These Steps Matter
Taking time to prepare your pet’s body helps ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. It also prevents damage during transport and keeps the process safe for your household. These small acts of care can provide comfort, knowing you gave your pet the same love in their final moments that you gave in life.
Choosing Aftercare Services
Once your pet’s body is ready, you’ll need to decide on aftercare. Common options include:
Private pet cremation – your pet is cremated individually and their ashes are returned to you.
Shared pet cremation – a lower-cost option where ashes are not returned.
Burial – at home (if allowed by local law) or in a dedicated pet cemetery.
At Arkansas Pet Services, we work directly with veterinarians and families to provide licensed cremation services. Private cremation remains are returned within seven days, giving families peace of mind during a difficult time.
Finding Support
Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is never easy. If you’re unsure what to do, start with a call to your veterinarian. From there, lean on trusted services like Arkansas Pet Services to help you through the next steps. With compassionate guidance, you can ensure your pet’s memory is honored and their body cared for with dignity.