What to Do When Your Pet Passes Away
The immediate steps—because you shouldn't have to figure this out while crying.
It was 6 AM on a Sunday when I found my cat. She'd passed in her sleep, curled up in her usual spot. I just stood there, not knowing what to do. Everything I'd read about pet loss was about the emotions. Nobody told me the practical stuff.
Here's what you need to know.
In the first few hours
**You don't have to do anything immediately.** Your pet can remain at home for several hours. There's no emergency. Take time to grieve, to sit with them, to say goodbye.
**If you need to move them:** Place your pet on a towel or blanket. Fluids may release after death—this is normal. A waterproof layer underneath helps.
**Keep them cool if you need more time:** If you can't arrange aftercare same-day, keep your pet in a cool room. In warmer weather, this becomes more urgent—ideally within 4-6 hours you'll want to move them to a cooler space or make arrangements.
Making the first call
**If your pet passed at home:** You have options for who to call first:
**If your pet passed at the vet:** They'll ask about aftercare right there. You can ask for time to decide if you need it.
The decisions you'll need to make
**Cremation or burial?** Cremation is most common. Burial at home is an option in some areas (check local regulations).
**If cremation: Private or communal?** Private means you get your pet's ashes back. Communal means they're cremated with other pets and ashes aren't returned.
**Do you want keepsakes?** Paw prints, fur clippings, and nose prints need to be done before cremation. Decide now if you might want these.
**Pickup or drop-off?** Many services offer home pickup ($50-$150 typically). Or you can bring your pet to the facility yourself.
What about other pets?
Some people let their other pets see and sniff the deceased pet. The idea is it helps them understand what happened. There's no research proving this helps, but many people find it meaningful.
If you do this, keep it brief and watch for signs of distress.
What about the body if I can't decide right away?
**At home:** Keep in the coolest room, on waterproof material. Ideally make arrangements within 24 hours.
**At the vet:** Most vet clinics can hold your pet for 24-48 hours while you decide. Some charge a small fee.
**Cremation service:** Many offer temporary storage while you finalize plans.