What to Do If Your Pet Dies

Key points:

• Contact your vet for guidance, especially if your pet dies at home or the death is unexpected.
• Take time to say goodbye before making further decisions, where circumstances allow.
• Consider whether burial or cremation is the most suitable option for your family, circumstances and budget.
• Notify relevant services, including your vet, insurance provider, microchip registry and regular care providers.
• Support children and other pets with patience, reassurance and a consistent routine.
• Give yourself time to grieve and seek professional support if the loss begins affecting your everyday life.

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Losing a pet is one of the most difficult experiences we can face, and it is completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

While there is no single right way to grieve, knowing what to do if your pet dies can help make the practical decisions feel a little less overwhelming.

In this guide, we’ll cover the immediate steps to take, as well as aftercare options, who to notify, ways to cope with your grief, and more.

What to do immediately after your pet dies

If you’re unsure what to do when your dog dies, or when any other pet passes away, the next steps may differ depending on whether they died at home or at a veterinary clinic.

If your pet dies at home

• Look for signs of breathing or movement, and contact a vet immediately if you’re not sure whether your pet has definitely passed away
• If you’re certain your pet has died, contact your regular vet or a local emergency vet for guidance on what to do next
• Let the vet know if the death was sudden, unexpected or unexplained, particularly if another pet may have been exposed to the same illness, toxin or hazard
• Allow yourself the time to say goodbye before making further decisions, if circumstances allow

If your pet dies at a veterinary clinic

• The veterinary team will usually explain the available aftercare options and answer any questions you may have
• Ask for some private time to say goodbye, if this feels right for you and the clinic can accommodate it
• You can request time to consider the available options before making a decision, where circumstances allow

Should I bury or cremate my pet?

Deciding between burial and cremation is an important practical part of learning how to deal with a pet dying. There is no right or wrong choice, so consider what feels most appropriate for your family, circumstances and budget.

Cremating your pet

• Individual cremation: this involves your pet being cremated separately and their ashes being returned to you
• Communal cremation: several pets are cremated together, and individual ashes are not returned
• You may be able to choose an urn, keepsake box or another memorial item
• Ashes can sometimes be scattered in a meaningful place, as long as it is permitted

Burying your pet

• Home burial: this may be allowed in some areas, but it will depend on your local council rules, as well as property restrictions and whether you’re renting.
• Pet cemetery burial: this can provide a dedicated place to visit and remember your pet.

Before deciding between the two, ask about costs, timeframes, transport arrangements and memorial options. Remember, choosing a practical or affordable option does not reflect how much you loved your pet.

Who to notify after your pet dies

Another factor of learning how to deal with the death of a pet is knowing which people and services may need to be informed.

• Your usual vet: let your vet know if they are not already aware, particularly if your pet died at home or was receiving ongoing treatment
• Upcoming care providers: cancel appointments with vets, groomers, trainers, daycare staff, pet sitters, dog walkers or any other providers
• Your pet insurance provider: notify them of your pet’s death and ask whether any final claims, receipts or documents are required
• Your pet’s microchip registry: update their records where applicable
• Your local council: cancel or update your pet’s registration if required
• Regular delivery services: cancel repeat orders for medications, food or subscription boxes
• Keep important records: hold on to receipts, identification details and veterinary records until any insurance or aftercare matters have been finalised

Helping children and other pets understand the loss

If you have children or other pets in your home, they may also feel the loss and need patience and reassurance as they adjust.

We recommend using clear, age-appropriate language to explain death rather than phrases like “went to sleep”, which could be confusing for kids. Allow children to ask questions, express their feelings or take part in a farewell ritual if they wish.

When discussing pets and grief, it’s important to remember that other animals in the household may also react to the loss.

Grief in pets can show up as changes in their behaviour such as searching, vocalising, reduced appetite or altered sleep. Keeping their routine as consistent as possible and offering calm attention can help with the adjustment period.

If your surviving pet stops eating or shows ongoing behavioural changes, contact your vet for further support.

Coping with grief after losing a pet

Experiencing grief when a pet dies is a natural response to losing an important member of the family. It’s normal to experience feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, relief or uncertainty, particularly after euthanasia or a long illness.

Lean on friends or family for support and give yourself the time you may need before packing away belongings or considering another pet.

If the grief becomes overwhelming or is affecting your everyday life, consider contacting a pet-loss support service, counsellor or healthcare professional for additional guidance.

Whether you are grieving a dog, cat or another companion, everyone processes things in their own way, and there is no set timeframe for feeling better.

And remember, there is no single answer for how to handle the death of a pet, so take each decision at your own pace and seek support when you need it.

Need advice on what to do next? If your pet has passed away and you’re unsure about the next steps, contact your local Petstock Vet for compassionate, professional guidance.