What to Do When Your Pet Passes Away? 8 Steps to Follow

Imagine this: You come home, and your beloved pet isn’t moving. You check, hoping it’s just a deep sleep, but something feels wrong. You’re overwhelmed, not knowing what to do next. It’s a moment filled with sadness and confusion.

At times like these, having a clear plan can make things a little easier. Losing a pet is one of the hardest things a pet owner can face. But taking it step by step can help you manage this difficult time. 

Let’s talk about what to do when your pet passes away and how Donegal Pet Crematorium can support you through it all.

What to Do When Your Pet Passes Away? 8 Steps to Follow

There are several steps you should follow when your pet passes away. Let’s explore all the steps after pet death.

Step 1: Confirm Your Pet’s Passing

The first thing you need to do is confirm that your pet has passed away. If your pet is unresponsive, check for signs like no heartbeat or breath. If you’re unsure, contact your vet immediately. They will help you confirm and guide you on what to do next.

Immediate Steps:

• Confirm the Passing: Gently check for breathing and a heartbeat.

• Find a Quiet Place: Move your pet to a peaceful location. A blanket or their bed is good.

• Respectful Handling: Treat your pet with care and dignity.

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Step 2: Contact Your Veterinarian

After confirming your pet’s passing, the next step is to contact your vet. Your vet can help with advice and may even assist with transporting your pet. They can discuss your options for a final resting place between pet cremation vs. burial.

Want to learn, “Why choose pet cremation over burial?” Then, you can visit this informative blog to learn.

Step 3: Decide on Your Pet’s Final Resting Place

You have several pet aftercare options for your pet’s final resting place. Here are the main ones:

Option	Description
Home Burial	You can bury your pet in your garden, but check local laws first.
Pet Cremation	You can have your pet cremated and keep their ashes if chosen for individual cremation.
Pet Memorial	Some people prefer a memorial, such as a plaque or a tree.

Step 4: Choose Cremation with Donegal Pet Crematorium

If you decide on cremation, Donegal Pet Crematorium is here to help with Pet Cremation in Donegal. We treat every pet with respect and care.

Here’s what we do:

• Individual Cremations: We cremate one pet at a time. Your pet gets the dignity they deserve.

• Pet Collection Service: Can’t bring your pet to us? Don’t worry. We provide hassle-free pet pickup gently and with care.

• Memorial Keepsakes: Want to keep their memory close? We offer memorial keepsakes like engraved urns or paw prints.

• Pet Farewell Room: We have a quiet, private space (farewell room) where you can say goodbye. It’s peaceful and respectful for you and your family.

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Step 5: Prepare for the Cremation Process

Once you decide to proceed with cremation, here's what you can expect:

• Contact Donegal Pet Crematorium: Call us at 086 3833434 (or 0035386 3833434 from Northern Ireland) to arrange the collection of your pet.

• Pet Collection: We will gently collect your pet from your home or the vet’s office. Our team handles every pet with great care.

• Cremation Process: Your pet will be cremated individually. This process is done with the utmost respect and dignity.

• Return of Ashes: Once the cremation is completed, we will return your pet’s ashes to you in a personalised urn or memorial.

Step 6: Handle the Emotional Impact

Losing a pet is hard. It’s important to take care of yourself emotionally. Here are a few tips:

• Talk to someone: Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or counsellor. Talking can help ease the pain.

• Create a Memory: Keep a photo or a special item to remember your pet by. You can also create a small memorial in your garden.

• Give Yourself Time: Grieving takes time. Don’t rush your healing process. It’s okay to feel sad and miss your pet.

Step 7: Consider Pet Loss Grief Support

If you're struggling with grief, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Donegal Pet Crematorium offers pet loss support. Our team is here to listen and provide comfort during this tough time.

Support can come in many forms:

• Talking to a professional: A counsellor can help you process your grief.

• Pet Loss Support Groups: You can connect with others who understand what you're going through.

• Memorial Services: Many people find comfort in creating a lasting tribute to their pets.

Step 8: Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

During the grieving process, it’s essential to look after your health. Here are some tips for self-care:

Tips	Why It Helps
Get enough rest	Sleep helps you heal emotionally and physically.
Eat well	Nourishing your body can help you feel better.
Exercise	Light exercise can boost your mood and energy.
Stay connected	Don’t isolate yourself. Spend time with loved ones.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, now you know what to do when your pet passes away. When your pet passes away, it’s a tough time. But knowing what to do can help ease the burden. From confirming your pet’s passing to deciding on cremation, Donegal Pet Crematorium offers compassionate services every step of the way.

No matter if you choose our individual pet cremation service, need a memorial keepsake, or want a peaceful farewell room to say goodbye, we are here to support you. Take your time to grieve, cherish the memories, and remember that it’s okay to seek help when you need it.

If you’re interested to learn all about dog and cat cremation in Ireland, then check out these two blogs now!

FAQs

1. What to do when a pet dies at home?

When a pet dies at home, first ensure they have passed away. Prepare their resting area with a towel to manage natural processes, and let other pets say goodbye. 

Then, decide on burial or cremation promptly to prevent health risks, and handle their body gently while following local regulations or arranging cremation services.

2. What is communal pet cremation?

Communal pet cremation means cremating several pets together at the same time. The ashes aren’t given back to owners because they are mixed.

3. What is the cremation duration for a pet?

The cremation duration varies depending on the pet's size and the type of cremation (individual or communal). It can typically range from one to several hours.

4. What are the animal cremation ethics involved?

Ethical pet cremation treats animals with care, keeps clear records, and is honest with owners. Individual cremation means you get only your pet’s ashes back.

5. How long does pet grief typically last?

There's no set timeframe for grieving a pet. It's a personal process that can last weeks, months, or even years, with varying intensity.

6. Can other pets in the household grieve the loss of a companion?

Yes, pets can feel sad, too. They might eat less, act differently, or sleep more. Give them extra love and care.

7. What are some ways to memorialise a pet besides cremation or burial?

Consider planting a memorial tree, creating a scrapbook, commissioning a pet portrait, or donating to an animal charity in their name.