What to Do When a Pet Dies at Home

by Jane Webb⁽³⁰⁾

Anytime a pet dies is a hard time for the family. Often the pet's death happens at the vet's office as a result of euthanasia from a known illness or declined quality of life. But, what do you do when your pet dies at home? Whether from illness, age or an accident, a pet's death at home is something to consider since removing the pet's body is dictated by cost and laws.

It may be illegal to bury your pet under that big oak tree in your backyard. Sounds ridiculous, but if you live in a suburb or city, you will need to contact local authorities for information. Contact city or county offices, your vet or your local SPCA for laws in your area.

Your area may have a pet cemetary - your vet or SPCA would have that information, but this option can be pricey. If you opt for cremation, your vet may be willing to accept your pet for cremation for a nominal fee. If not, these same sources should be able help you locate a pet crematorium. You need to ask ahead of time if you wish your pet's ashes be returned to you.

Include family members in the decision, someone may not be able to handle that their beloved pet was cremated. Be sensitive to the person who found your pet. It is a traumatic experience to handle, for an adult as well as child. Whether burial or cremation, you, your family and other pets may want to see the body to say goodbye. Even other pets in your household will grieve.

When we had to let our dog go after many years with us, we wrapped her in a clean, cool sheet. Little things like that helped us. We felt like we were making her comfortable and she had the scent of "home" with her.

Having a memorial service is a good idea. And it is OK to remember the pet in the future. We always remember our deceased dog's birthday and the first birthday after her death we had a party in her memory, complete with pizza, her most favorite human food! Her christmas ornament goes on our tree every year and we still trip up on the names of our pets now and then calling one of them by her name.

When a pet dies at home, the rules change a little. Some thought and preparation go a long way to ease the grief.

Article submitted Thursday, July 30, 2009 & read 1152 times.

Leave your comments through My Pet Tale:

» left by Marijo Phelps⁽¹⁰⁾ (2 years 180 days ago.)

Very well thought out and written... we had our 18 year old kitty die at home not too long ago and it was a touching and tender time for us.
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» left by Jane Webb (2 years 76 days ago.)

Marijo, Thanks for reading and sharing your experience. It is hard when our pets die...they are a part of the family.

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