What is what to do when your pet dies at home?

Here's information on what to do when a pet dies at home:

It's a heartbreaking experience when a pet passes away at home. Here's a guide to help you through the immediate aftermath:

1. Confirm the Death: Ensure your pet has indeed passed. Check for breathing and a heartbeat. If you are unsure, contact your veterinarian immediately.

2. Grieving%20Process: Allow yourself to grieve. The death of a pet is a significant loss. Take the time you need to process your emotions. Involve family members and support each other.

3. Immediate%20Care: Handle your pet's body with care. Wear gloves if possible. Gently place your pet on a blanket or towel. Close their eyes if they are open.

4. Body%20Storage: Decide on short-term storage. If you cannot immediately arrange for burial or cremation, you'll need to store the body.

   • Wrap the body securely in a blanket or towel.
   • Place the wrapped body in a heavy-duty plastic bag or container.
   • Store the body in a cool place, like a garage or basement, or refrigerate it if possible, to slow decomposition. Avoid freezing the body, unless explicitly recommended by your vet or cremation provider.

5. Contact%20Your%20Veterinarian: Contact your veterinarian. They can confirm the death and offer guidance on disposal options, such as cremation or burial. They may also be able to provide grief counseling resources.

6. Disposal%20Options: Decide on burial or cremation.

   • Burial: Check local ordinances and regulations regarding pet burials. If burying at home, choose a location away from water sources and where digging will not be disturbed. The grave should be at least 3 feet deep.
   • Cremation: Contact a local pet crematorium. They offer individual (private) cremation (where you receive your pet's ashes back) or communal cremation (where ashes are not returned).

7. Memorialization: Consider how you want to remember your pet. Options include:

   • Creating a memorial in your yard.
   • Framing a photo.
   • Having a paw print made.
   • Spreading ashes in a special place (if cremated).
   • Donating to an animal charity in your pet's name.

8. Cleaning%20the%20Area: Clean any areas where your pet may have had an accident or spent a lot of time. This can help prevent lingering odors and also provide closure.

Remember to be kind to yourself during this difficult time.