What to do when your pet dies: a gentle guide to the first hours and days

If you are reading this because your pet has just died, we are so sorry. Whether it happened suddenly at home or peacefully at the vet, the first hours can feel unreal. Many people tell us the hardest part was simply not knowing what to do next. This guide walks you through it, one small step at a time. There is no need to rush any of it.

1. Give yourself a moment

Before anything practical, it's okay to stop. Sit with them, stroke their fur, say what you want to say. Many families find comfort in letting other pets in the home see and sniff their companion, which can help them understand that their friend has gone. Children can be included too, if they want to be (we have a separate guide on talking to children about the death of a pet).

2. If your pet died at home

If you aren't completely sure they have passed, call your vet or an emergency vet straight away. They can confirm it and talk you through what to do. Once you know, these gentle practical steps help:

• Lay them somewhere calm and cool, on a towel or their favourite blanket, away from direct sunlight and heaters.
• Gently curl them into a resting position, as if sleeping, within the first couple of hours. Their body will begin to stiffen after a few hours, and a natural position makes later arrangements easier.
• Expect some fluid. It's natural for a little fluid to be released after death, so a towel or puppy pad underneath helps.
• Keep them cool if arrangements will take more than a few hours. A cool room is fine for a short time. Your vet can often keep them for you until you decide what to do.

3. Call your vet

Even if your pet died at home, your vet is usually the best first call. They can confirm the death, update their records, and arrange cremation for you if you choose it. Many vets also know local pet crematoriums, pet cemeteries and pet loss support groups. If you have pet insurance, they can help with any paperwork too.

4. Choose what feels right for their resting place

The main choices are:

• Cremation: communal (ashes are not returned) or individual (their ashes come back to you).
• Home burial: in your own garden, where local rules allow it.
• A pet cemetery: a dedicated, cared-for resting place you can visit.

There is no wrong answer, and it's fine to take a day or two to decide. We explain each option, with its costs and questions to ask, in pet cremation, burial or a pet cemetery.

5. Keep a few small things

Before they leave home, you might want to keep something of theirs. These small keepsakes often become the most treasured:

• A clipping of their fur, or a paw print in clay or ink (your vet or crematorium may offer this).
• Their collar and name tag.
• A favourite toy or blanket.
• The photos and short videos on your phone. Gather them into one folder while you still remember the stories behind them.

6. Tell the people who loved them

Letting family, friends, your dog walker or pet sitter know can be harder than expected. A short message is enough: “I'm so sad to tell you that Bella died today. Thank you for loving her too.” Some people find it easier to share a link to a pet memorial page, so everyone can see their photos and leave a few kind words in one place, without you having to repeat the news again and again.

7. The practical things that can wait

In the days that follow, there are a few small tasks. None of them is urgent, so do them when you feel able:

• Cancel pet insurance, food deliveries and any repeat prescriptions.
• Update their microchip record, so the database knows they have passed.
• Decide what to do with their bed, bowls and toys. Some people keep them, some donate them to a local shelter. Both are okay.

8. Let yourself grieve

Losing a pet is losing family. You may feel shock, sadness, guilt, relief after a long illness, or all of these in one afternoon. It's normal, and it's not “just a pet”. Our guide Is it normal to grieve this much for a pet? talks about what many people feel, and what can help.

9. When you're ready, remember them

Some people want to write about their pet straight away, while it all feels close. Others need weeks or months. Whenever it feels right, a pet memorial can give all that love somewhere to go: their name, their funny habits, the photos you can't stop looking at. On My Pet Cemetery, creating a memorial is free and takes only a few minutes, and you can come back to add more whenever you like. If you're not sure where to start, our pet memorial ideas may help.

And if you'd like a lasting place for them to rest together with other much-loved pets, we're painting The Garden, a storybook garden where each pet will have their own hand-drawn plot. Pre-booking a place costs nothing.

Take your time. They knew they were loved.