My pet died at home: what do I do now?

Start by giving yourself a moment. If your pet is still warm, or you are not certain they have died, call your vet immediately and describe what you can see. They can tell you whether to come in, whether an emergency vet is needed, or whether aftercare is the next step.

If your pet has clearly died, move slowly. Place them on a towel or blanket in a cool, quiet room, away from direct heat and away from other pets if that feels kinder. You may want to curl them gently into a natural resting position before stiffness begins.

Your own vet practice is usually the best first call, even if your pet died outside opening hours. The voicemail often gives emergency or out-of-hours instructions. A local pet crematorium can also explain collection, individual cremation, communal cremation and ashes options.

If the death was sudden, after an accident, or connected to possible poisoning or infectious disease, tell the vet. They can advise whether anything else is needed for your household or other animals.

In some places, home burial is allowed on land you own, but rules differ by country, council, state or city. You should not bury a pet on public land, rented land without permission, or near water sources. If your pet was euthanised, ask your vet before burial because veterinary drugs may affect wildlife or the environment.

When in doubt, choose cremation or ask your vet, local authority or pet crematorium what is permitted where you live.

Many decisions can wait: which urn to choose, whether to hold a memorial, what to do with toys, whether to keep ashes at home, and how to tell wider friends or family. In the raw first hours, focus on keeping your pet's body safe and making one practical call.

If you are alone, ask someone kind to sit with you, drive you, or make the first phone call. Grief makes ordinary tasks feel impossible, and you do not have to manage them perfectly.