Whether a pet’s passing was expected or very sudden, the next steps are often tied up in the stress and sadness surrounding the unfortunate event. Knowing what to do ahead of time, however, can help to ease some stress and allow families to move along with the grieving process, eventually allowing them to find solace in knowing they did the best that they could for their beloved pet.
What to do with your pet once they have passed away depends on the situation. Below are several common examples, as well as options for laying your pet to rest for the final time.
It may have been due to an accident, or perhaps time simply came to claim them – whatever the case, seeing a pet pass away at home can be devastating. Handling the deceased pet’s body is terribly traumatic for some, too, especially when natural bodily functions occur.
The pet does not immediately need to be taken to a vet clinic, however – they can be kept in a cold room for some time, 
allowing family members a final goodbye or even arrange a wake if a family is so inclined. Afterwards, if a family is not planning on burying their pet on their property or elsewhere, the best thing to do in this situation is to either call a vet or a pet funeral home to assist.
Having a pet put to sleep at a vet clinic is also very upsetting but gives time for farewells and arrangements to be made. Many vets work alongside funeral homes and crematories to assist in the care of pets once they have passed and will discuss options before the procedure. A family may choose to take their pet home with them for burial or to have their pet cremated, with the option of having their ashes returned to them in the future. If not, the vets will handle the ashes for the pet’s owners.
While more costly than a home burial, cremation offers a variety of options when it comes to creating a pet memorial. At Pets In Peace, we guarantee individual cremation, and that the ashes you receive from us are those of your pet. To find out more about our cremation service, click here.
Cremation is preferred by individuals and families that prefer to take their pets with them throughout their lives, or keep their pet memorialised in the form of an urn, wooden box or similar. There is also the option of adding pet’s ashes to jewellery and glass sculptures, or even have the ashes condensed into a diamond. Lastly, owners can scatter the ashes in a symbolic place – perhaps a special spot in the garden, or their dog’s favourite beach.
Owners may choose to bury their pet in their property, or find a cemetery that allows for the burial of animals, the latter of which may cost more but is a good option if the pet owners know that they are soon moving away from their property. Outdoor memorials and plaques can be used to mark where the pet was laid to rest, or perhaps beautiful flowers planted overhead.
If burial takes place at home, it’s always best to check with local council law, as pets may not be buried on certain land, 
such as rental properties.
These days, pets are considered as much a part of the family as anybody else – which is why some people opt for a funeral or final viewing for their pet. These can be as low-key or elaborate as desired, and we can provide for your wishes here at Pets In Peace. A qualified funeral celebrant can hold a ceremony at the crematorium, in a chapel, or in any preferred special place. Photographs, cards and pets special toys can all be a part of the ceremony and are indeed encouraged.
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