When your dog dies at home, immediately call your veterinarian to guide you through next steps, or contact a local pet crematory/aftercare service for pickup. If it is after hours, reach out to an emergency veterinary clinic. You may also contact local animal control for removal services.

Who do you call if your dog passes at home?

Call Your Veterinarian

When your pet dies at home, contact your veterinarian's office as soon as possible to discuss next steps. Ask about available transportation options and whether they offer home pickup services, as moving your pet can be both emotionally and physically challenging.

How do I properly dispose of my dead dog?

Proper disposal of a deceased dog involves options like vet arrangements (cremation/cemetery), home burial!nav>> (check local laws, bury deep), or trash disposal!nav>>< (bagged, check rules, often for smaller pets). Handle the body with gloves and store it cool (refrigerate if needed) until arranged; contact your vet or local animal services for guidance on legalities and services.
 

Do vets still charge you if your pet dies?

Losing a pet is hard, especially when it happens at the veterinary hospital. While it may be the last thing on your mind, and certainly not one that your vet wants to push, know that you are still responsible for the vet bills even if a pet dies.

What happens if your pet dog dies at home?

If this happens to you, seek guidance from your veterinarian as soon as possible, preferably by taking your pet into the practice. Your veterinarian will confirm your pet's death, assist with aftercare arrangements and can even investigate the cause and circumstances around your pet's death if they feel it's necessary.

My Pet Just Died — What to Do Right Now

Is it OK to bury your dog in the backyard?

In states like California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Texas, it is legal to bury a pet in your own backyard as long as there is no health hazard or nuisance caused by it. It is also illegal to bury animals on public property- including pets.

How much does it cost to cremate a dog?

Dog cremation costs typically range from $50 to over $600, depending heavily on your dog's weight, the type of cremation (communal vs. private, where you get the ashes back), and your location, with smaller dogs costing less ($50-$175) and giant breeds costing significantly more ($300-$500+) for private services. 

What happens hours before a dog dies at home?

In the hours before passing, dogs often exhibit certain actions that imply nearing the end. I've observed that some may seek comfort from their owners, demonstrating a desire for closeness or affection. Others might withdraw, finding a quiet place as they show less interest in their surroundings.

What is the 7 second rule for dogs?

The "7-second rule" for dogs is a simple test to see if pavement is too hot for their paws: press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds, and if it's too hot for you to hold comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can easily burn on surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even artificial turf. This helps prevent paw burns by prompting you to walk during cooler times (early morning/late evening) or stick to grass, as tarmac can get extremely hot even on moderately warm days.
 

Is it okay to let your dog pass away at home?

Allowing your dog to die naturally can feel like the right decision for some families, offering comfort and a sense of continuity in your pet's final chapter. However, the unpredictability and potential for suffering mean it might not always be the best option.

What to do if a dog dies at home at night?

If your pet does die at home, there are a few things that every pet parent or owner should know:

1. Ensure your pet is deceased. ...
2. Call your vet. ...
3. Consider your options for handling your pet's remains. ...
4. Contact PCS. ...
5. Place your pet on a towel or blanket. ...
6. Position your pet. ...
7. Let other pets smell your deceased pet.

How long before you have to bury a dog?

Most states will give a pet owner 24 to 48 hours after the pet passes before they have to legally bury or cremate the remains. Suppose you decide to place your dog's remains in a gravesite or cremate them in a crematorium.

Can I call out if my pet dies?

Calling off work because your pet is sick or dying or dead is just as valid as calling off for a human in your life. Absolutely! I called off for a few days when any of my animals pass. They are my babies and my life.

Will a dog smell if buried?

It's not easy and can lead to unpleasant odours.

Digging a suitable area in your yard can be difficult, especially if the ground is hard or you lack space. If your pet's body isn't buried deeply enough, the natural decomposition process can produce a strong, unpleasant smell.

What's the proper way to dispose of a dead dog?

Bury or Cremate. If you own property, you may bury a dead pet or wild animal that weighs over 15 pounds on your land. Bury it at least four feet deep and cover with lime juice to discourage scavengers. You can also pay to have pets cremated.

Will a vet dispose of my dead dog?

If your pet dies at home, you can take your pet to a vet clinic or call for pickup services. In private aquamation/cremation, the pet's body is aquamated/cremated individually. The veterinarian ensures the owner receives only their pet's ashes.

Why did my healthy dog die suddenly?

In many cases of sudden death, pet owners won't know pets are sick until the animal dies from a tumor or an abnormal heart rhythm or a clot in the lungs. In other cases, a pet owner might have been managing a pet's underlying condition, and the pet dies suddenly from a fatal progression of that condition.

---