Welcoming a pet into your life can be a fulfilling, exciting decision. Though no pet owner wants to think about saying goodbye to their beloved family member, our pets rely on us to guide them through all the stages of their life, including death.
Should your pet pass away at home, you’re already dealing with the grief that comes from losing your companion, but you may also be facing the stress of not knowing what to do.
This guide provides the knowledge needed to handle a pet’s passing at home with compassion and confidence, giving you some comfort and peace during what can be a heart-wrenching experience.
After your pet’s passing. 
Handling your pet’s body with care and respect is important during the first few hours after their passing. This is a tender moment, and it's okay to take some time to say goodbye before proceeding.
When you’re ready, keep these in mind:
- Positioning your pet: Place your pet on their side and curl them into a small ball, including their tail, as if they’re sleeping on a cozy night.
- Understanding rigor mortis: Your pet’s body will naturally become stiff (this is called rigor mortis) within 1-2 hours. During this time, you won’t be able to change their position easily. Remember, this is a natural process and a part of their journey.
- Handling your pet: Before rigor mortis sets in, your pet’s body will be floppy, especially their head and neck. Support their head well if you need to move them. Handle them gently, as you would have in life.
- Expecting sounds: You may hear a small groan when you pick up your pet. This happens when air moves through the relaxed voice box. Hearing this can be startling, but it’s natural.
- Managing fluids: Your pet may leak bodily fluids after passing. Place a disposable puppy pad under or around their back end and close to their face. This is a normal part of the process.
- Transporting your pet: Smaller pets can be gently carried in a blanket, while larger pets can be moved with the support of a big blanket or towel. Lift with your legs and keep your back straight to avoid injury. Move slowly and carefully; this is a delicate moment and you don’t want to injure yourself.
- Supervision: Keep an eye on other pets and children around your deceased pet to prevent any distressing situations and preserve their dignity.
If immediate burial or transport is not possible.
If you cannot bury or transport your pet right away, the following steps can help give you time to make the necessary arrangements.
- Keeping cool: Store your pet in the coolest area possible to slow decomposition and reduce odor. Use ice bags placed respectfully around their body, changing them out as they defrost.
- Managing fluids and odors: Bodily fluids may continue to leak for hours to days after passing, but you can use puppy pads or thick towels under your pet’s body. Ice packs on the belly and baby powder or baking soda can help manage odor.
- Deterring insects: Cover your pet with a blanket and use a small fan to deter flies. White vinegar can repel ants, and cornstarch can be used to smother them if needed.
- Preventing predation: Keep your pet’s body inside your home or in a closed garage to protect it from other animals. Some jurisdictions have time limits on how long a body can be kept before burial. Ensuring their safety even after passing is a final act of love.
Things to consider for at-home burials.
Burying a beloved pet at home can be a meaningful way to say goodbye, as it allows you to create a lasting memorial in a place that holds significance. But it’s important to consider a few things before proceeding:
- Legal requirements: Check if home burial is legal in your area. You may need to consult local authorities or search online for regulations.
- Property considerations: Ensure there are no gas lines or water mains where you plan to bury your pet. If you don’t own the property, make sure you get permission.
- Environmental factors: Consider the water table, ground freezing conditions, and proximity to wells or water bodies. These factors may impact the suitability of the burial site.
- Predation and environmental protection: Use natural fiber materials for wrapping your pet to support natural decomposition and reduce odor and predation risks. Avoid plastic or synthetic materials.
- Euthanasia: If your pet was put to sleep by a veterinarian, it’s especially important to prevent predation due to the medications used during the euthanasia process. Contact local authorities for burial regulations to avoid potential environmental contamination.
General recommendations for home burials.
Following best practices for home burial ensures a respectful and environmentally friendly process. Your care and thoughtfulness create a meaningful farewell.
- Depth of burial: Dig a grave that allows for at least 3-4 feet of dirt cover. This helps prevent predation and environmental contamination. Ensuring a proper burial honors your pet’s resting place.
- Natural fiber wrapping: Use materials like cotton, linen, wool, jute, or hemp for wrapping your pet. A cardboard or wooden box is also suitable. These natural materials align with your pet’s return to nature.
- Avoid synthetic materials: Do not bury your pet with plastic toys or synthetic blankets. These do not decompose and can harm the environment. Keeping the environment safe is a tribute to your pet’s life.
- Hydrated lime: Spread hydrated lime below and on top of your pet to help with decomposition and odor reduction. This helps maintain the integrity of the burial site.
- Preventing digging: Use rocks or gravel to cover the grave or place large stones on the surface to deter other animals from digging. Ensuring the grave remains undisturbed is an act of love.
- Environmental concerns: Follow any additional requirements for high groundwater areas or locations near water sources.
Conclusion.
Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy, but handling their passing with care and respect can provide comfort during this difficult time. Follow these guidelines to ensure a compassionate and respectful end-of-life process for your beloved pet. Your love and attention during this time honor the life and joy your pet brought into your home.
