My Pet Has Died at Home: What to Do Next
We are so sorry. This gentle, practical guide explains what to do if your dog or cat dies at home, from the first few hours to cremation and garden burial, so you can take the next steps calmly.
Written by Dr Jenny Kurtz-Shefford, BVSc CertAVP PGCertVPS MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon, Cartref Home Pet Care · Last reviewed September 2026
First, Take a Moment
There is no need to rush. You can take the next steps when you are ready.
If your dog or cat has died at home, whether peacefully in their sleep, after a long illness or completely without warning, you may feel shocked, numb or unsure what to do next. All of that is normal.
In most cases nothing needs to happen straight away. It is fine to sit with your pet, stroke them, talk to them and let the rest of the family say goodbye. If they have died at night, you can usually wait until the morning to make arrangements.
When you feel able, the steps below will help you look after your pet with care and decide on their aftercare, whether that is cremation or burying your pet in the garden.
How to Be Sure Your Pet Has Passed
It can be hard to tell, especially if your pet was very still or deeply asleep.
- They are not breathing. Watch their chest and hold your hand near their nose for a minute or two.
- You cannot feel a heartbeat. Place your hand on the left side of their chest, just behind the elbow.
- They do not respond to their name, your touch or gentle movement.
- Their eyes usually stay open, and they do not blink if you gently touch the corner of the eye.
- Their gums may look pale or greyish, and their body will feel limp.
In the minutes after death, you may notice small muscle twitches or what looks like a breath or a gasp. These are reflexes and are not signs of pain or distress, but they can be upsetting to see. If you are in any doubt at all, call a vet.
If your pet may still be alive
If your pet has collapsed, is struggling to breathe or is fitting, contact your nearest emergency vet immediately. Most vet practices have an out-of-hours number on their answerphone or website.
What to Do in the First Few Hours
Simple, practical steps to look after your pet with dignity if your dog or cat dies at home.
Lay them somewhere comfortable
Gently place your pet on a towel or blanket in a natural, curled position, as if they were sleeping. Their body will stiffen over the next few hours, so it is kindest to do this early on.
Close their eyes if you can
You can try to softly close their eyelids. Do not worry if they will not stay shut. This is normal and does not mean anything was wrong.
Place an absorbent towel underneath
As muscles relax, the body may release urine, faeces or other fluids. An old towel or puppy pad under their back end will keep them clean and protect your floor.
Keep them somewhere cool
Move them to the coolest room in the house, away from radiators and direct sunlight. A tiled or stone floor is ideal.
Let other pets say goodbye, if you wish
Other animals in the home can see and sniff their companion. Many families find this helps, but it is entirely your choice.
Contact your vet or a pet crematorium
When you feel ready, call your own vet practice or a local pet crematorium to arrange aftercare. In warm weather, it is best to do this sooner rather than later.
Your Aftercare Options
There is no right or wrong choice. Choose what feels right for you and your pet.
Cremation Through Your Vet
Most vet practices can arrange cremation for you, even if your pet passed away at home. Call your practice and they will explain the choices, which usually include communal cremation or individual cremation with ashes returned, and whether you need to bring your pet in.
Contacting a Pet Crematorium
You can also contact a local pet crematorium directly. Many offer collection from your home, and some let you be present or visit. Ask about the type of cremation, how ashes are returned and how long it takes.
Home Burial
If you own your home, you may be able to bury your pet in the garden. This can be a comforting choice, especially if there is a favourite spot they loved. Read the guidance below first.
Please note that Cartref is a home euthanasia service, so we are not able to collect or cremate pets that have already passed away. You are still very welcome to call us on 07472 574773 for a kind word and some guidance on your options.
If you would like to understand the difference between individual and communal cremation, our pet cremation guide explains it simply.
Can I Bury My Pet in the Garden?
The UK rules on burying a dog or cat at home, and practical tips to do it safely.
Many people ask “can I bury my dog in the garden?” or “can I bury my cat in the garden?”. In the UK, you can generally bury a pet at the home where they lived, as long as a few conditions are met.
The Rules
- You generally need to own the property. If you rent, you should not bury a pet in the garden.
- The pet must have lived at the home where they are buried.
- Their body must not be considered hazardous to human health. If your pet had an infectious illness, ask your vet first.
Practical Tips
- Choose a spot well away from water sources such as wells, streams, ponds and drains.
- Bury deep enough that foxes, badgers, dogs and other animals cannot dig down to the grave.
- Remember that medicines used at the end of life can remain in the body and may be harmful to wildlife or other pets that dig, which is another reason to bury deeply.
- Avoid wrapping your pet in plastic. A natural blanket, a cotton sheet or a biodegradable coffin is better.
- Think about the future. If you might move house, you may prefer cremation so you can take your pet's ashes with you.
- Avoid digging near underground pipes and cables.
Rules can change and may vary locally, so please check with your local council before burying your pet. If you are unable to bury your pet at home, some areas have pet cemeteries, or you may prefer cremation.
Helping Other Pets and Children
Everyone in the family grieves in their own way, including the animals.
Your Other Pets
Letting your other dogs or cats see and sniff their companion may help them understand that their friend has gone, rather than searching the house for them later.
Some will show great interest, others very little. Both are normal. In the days and weeks afterwards, a surviving pet may seem quieter, more clingy or off their food. Keeping to their usual routine helps, and if changes last or you are worried, speak to your vet.
Talking to Children
Honest, simple words are usually kindest. Saying that their pet has “died” and that their body has stopped working is clearer than phrases like “gone to sleep”, which can confuse or frighten young children.
Let them ask questions, say goodbye in their own way and help with something meaningful, such as choosing a blanket or drawing a picture. Our pet loss support guide has more ideas.
Looking After Yourself
Losing a pet is losing a member of the family.
Grief after the death of a pet can be overwhelming, and it can feel even harder when it happens suddenly at home. You might feel guilt, wondering whether you missed something or could have done more. These feelings are very common, and they are a measure of how much you cared.
Be gentle with yourself. Talk to people who understand, keep something that reminds you of your pet, and give yourself time. There is no timetable for grief.
Our pet loss and remembrance guide has gentle ideas for coping and remembering your pet, along with places you can turn to for support.
If Another Pet Is Unwell Now
Planning a peaceful goodbye at home, when the time comes.
Sometimes a loss at home makes us think about an older or poorly pet who is still with us. If you are worried about another dog or cat, it can help to know that you have choices about how and where they say goodbye.
Our guides for knowing when it is time for a dog and knowing when it is time for a cat include a quality-of-life checklist to help you think things through. Talking to your own vet is always a good first step.
When the time comes, Dr Jenny can visit your home across South Wales so your pet can be gently sedated first and then pass peacefully in their favourite spot, with the family and other pets around them. We offer a free, no-pressure phone conversation whenever you would like to talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have questions. Here are some of the most common ones we receive.
More Help & Advice
Gentle, practical guidance for every stage of saying goodbye.
We're Here If You Need to Talk
Whether you would like a kind word today or want to plan a gentle goodbye for another pet in future, we're only a phone call away.