How to Dispose of Your Dog When It Passes Away at Home

The loss of a beloved pet is a sad event for all involved. When a dog dies at home, you must make decisions about disposal of the body. Modern veterinary clinics offer options for disposal, and you can now choose either crematories with ash return or pet cemeteries. Some dogs can be buried in a place special to the dog, its owner or both.

  1. Immediate Concerns

    • Immediately after your dog passes away at home, make a short-term plan for the body. If the dog died from an unknown cause or you wish further investigation, ask a veterinarian or veterinary school to perform a necropsy, or animal autopsy. Do not cool the body if a necropsy is to be performed. If temporary storage is necessary while planning for the remains, wrap and store the body in a fridge, or freezer if available. If your dog is too large or you cannot access an appliance for cooling, place the dog on a concrete slab unwrapped, or wrap the dog and surround it with ice packs.

    Cremation

    • Most veterinary clinics have access to group cremation facilities for dogs that die at home. Contact the pet's primary care veterinarian and request cremation. The body can generally be dropped off at the veterinary clinic and cremated for a nominal fee.

    Private Cremation

    • Veterinary clinics will also have contact information for companies that specialize in private cremation. Often these companies will offer a pickup and delivery service and guarantee private cremation for a pet, with ash return. You can usually choose from a variety of urns or containers to preserve the returns.

    Burial

    • Dogs that die at home can be buried in a place special to the dog or you. Check city ordinances regarding the disposal of pet remains before conducting a burial. Make sure the remains are buried sufficiently deeply to avoid scavenging animals and gardening tools. Do not bury pets in a location that you know will be used in the future for food crops for human consumption.