Steps to Take Immediately After Your Dog Dies

Your dog is most likely thought of as a member of your family, as many dogs are. However, your dog does not have a life span that is as long as people's life spans. This means that eventually, your dog may die at home. When this happens, you might be at a loss for what your next steps should be. However, there are some things to do immediately after your dog dies to help make the process a little easier during this difficult time.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the unwrapped body of your deceased dog in a cool area if possible, such as the cement floor of your garage or basement. Small animals can be covered and put into a refrigerator or freezer, pending you do not want a necropsy done to determine cause of death. This will help preserve the body for about 24 hours while arrangements are being made.

    • 2

      Contact your veterinarian. If you have a relationship with your veterinarian, then they can help you with the immediate arrangements, such as cremation services. Vet offices will also dispose of animal remains for you.

    • 3

      Talk with a pet business that offers cremation if your veterinarian does not provide this service or if you do not have a vet. These businesses offer group and individual cremations. If you're keeping the remains, you must request an individual cremation.

    • 4

      Call your local government zoning office to find out if burial for a deceased pet is legal in your area. For example, in some areas, you can bury your deceased dog as long as it is on your property. You can also get information about pet cemeteries through veterinarians and animal hospitals, which often transport deceased dogs back to these places after the body has been properly cared for.

    • 5

      Take your deceased dog outside for a curb-side pickup at a time agreed upon with your local sanitation department if you cannot afford any of these fee-based options and if you do not have your own property to bury the dog. Some areas will pick up animal remains as long as it is thoroughly sealed in heavy plastic and not laid out until trash pickup day.