What to Do If Your Pet Dies

Losing a pet can be just as hard as losing a family member. And whether it’s a sudden loss or you’ve had to say goodbye to an old friend, it’s tough to know what to do immediately after their death. We’ve put together this quick guide to show you what you need to do if your pet dies in Uttoxeter and how we can help make the process as easy as possible for you and your family.

If your pet dies at home

When a pet dies at home, it’s a horrible experience for the whole family. Whether it was expected or not, it will fill you with grief.

First, make sure there is someone with you to help you through this, emotionally and physically. Decomposition will begin quickly with pets, so wrap up their body in a blanket or towel and place some puppy pads or plastic underneath them if you can.

Once they’re wrapped up, try and keep them somewhere cool until you’re ready for the next step. This is your time to say goodbye to your dear pet, so take the time you need.

If your pet dies at the vet

Sometimes, a pet has to be put to sleep at the vet because of illness or old age. In this case, your vet will offer to take care of the arrangements for you. This usually involves communal cremation, so make sure to ask lots of questions about what crematorium and services they use.

You don’t have to use the cremation services offered by your vet. Instead, you can bring your pet directly to our crematorium yourself or have us pick them up for you to make sure you’re getting the very best services for your pet.

Choosing burial or cremation

You are legally allowed to bury your pet on the grounds of a private residence that you own and live in. However, most people decide to cremate their pets since there is a chance you’ll move home in the future and have to leave your pet behind if buried.

Choosing between burial and cremation for your pet is a very personal choice. We will be happy to answer any questions you have or walk you through your options if you’re unsure.

What to do with your pet’s ashes

If you do decide to go with cremation, you can either have your pet’s ashes delivered home to you in an urn, or you can have them buried or scattered here at our pet cemetery in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.

Many people decide to keep their pet’s ashes in an urn in their home or decide to take them and scatter them in their favourite spot.

Again, this is a personal decision and one that should be made by you and your family.

Paying tribute to your pet

There are so many ways you can pay tribute to your pet once they’re gone. Some people choose to have a memorial stone made with their name engraved to keep in their garden or on their spot in the pet cemetery. Others choose to have a statue made as a loving reminder.

You might decide to hold a small funeral service where you and your loved ones get to say a proper goodbye. Some decide to plant a tree or plant during this as a tribute.

Need a helping hand?

If you want help with the planning following your pet’s passing, we are here to help. At Green Pastures Pet Crematorium, we will take care of everything to make this difficult time as easy as it can be for you and your family. Call us today to speak to a member of our team and we’ll walk you through the steps: 01889 507 451