Losing a pet is emotionally devastating. But the actions you take after matter. You might be uncertain about who to contact or how to take care of the body. You might not even know your legal and logistical obligations in such a situation. But we will explain everything you need to know.
Below is a guide.
Assess the situation
First of all, confirm that your pet is dead. Check for responsiveness. Examine the heart rate. In case of any doubts, call your veterinary doctor. They can assist in verifying death. They can also clarify the next steps. Common options include pet cremation and burial.
Transfer it to a secluded area
Take your pet to a calm place in your house. Select an area where there are no children or other animals. This will prevent further suffering. You will also have some time to process the situation. If you reside in shared housing, this step is crucial for privacy and convenience.
Take care of the body
Lay your pet on an absorbent material. It could be a towel or blanket. You can place them softly in a natural resting posture.
If there are no immediate disposal plans, keep the body cool. This will help to slow down natural changes. You can achieve this with a fan or cold packs wrapped around the body.
Avoid touching any fluids. Put on gloves when handling the dead body.
Choose between cremation and burial
At this point, you will be required to choose what will become of the remains of your pet. Some owners opt for cremation. This option is fast and does not require access to land. You can keep the ashes for a memorial in the future.
Others are more comfortable with burial. This can be done in a pet cemetery or on personal land. In Detroit, local ordinances may influence burial regulations. Thus, it is necessary to check regulations beforehand.
Reach out to the necessary parties
Inform your veterinarian, particularly if they maintained the medical records of your pet. They will guide you on how to handle and record the death. In case you reside in property management housing, consider any animal remains-related policies to avoid any issues.
Request for emotional support
It is normal to grieve when you lose a pet. Contact someone you trust. Inform them about what has happened. It could be:
- A family member
- A friend
- Your veterinary doctor
- A support group.
Talk to someone. They can help you deal with the emotions and logistics as well.
Reflect on future decisions
The loss of a pet often raises questions about future situations. Some die unexpectedly at home. Others reach a point where pet euthanasia is considered. It could be due to:
- Severe pain
- Organ failure
- Severe loss of function
- Emotional suffering.
Talks on comfort care and pet euthanasia are not very easy. But knowing them beforehand can assist you in making more informed choices on other pets in the future.
The last word
Involve your veterinarian and those around for support during this difficult time.
