What to Do After Your Dog Passes Away
Losing a dog is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a pet parent can face. In those quiet, heavy moments after your beloved companion passes, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, unsure, or even numb. Amid the grief, there are some practical steps to take — not just for your pet’s care, but for your own peace of mind. This guide gently walks you through what to do after your dog passes away, helping you navigate the immediate decisions while honoring the deep bond you shared.
Call Your Vet: What to Do Right After Your Dog Dies
One of the first and most important steps after your dog passes away is to call your veterinarian. Even in the midst of grief, your vet can be a calm, supportive guide through the immediate next steps. They can help confirm the death if you're unsure, discuss aftercare options like cremation or burial, and arrange respectful transport if needed.
If your dog was under veterinary or palliative care, they may already have plans in place to help you. If the death was unexpected, your vet may also recommend a brief exam to understand the cause — especially if you have other pets at home. Most importantly, your vet understands the depth of this loss and can offer resources for emotional support, because you shouldn’t have to navigate this moment alone.
What to Do if your Dog Dies at Home
If your dog dies at home, the experience can feel surreal and deeply distressing. First, take a moment to breathe and say goodbye in your own time — there is no need to rush. Once you're ready, gently wrap your dog’s body in a blanket or towel and place them in a cool, quiet area of the home. If you’re unsure whether they’ve truly passed, you can check for signs like the absence of breathing, heartbeat, or response to touch.
Contact your veterinarian or palliative care vets as soon as possible; they can help confirm death, provide guidance on next steps, and arrange for aftercare such as cremation or burial.
At Horizon, we offer a Pet collection/deceased pet pick up available 7 days a week. One of our lovely team members will come out to collect your dog for transportation to the crematorium and also organise all your aftercare wishes. Whether you want communal or private cremation, you can be reassured that our team will take care of everything from beginning to end.
While this moment is incredibly painful, know that support is available to help you honour your pet with dignity and care.
Grieving the Loss of a Dog: Emotional Steps to Healing
The loss of a dog can leave a deep, aching space in your life — they weren’t just a pet, but a constant companion, source of comfort, and part of your daily rhythm.
Grieving is a natural, personal process that unfolds differently for everyone. Allow yourself to feel the sadness, guilt, anger, or even numbness that may come. Talking to trusted friends, joining a pet loss support group, or writing a letter to your dog can be powerful ways to begin healing.
Creating a small memorial or keeping a special item, like their collar or paw print, may also bring comfort. Give yourself grace — there’s no timeline for grief, and healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to carry the love forward while honouring their memory in your own way.
Memorial Ideas for When Your Dog Passes Away
Honoring your dog’s memory can be a healing way to celebrate the bond you shared and keep their spirit close. There are many heartfelt ways to create a memorial that reflects your pet’s unique personality. You might choose a custom paw print keepsake, a framed photo collage, or a piece of jewelry containing a bit of their fur or ashes. Some families plant a tree or flowers in their dog’s favourite spot in the yard, while others create a memory box filled with their collar, tags, and toys.
Online tribute pages, personalised urns, or even a simple candlelight ritual can offer quiet moments of remembrance.
However you choose to remember your dog, what matters most is that it brings you comfort and honours the unconditional love they gave you.
Conclusion
Finding Peace After Loss
Losing a dog is a deeply personal and emotional journey, filled with both heartbreak and cherished memories. In the days following their passing, taking thoughtful steps — like calling your vet, making aftercare decisions, creating a memorial, and allowing yourself space to grieve — can help bring a sense of peace and purpose to the pain.
While nothing can replace the love and companionship of your dog, honouring their life and seeking support can guide you gently toward healing. Remember, your grief is a reflection of the love you shared — and that love never truly goes away.