The natural passing or death of a pet at home can be a deeply emotional and frightening experience. At Peaceful Waters, we understand the challenges that come with this difficult time, and we have years of experience guiding families through what to do when a pet dies at home. If your pet passes away naturally at home, here’s what you can do to navigate the process with calm and care.
1. Don’t Panic
First and foremost, try not to panic. While it’s an emotional time, staying calm will help you make informed decisions. If you're uncertain whether your pet has passed, there are a few ways to check:
Check the gums: When a pet has passed, their gums will often appear pale, white, or purple.
Observe their breathing: Sit still and watch your pet's rib cage. If no movement is visible after a minute or so, it’s likely that your pet has passed.
Feel for a pulse: You can also check your pet’s pulse. The most palpable pulse is located in the inguinal area (inner thigh, where the thigh meets the pelvis). Another pulse can be felt in the jugular area of the neck, to the right or left.
2. Handle Your Pet with Care
Once you’ve confirmed that your pet has passed, you have a couple of options for how to handle their body:
If they’re indoors: You can leave them where they are, or gently move them to a comfortable spot, like a blanket or their bed. You may also want to place a peepee pad or a double-folded towel under their rear end. When pets pass, their urinary and rectal muscle tone relaxes, and they may experience accidents.
If they’re outdoors: We recommend moving your pet indoors, where they’ll be safe from environmental factors like weather, larvae, bugs, and wild animals.
If your pet passes after our business hours, don’t worry. Pets are safe indoors and in a temperate environment. Take your time to gather your thoughts, and when you’re ready, you can proceed with the following steps.
3. Contact Peaceful Waters if your pet dies at home
You can reach out to us by calling and leaving a message, or preferably, by completing an authorization form for aquamation. We’re here for you seven days a week, with operating hours of 10-12 hours a day. We’ll respond promptly and be there first thing in the morning to assist you.
4. What Happens Next
When we arrive, one of our compassionate staff members will gently transport your pet in a basket or gurney to our vehicle. From there, we’ll provide either private or communal aquamation services, based on your preference. We also offer personalized memorial items, should you choose to create keepsakes to honor your pet’s memory.
Final Thoughts
Losing a pet is never easy, but when they pass naturally at home, the most important thing is to stay calm and make sure your pet is safe. Confirm that your pet has passed, then reach out to us via phone or by completing the aquamation authorization form. We’ll be there as soon as possible, and your pet will be safe until our arrival.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone—Peaceful Waters is here to support you every step of the way.
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