If you are reading this right now because your pet has just died, we are sorry. Take a breath. There is no emergency. Your pet is not suffering. You have time.
This guide covers everything that needs to happen in the next few hours, in the order it needs to happen. None of it is complicated. All of it can be done.
First: confirm that your pet has died
If you are not certain, these are the signs to check. There is no breathing — watch the chest for thirty seconds. There is no heartbeat — place your hand flat on the left side of the chest, just behind the front leg. The eyes are open and fixed, not responding to light or movement. The body becomes still in a way that is different from sleep — heavier, more settled. If you are uncertain, call your vet. They can talk you through what you are seeing over the phone.
What happens to the body in the first hours
Within the first few minutes the muscles relax completely. This means the bladder and bowel may release — this is normal and does not mean anything went wrong. Within one to six hours, depending on the temperature of the room, the body will become stiff. This is called rigor mortis and it is a normal part of the process. It resolves on its own after roughly 24 to 48 hours. Knowing this in advance means it does not come as a shock.
Caring for the body
You do not need to move your pet immediately. Take whatever time you need to be with them first. When you are ready, place them on a clean blanket or towel in a cool part of your home — away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If you have arranged cremation or burial and the provider is coming within a few hours, this is sufficient. If it will be longer, place a bag of ice wrapped in a towel alongside the body to slow decomposition. The body can be kept at home safely for up to 24 hours in cool conditions. Do not place the body in a plastic bag unless instructed to by a cremation provider.
Who to call
Your vet should be notified, even if the death was expected. Call during business hours — not in the middle of the night unless you need guidance on caring for the body. If your pet died unexpectedly and you were not aware of any illness, your vet may recommend a post-mortem examination. This is entirely your choice. Some owners find it helps them understand what happened. Others prefer not to. There is no right answer.
For aftercare, contact your chosen cremation provider or pet cemetery during business hours. Most providers offer next-day or same-day pickup. If you are not sure who to contact, your vet's office can usually recommend a local provider.
There is no emergency. Your pet is not suffering. You have time to do this gently.
Home burial
If you plan to bury your pet at home, check your state's regulations before proceeding. Our home burial laws by state page covers the legal requirements for every US state, including depth requirements and distance from water sources. Most states require a minimum burial depth of two to three feet. Wrapping the body in a natural fiber — cotton, wool, or a biodegradable burial shroud — supports natural decomposition.
If your pet died at night
Most of the practical steps above wait until morning. What does not wait is your own need for support. The ASPCA pet loss support hotline is staffed during evening hours. Reddit's r/petloss community is active around the clock. If other pets in your household are awake and seem distressed, let them into the room if they want to come. Animals understand death better than we sometimes give them credit for. Allowing them to be present is usually better than separating them.
Your other pets in the days after
Animals grieve. They may search the house, vocalize, go off their food, or become unusually clingy. This is normal and typically resolves within a few weeks. Maintain their routines as much as possible. Watch for signs that grief is affecting their physical health — prolonged refusal to eat warrants a vet call.
Taking care of yourself
The practical tasks of the next few hours will carry you through on autopilot. When they are done, the loss will be there waiting. That is normal. Pet grief is real grief. Be gentle with yourself about what you can manage today. The food bowls and the bed and the toys — put them away when you are ready, not before, and not because someone else thinks you should. There is no timeline for this.