What to do when a pet passes away at home

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most difficult experiences a pet parent can go through. When a pet passes away at home, the shock and grief can be overwhelming, and knowing what steps to take can feel impossible in those moments.

This guide is here to help. Whether you’re planning ahead for a pet who is unwell, or you’ve found yourself in an unexpected situation, the information below can help you navigate this difficult time with care.

Please note:
If your pet is experiencing an emergency, such as sudden collapse, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or any other emergency, please take them to your local emergency vet clinic immediately. If possible, phone to let them know you’re coming.

Table of contents

• Planning ahead for your pet
• When your pet has passed
• Aftercare options
• Supporting yourself, children, and other pets through grief
• How pet insurance can help support your pet’s care

Planning ahead for your pet

If your pet is unwell or reaching the end of their life, speaking with your vet early is the most important thing you can do. Having a plan in place can help reduce suffering and give you more control over how your pet’s final days unfold.

Euthanasia

For pets with a terminal diagnosis or significant suffering, euthanasia is often the most humane option. It allows for a peaceful, pain-free death and can be performed in a vet clinic, or at home by a mobile vet, in the familiar surroundings your pet knows best. Choosing euthanasia gives you the opportunity to say goodbye to your pet in a controlled environment, without the stress of an unexpected death.

If you’re considering this option, speak with your vet. They can help you understand when the time is right and what to expect from the process.

Palliative care

For pets whose health can still be managed to maintain a good quality of life, palliative care (sometimes called pet hospice care) is an increasingly available option. This involves caring for your pet at home under vet supervision, with a focus on comfort rather than cure.

Palliative care includes pain management, suitable nutrition, comfortable bedding, and help with mobility and daily needs. Palliative care doesn’t aim to extend a pet’s life at all costs, but is there to alleviate pain, control symptoms, minimise stress, and help enhance your pet’s wellbeing towards the end of their life.

Your vet will guide you on how to monitor your pet’s condition and help you make informed, empathetic decisions about when euthanasia may become the kindest choice.

When your pet has passed

If you find that your pet has passed away unexpectedly at home, contact your vet as soon as you can. They can advise you on next steps.

Signs your pet has passed away include:

• No response to noise or touch
• No rise and fall of the chest, or airflow from the nose (absence of breathing)
• No heartbeat, felt by placing a hand on the chest just behind the front leg
• No corneal reflex (no blinking response when you gently touch the eye)

If you’re unsure if your pet has passed away, contact your vet as soon as possible.

If you need to move your pet, it’s best to have someone assist you. Wear gloves, and place towels around the body as needed, as fluids may leak out from the body.

Allow yourself and your family time to be with your pet before making any decisions about aftercare.

Aftercare options

Your vet can walk you through the options available for your pet’s aftercare, which typically include:

• Home burial (where permitted and safe to do so)
• Pet cemetery burial
• Individual or communal cremation
• Referral to a pet memorial service

If you’d like to create a lasting tribute to your pet, your vet or a pet memorial service can also advise on options such as memorial urns, paw print keepsakes, engraved memorial stones, or planting a tree in your pet’s favourite spot.

Supporting yourself, children, and other pets through grief

Grief over the loss of a pet is real and significant. There’s no ‘right’ way to grieve, and the process is different for everyone. Seeking support following the loss of a pet is important. Consider reaching out to loved ones, holding a farewell, or posting a tribute online.

If you’re finding it difficult to cope, consider contacting a specialised pet grief counselling service, or speak to your doctor about referrals to professional grief support if needed. Support is also available through telephone-based grief support lines such as Griefline.

If you have children, this may be their first experience of grief. There are resources available online to help parents or carers discuss the loss of a pet with children, including picture books, guidance on age-appropriate language, and how to help children process grief. If needed, seek support from a mental health professional who can support your child through the grieving process.

It’s also worth paying attention to any other pets in your household. Animals can be affected by the loss of a companion, and signs of grief in pets may include:

• Changes in appetite
• Disrupted sleep
• Changes in toileting behaviour
• Hiding or withdrawal
• Loss of interest in usual routines or activities
• Restlessness, pacing, panting, and vocalising

If you notice any of these changes, speak with your vet to rule out any underlying medical causes. Try to provide stability and security for your remaining pets by maintaining their daily routine as much as possible. Your vet can provide advice on supportive options for your pets, such as the use of pheromone diffusers for cats and dogs.

How pet insurance can help support your pet’s care

Planning ahead can make a difficult time a little easier to manage. With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can help ensure your pet receives the care they need throughout every stage of their life, while also supporting other animals in need across Australia. To find out more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance website or get a commitment-free quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.