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My dog died on a Tuesday afternoon, and I had absolutely no idea what to do.

She’d been sick for weeks. We’d been to the emergency vet twice. I knew it was coming. But when she took her last breath on my living room floor, I froze.

Do I call someone? Do I… move her? Can I just bury her in the backyard? Do I need a permit for that? How much does cremation cost? Can I even afford it?

I sat there with her for two hours, paralyzed by not knowing what came next.

When I finally Googled “what to do when your dog dies,” I found conflicting information, vague advice, and a lot of assumptions that I already knew things I absolutely did not know.

Nobody tells you this stuff until you desperately need to know it. And by then, you’re grief-stricken and making decisions under pressure with incomplete information.

If your pet just died or is nearing the end, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do, what your options are, what everything costs, and who to call. No assumptions. No vague platitudes. Just practical, actionable information for one of the hardest days of pet ownership.

If you have an aging dog and not sure if the time is right to euthanize your sick or elderly pet, please read this article on deciding on dog euthanization.

Watch: What to Do When Your Pet Dies (3 Minute Summary Video)

Please take a moment to watch this quick 3 minute summary video on actions to take and what your options are after experiencing the loss of a pet, as well as download the free pdf below guide to help you through the emotionally difficult death of your pet.

Free Download: Complete Pet Loss Resource Guide

Losing a pet is overwhelming, and the decisions you face in those first hours shouldn’t be made without guidance. This comprehensive multi-page guide covers all cremation and burial options with detailed costs, state-by-state legal requirements for home burial, low-cost alternatives, financial assistance resources, and what to do in the critical first 24 hours. Download your free copy and have the practical information you need during this difficult time. Please feel free to re-post, re-publish or share with someone who needs it.

First 24 Hours: Immediate Steps After Your Pet Dies

If Your Pet Dies at Home

Step 1: Confirm death (if uncertain)

If you’re not sure whether your pet has passed:

• Check for breathing (watch chest for movement)
• Check for heartbeat (place hand on chest)
• Check for response to gentle touch or voice
• Pupils will be dilated and unresponsive to light

If you’re uncertain, call your vet immediately. They can guide you or see your pet urgently.

Step 2: Move your pet to a cool location

Once you’ve confirmed death:

• Gently move your pet to a cool, private area
• Place on a towel or blanket (bodily fluids may be released)
• If possible, move to a cool room or garage
• In hot weather, this is especially important

Why cooling matters: Decomposition begins immediately. Keeping your pet cool (not frozen) preserves them until you can arrange for burial or cremation. You typically have 24-48 hours in cool conditions.

Step 3: Contact your veterinarian

Even if your pet died at home, call your vet:

• They can confirm death if you’re uncertain
• They offer cremation services or can recommend providers
• They can help with euthanasia if your pet is suffering but not yet passed
• Many vets will come to your home for end-of-life care
• They’ll need to know for their records

Most veterinary clinics will store your pet’s body temporarily (usually free for 24-48 hours) while you decide on cremation or burial.

Step 4: Decide on other pets’ exposure

Should your other pets see the deceased pet?

Experts disagree on this. Some say it helps with closure. Others say it may traumatize pets.

What we know:

• Some pets will sniff, investigate, then move on (possible understanding)
• Some pets show no interest at all
• Some pets become distressed or anxious
• There’s no evidence it prevents later grief behaviors

Bottom line: Trust your instincts. Brief, supervised exposure is unlikely to harm. Extended exposure is unnecessary.

If Your Pet Dies at the Vet

The vet will ask what you want to do with your pet’s body.

You have several options:

1. Take your pet home for private burial (if legal in your area)
2. Arrange cremation through the vet (private or communal)
3. Have the vet handle disposal (usually communal cremation)

You don’t have to decide immediately. Most vets will hold your pet’s body for 24-48 hours while you decide. Don’t let anyone pressure you into a quick decision you’re not comfortable with.

Get an itemized quote. Cremation costs through vets are often marked up 50-100% over going directly to a pet crematorium. Ask for pricing and compare. Learn more about steps to take when losing a pet.

Your Options: Burial vs. Cremation

Option 1: Home Burial in Your Yard

Cost: Free (DIY) or $50-200 (pet burial service)

Legal Considerations – THIS IS CRITICAL:

Home pet burial laws vary dramatically by state, county, and city. You must check local laws before burying your pet.

Generally legal with restrictions:

• Most states allow home burial on private property you own
• Common restrictions:
  • Minimum distance from water sources (wells, streams, lakes) – usually 50-300 feet
  • Minimum burial depth (usually 3-4 feet)
  • Cannot bury in public easements or utility areas
  • Property must be outside city limits (many cities prohibit home burial)
  • Cannot bury in rental property without landlord permission

States/areas where home burial is difficult or prohibited:

• Many California cities and counties
• Urban areas of most states
• Properties on public water systems
• HOA communities (check covenants)
• Flood zones
• Protected wetlands

How to check your local laws:

1. Call your county animal control office
2. Check your city/county zoning ordinances (usually online)
3. Call your local health department
4. If you have an HOA, check your covenant restrictions

Home Burial Process:

If legal in your area:

1. Choose location carefully
   • Away from water sources
   • Not in area where future digging might occur (utilities, construction)
   • Consider if you’ll move (you can’t take the grave with you)
   • Choose a meaningful, peaceful spot
2. Dig the grave
   • Minimum 3 feet deep (4 feet recommended)
   • Deep enough that scavengers can’t reach
   • Wide and long enough for your pet to lie naturally
3. Prepare your pet
   • Wrap in biodegradable material (blanket, shroud, cardboard box)
   • DO NOT use plastic (prevents decomposition and can contaminate groundwater)
   • Consider placing favorite toy or collar with them
4. Burial
   • Place pet gently in grave
   • Cover completely with soil
   • Tamp down firmly
   • Mark the grave (stone, plant, marker)

Timeline: Can be done same day or within 24 hours

Pros:

• Free or very low cost
• Pet remains on your property
• Can visit the grave
• Can have a private ceremony

Cons:

• Not legal everywhere
• Physically demanding (digging)
• Can’t take with you if you move
• Scavengers may disturb if not deep enough
• Emotional difficulty of the task

Option 2: Pet Cemetery Burial

Cost: $400-$2,000+ depending on location and services

Pet cemeteries offer formal burial with maintained graves.

What’s typically included:

• Grave plot (perpetual care)
• Opening and closing of grave
• Basic grave marker
• Sometimes a small viewing/ceremony space

Additional costs:

• Casket ($50-$500+)
• Upgraded headstone/marker ($100-$1,000+)
• Viewing/ceremony ($100-$300)
• Grave maintenance fee (sometimes annual)

How to find a pet cemetery:

• International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories (IAOPCC) directory
• Local vet recommendations
• Google “pet cemetery near me”

Questions to ask:

• Is this a dedicated pet cemetery or mixed use?
• What happens to the property if the cemetery closes?
• What’s included in the burial fee?
• Are there annual maintenance fees?
• Can I visit anytime?
• What are the rules for grave decorations?

Pros:

• Professional, maintained grave site
• Can visit long-term
• Formal marker/headstone
• Feeling of permanence
• Sometimes offer grief support

Cons:

• Expensive
• May not be convenient to visit
• No guarantee cemetery stays open forever
• Additional costs for casket, marker, ceremony

Timeline: Usually can arrange within 3-7 days

Option 3: Communal Cremation

Cost: $50-$150 depending on pet size

Communal (or group) cremation means your pet is cremated with other pets. You do not receive ashes back.

How it works:

• Multiple pets are cremated together
• Ashes are not separated
• Typically scattered or buried by the crematorium
• Some facilities will tell you where/how ashes are scattered

Arranged through:

• Your veterinarian (most common)
• Pet crematorium directly (usually cheaper)
• Animal control/humane society (often lowest cost)

Pricing typically:

• Small pets (under 30 lbs): $50-$75
• Medium pets (30-70 lbs): $75-$100
• Large pets (70-120 lbs): $100-$150

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Easy to arrange through vet
• Cremation is more environmentally friendly than burial
• No concerns about local burial laws

Cons:

• No ashes returned
• Can’t keep or scatter remains
• Less closure for some people
• Multiple pets cremated together

Timeline: Usually done within 1-5 days of bringing pet to vet/crematorium

Option 4: Private/Individual Cremation

Cost: $150-$400+ depending on pet size and services

Private cremation means your pet is cremated alone, and you receive their ashes back.

Types of private cremation:

Partitioned Private: Your pet is in the cremation chamber with other pets but separated by dividers. Slight chance of minimal ash mixing. Costs $150-$250.

Individual Private: Your pet is the only one in the cremation chamber. Guaranteed only your pet’s ashes. Costs $200-$400+.

Witnessed Private: You can be present during the cremation. Not all facilities offer this. Costs $300-$500+.

What’s typically included:

• Cremation of your pet only
• Basic urn or container for ashes
• Sometimes a paw print or fur clipping

Additional options (extra cost):

• Upgraded urn ($50-$300+)
• Engraved urn or plaque ($30-$150)
• Jewelry to hold small amount of ashes ($40-$200)
• Rush service (24-48 hours) – add $50-$100
• Witness cremation – add $100-$200
• Home pickup of your pet – add $50-$150

How to arrange:

Through your vet:

• Most convenient
• Vet handles transportation
• Usually costs 50-100% more than going direct
• Get itemized pricing

Directly with crematorium:

• Call local pet crematoriums
• Compare pricing
• You transport pet or pay for pickup
• Often significantly cheaper than through vet

Questions to ask crematorium:

• Are you licensed/certified? (Check with International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories)
• What type of cremation (partitioned vs. individual)?
• Can I witness the cremation?
• When will I receive ashes?
• What’s included in the cost?
• What type of urn/container is provided?
• Do you offer payment plans?

Pros:

• You receive your pet’s ashes
• Can keep, scatter, or bury ashes
• Can divide ashes among family members
• Closure of having physical remains
• Can create memorial with ashes (jewelry, art, etc.)

Cons:

• More expensive than communal
• Takes longer (usually 1-2 weeks to receive ashes)
• Emotional weight of deciding what to do with ashes

Timeline: Cremation typically completed within 3-7 days. Ashes returned within 1-2 weeks.

Option 5: Aquamation (Water Cremation)

Cost: $150-$400 (similar to traditional cremation)

Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) is a newer, more environmentally friendly alternative to flame cremation.

How it works:

• Pet’s body is placed in a chamber with water and alkaline solution
• Gentle water flow and temperature break down body
• Takes 6-8 hours
• Returns bone fragments (like cremation), which are processed into “ashes”
• Ashes are white/tan instead of gray

Availability:

• Not available everywhere yet
• Growing in popularity
• Ask local crematoriums if they offer it

Pros:

• 90% less energy than flame cremation
• No emissions
• Considered more gentle
• Same end result (ashes returned)
• Often less expensive than flame cremation

Cons:

• Limited availability
• Some religions don’t approve
• Longer process time
• Less familiar to most people

Read more on Pet Cremation Process VS Pet Burials.

What If You Can’t Afford Veterinary Services or Cremation?

This is a reality for many pet owners, and there’s no shame in needing affordable options.

Low-Cost and Free Options:

1. Humane Society or Animal Shelter

Most local humane societies and shelters offer:

• Low-cost communal cremation ($30-$75)
• Sometimes free communal cremation for low-income families
• May require proof of income

Call your local shelter and ask about:

• “Compassionate care” programs
• Low-income pet cremation
• End-of-life services

2. Veterinary Schools

If you have a veterinary school nearby:

• Often offer low-cost euthanasia and cremation
• May offer payment plans
• Teaching environment (students involved with supervision)

Find one: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges directory

3. Mobile Vet Services for Euthanasia

If your pet needs euthanasia but you can’t afford emergency vet costs:

• Mobile vets often cost less than emergency clinics
• At-home euthanasia: $200-$400 (vs. $400-$800+ at emergency vet)
• Some offer sliding scale based on income
• Includes communal cremation usually

Search: “Low cost pet euthanasia near me” or “sliding scale vet near me”

4. Local Animal Control

Many animal control agencies offer:

• Free or very low-cost body disposal
• Basic cremation services
• Not ideal, but an option in financial crisis

Call your county animal control office and ask about options.

5. Payment Plans and Financial Assistance

Pet Financial Assistance Organizations:

• The Pet Fund (www.thepetfund.com) – Grants for veterinary care including end-of-life
• RedRover Relief (www.redrover.org) – Urgent care grants
• Brown Dog Foundation (www.browndogfoundation.org) – Financial assistance
• Waggle (www.waggle.org) – Crowdfunding for pet care
• Shakespeare Animal Fund – End-of-life care grants

CareCredit:

• Medical credit card accepted at many vets
• Interest-free if paid within promotional period (usually 6 months)
• Apply online instantly
• Approval in minutes

Ask your vet about:

• In-house payment plans
• Can you pay in installments?
• Do they work with third-party financing?

Important: Don’t Delay Euthanasia Due to Cost

If your pet is suffering and needs euthanasia but you can’t afford it, please don’t let them suffer while you figure out finances.

Immediate options:

1. Call your regular vet and explain – many will work with you
2. Call humane society about emergency low-cost euthanasia
3. Call local animal control (they often provide low-cost humane euthanasia)
4. Apply for CareCredit immediately (takes 5 minutes)
5. Call every vet in your area – some offer sliding scale

Your pet’s comfort is the priority. There are resources available.

State-by-State Home Burial Laws (Quick Reference)

This is a general guide. Always verify with your local county/city before burying a pet at home.

States where home burial is generally allowed (with restrictions):

• Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Common restrictions in these states:

• Must be on property you own
• Minimum distance from water (50-300 feet)
• Minimum depth (3-4 feet)
• Outside city limits or specific municipal rules
• Not in flood zones

States/areas with heavy restrictions or frequent prohibition:

• California – Many counties and cities prohibit; check locally
• Connecticut – Most areas prohibit
• Florida – Many counties require specific permits
• Maryland – Most areas prohibit on residential property
• Massachusetts – Many towns prohibit
• Minnesota – Some counties prohibit
• New Jersey – Most areas prohibit
• New York – Most cities/towns prohibit
• Rhode Island – Most areas prohibit

Cities almost always prohibit home burial:

• New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle, Portland (OR)

Alaska and Hawaii: Check local ordinances; varies widely by island/municipality

How to verify your area:

• Google: “[Your county/city] pet burial laws”
• Call county animal control: “Is home pet burial legal in [your address]?”
• Call county health department
• Check city/county code online (search “animal” or “pet burial”)

Timeline: What to Expect

Immediate (0-4 hours after death):

• Confirm death
• Move pet to cool location
• Contact vet
• Begin deciding on burial/cremation
• Notify family members

Day 1:

• Finalize cremation or burial decision
• Get pricing from multiple sources if possible
• Arrange transport if needed
• Home burial must usually occur within 24 hours

Days 2-7:

• Communal cremation typically occurs
• Private cremation typically occurs
• Pet cemetery burial arranged
• Begin planning memorial if desired

Week 2-3:

• Receive ashes if private cremation (usually 1-2 weeks)
• Decide on urn or ash storage
• Plan ash scattering if desired

Ongoing:

• Create memorial
• Process grief
• Support other pets who may be grieving

Special Considerations

Large Dogs and Livestock

Large dogs (80+ lbs) and livestock have additional considerations:

Cremation:

• Costs more (often $300-$600+ for 100+ lb dog)
• Fewer facilities have large enough cremation chambers
• May need to call multiple crematoriums

Home burial:

• Physically very difficult (graves must be very deep and large)
• May require excavation equipment
• Higher risk of scavenger disturbance if not deep enough

Large animal disposal:

• Some areas have rendering services for livestock
• Farm veterinarians often have specific recommendations
• County extension offices can help

Horses and Livestock

Contact:

• Your large animal veterinarian
• County extension office
• Local rendering services
• Some pet crematoriums handle horses (typically $1,000-$2,500)

Exotic Pets

Birds, reptiles, small mammals:

• Often eligible for regular pet cremation
• Usually fall into “small pet” pricing ($50-$100)
• Can be buried at home (where legal) – same laws apply

What About Euthanization Costs?

In-clinic euthanasia: $50-$300

• Small pets: $50-$100
• Large dogs: $100-$300
• Emergency vet: Often double

At-home euthanasia: $200-$500

• Includes vet travel
• More peaceful for pet
• Family can be present
• Often includes communal cremation

What’s included:

• Sedation (usually)
• Euthanasia injection
• Verification of passing
• Time to say goodbye
• Sometimes paw print

Low-cost euthanasia:

• Humane Society: $50-$100
• Animal control: Sometimes free-$50
• Mobile low-cost clinics: $75-$150

Making Keepsakes Before Cremation/Burial

If you want keepsakes, arrange these before your pet is cremated or buried:

Paw prints:

• Most vets and crematoriums offer this
• Can be done in clay or ink
• Usually $20-$50
• Can do at home with DIY kits ($15-$30)

Fur clipping:

• Ask vet or crematorium to save a small amount of fur
• Usually free if requested
• Can be kept in locket, made into jewelry, or simply kept in keepsake box

Nose print:

• Similar to paw print
• Can be done at home with non-toxic ink

Photos:

• Take photos before you transport pet
• While difficult emotionally, you may regret not having them
• Can be kept private or used in memorial

Whiskers (cats):

• If your cat has naturally shed whiskers, keep them
• Vets can provide whiskers if requested

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Making decisions under extreme pressure

• Take time if possible
• Most vets hold bodies 24-48 hours
• Don’t let anyone rush you

2. Not comparing prices

• Cremation costs vary 50-100% between providers
• Call crematoriums directly vs. only going through vet
• Get itemized quotes

3. Burying at home without checking laws

• Can result in fines ($500-$5,000 in some areas)
• May have to exhume pet
• Can affect property resale

4. Using plastic in home burial

• Prevents decomposition
• Can contaminate groundwater
• Use biodegradable materials only

5. Burying too shallow

• Scavengers will disturb grave
• Minimum 3 feet, 4 feet recommended
• More important with larger pets

6. Not asking for paw prints before cremation

• Once pet is cremated, you can’t get them
• Most facilities offer free or low-cost paw prints
• You may regret not having them

7. Choosing communal cremation then regretting not having ashes

• Once communally cremated, you cannot get ashes
• If uncertain, choose private cremation
• Can always scatter/bury ashes later

After Care: What to Do With Ashes

If you chose private cremation, you’ll receive your pet’s ashes (typically 1-4 cups depending on size).

Options:

Keep at home:

• In urn on shelf/mantle
• In decorative box
• In special location

Scatter:

• Your property
• Favorite hiking spot (check local laws)
• Beach (check local laws)
• Some pet cemeteries have scattering gardens

Bury:

• In your yard (often simpler than full body burial)
• Pet cemetery
• With future full-body burial of another pet

Divide:

• Multiple family members each keep portion
• Scatter some, keep some
• Create multiple pieces of memorial jewelry

Create memorial:

• Ashes pressed into glass art
• Ashes mixed into cremation jewelry
• Ashes made into memorial stone (aff)
• Ashes incorporated into tree planting
• Ashes made into vinyl record (yes, really)

Resources and Who to Call

Immediate help:

• Your veterinarian – First call for most situations
• Local Humane Society – Low-cost options, grief support
• Animal Control – Local laws, low-cost disposal
• Pet crematoriums – Direct pricing, often cheaper than going through vet

Find services:

• International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories (IAOPCC) – www.iaopc.com – Directory of certified providers
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers – Behaviorist referrals if other pets grieving
• Local vet schools – Low-cost services

Financial assistance:

• The Pet Fund – www.thepetfund.com
• RedRover Relief – www.redrover.org
• Brown Dog Foundation – www.browndogfoundation.org
• CareCredit – www.carecredit.com
• Waggle – www.waggle.org

Grief support:

• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) – www.aplb.org – Free pet loss support hotline
• Lap of Love – www.lapoflove.com – In-home euthanasia and grief resources
• Pet Loss Support Hotlines – Many vet schools offer free grief hotlines

Legal questions:

• County animal control
• County health department
• City/county clerk’s office for ordinances

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Putting it All Together

When my dog died, I wish someone had told me:

You have time. You don’t have to make instant decisions. Take a breath. Pet grief is real and one of the most painful processes in life is the loss of a pet.

It’s okay to choose based on budget. Communal cremation doesn’t mean you loved your pet less. Do what you can afford.

Ask for help. Vets, crematoriums, and shelters deal with this daily. They can guide you.

There’s no wrong choice. Burial, cremation, cemetery, home, scattered ashes, kept ashes – whatever brings you peace is right.

You can do this. Even though it’s awful, you can get through the logistics. One decision at a time.

The decisions you make in these first days don’t define your love for your pet. They’re just practical necessities during an impossibly hard time.

Your pet was lucky to have you. And whatever you choose to do now is done out of love.

I’m sorry for your loss.