None of us want to think about our pets not being around anymore. But it's important prepare for their death, even though it's a sad thing to think about.
It's difficult to know what to do first, but we're here to guide you through it.
Preparing for your pet’s death
Knowing the signs can help you prepare for your pet's death, here's what to look out for:
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Changes in appetite
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Lethargy
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Difficulty breathing
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Reduced mobility
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Weight loss
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Dull eyes
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Paleness around the gums
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Changes in toilet habits - for example going in the house rather than outside
Your pet's behaviour might change too. They might become more clingy, or the opposite, more isolated. They could seem confused or disorientated, some animals might not be interested in things they once liked.
Aim to keep them comfortable, for example, get them a soft and comfy bed (if they haven't got one already) and a quiet place that they can retreat to.
Keep your home environment as calm as possible and stick to your pet's usual routine. Limit walks if they've got mobility issues.
If these symptoms get severe it's time to call your vet. They can then advise on the next steps.
It's not a call any of us animal lovers want to make, but talking to your vet can help. They're not emotionally attached to your pet, so they can lay out the different options and give you their objective opinion on the best one to choose.
It also helps to talk to pet-loving friends or family members. They can offer a friendly ear, or advice if they've been in a similar situation.
Immediate steps to take if your pet dies at home
If your dog or cat dies at home, first check their vital signs to confirm they've died. The femoral artery in your pet's groin is the most common way to check for a pulse. You can also feel for a heart beat on the left side of their chest.
Look for signs of breathing by checking to see if their chest is rising.
If your pet has died, call your vet as soon as you can. They help you organise transportation to the clinic if you can't lift your dog into the car or if you can't drive there for any reason.
Before you go though, give your other family members time to say goodbye to your pet while they're still at home.
Be as careful as you can when you're transporting your pet's body. Try to keep them stable in the car using towels or a bed, keep them cool too.
Your vet can go through your next steps, whether that's options for burial or cremation.
What if my pet dies in the night or while I'm away?
If your pet dies at night and you're at home, you should call the out of hours vet to help.
If someone is looking after your pet and they think your pet might have died, ask them to check your pet's vital signs. Give them your vet's number, or the out of hours vet so they can help with what to do next.
Cremation and burial options in the UK
You can choose whether you want your pet to be cremated or buried.
If you choose cremation, you can opt for either an individual cremation or a communal one. If you choose an individual cremation, you'll get your pets ashes back. You don't have this option with a communal burial.
Some insurers cover cremation as standard, others don't. With some it's an optional extra that you can add on. If you don't have this cover, you might have to pay to cremate your pet yourself.
There's also the option of burial. It's perfectly legal to bury your pet at home as long as:
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You own the property and the land you're burying your pet on. Your pet also has to have lived there.
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You don't bury your pet near a water source like a well or stream. You should aim for 30 metres from streams, 250 metres from wells or drinking water and at least 10 metres from drains or ditches.
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You make sure your pet is buried 2-4 feet down.
You can also choose to have your pet buried at a dedicated pet cemetery.
In some cases, you can't bury your pet. For example, if they've had certain treatments like chemotherapy. Your vet can tell you if you can bury your pet or not.
When you can, let your microchipping company know that your pet has died so they can update the database. This prevents any misunderstandings in the future.
Believe it or not, there are people out there who illegally dispose of animal bodies. That's why you should always go to your registered vet to take care of your pet after they die.
Telling your pet insurance provider
You can call, email or contact your pet insurance provider via your online account to let them know your pet has died. Usually, you have to complete a claim form. You'll need some paperwork too, such as:
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A death certificate from your vet, or confirmation of your pet's death
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Proof of your pet's purchase, like a donation receipt
They'll update your records, and let you know how to cancel your monthly payments.
It's at this point you should let them know if you'd like to claim for the cost of vet bills. For example, if your pet had any treatment before they died or the cost of euthanasia. Some policies offer cover for end of life care.
If your pet died suddenly and at a young age, your insurer might pay out your pet's value if you have this type of cover. This doesn't apply if your pet died of old age, unfortunately.
Coping with the loss of your pet
Take time after your pet has died, they're a beloved member of the family, so it'll take time to heal.
Try talking to family members or friends about your dog. They might have been through the same and offer words or comfort. Or share great memories of your pet.
Animal welfare charities offer bereavement support for people who've lost their pets:
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The Blue Cross has their pet loss support page
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Cat's Protection has a confidential phone line called paws to listen
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World Horse Welfare also has some advice on what to do if your horse passes away
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