Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is something many of us will sadly experience at some point in our lives. It can be a very emotional time, so it is understandable that you may feel overwhelmed.
In this guide we’ll share some guidance on how to navigate those practical next steps after your loss.
What to do when your dog or cat dies at home
Reaching out to your vet is usually a good place to start, as they’ll be able to talk you through what to do next. You might want to find out if your vet can collect your pet’s remains or if you need to take your pet to them. Then you can make plans to suit your needs.
If you’re unsure, it may be worth using a service like vetfone, which offers 24/7 advice from registered vet nurses. Our customers have free access to this service by phone or video at all times.
What to expect if your dog or cat dies at the vets
Your vet will carry out a procedure called euthanasia, which is a painless and gentle way to end a pet's life. The decision will only be taken by a vet to end an animal’s life if they are suffering or there’s little or no hope of recovery. There will often be a consent form for you to sign before your vet proceeds.
You will likely have the choice of whether to be with your pet during the procedure. You may also be able to have a family member or friend with you to support you. When your vet has carried out the procedure, they may step out of the room to give you some time alone with your pet.
Deciding what to do with your pet's remains
There are a number of options open to you.
Burying your pet at home
Many people choose to bury their pet at home as an act of closure, giving them chance to celebrate their pet’s life. If you choose this option, you could lay a plaque, place a statue or plant a tree in their memory. You might not wish to bury your pet at home if you rent or are likely to move out of your property in the near future.
It may also be a good idea to check with your local council first, as some areas have restrictions in place.
Cremation
If you’d like to keep your pet close but don’t have a place to bury them, you may consider having your pet’s remains cremated. You can then choose to keep, bury or scatter your pet’s ashes.
Some vets offer cremation services so you may wish to check with them. You can also find your local pet crematorium on the Pet Cremation Services website.
Cemetery burial
A formal cemetery burial will ensure that your pet’s remains will be undisturbed and cared for. A pet cemetery might be able to pick up your pet from your home or vets.
The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria allows members to search for pet burial services by location.
Cancelling pet insurance when your pet dies
We do our best to help our customers when they lose a pet and understand you may not be able to contact us right away. Once we receive a claim for end-of-life treatment, we’ll backdate your cancellation.
To cancel your MORE THAN pet policy, you’ll need to get in touch with us.
Check if you have farewell cover
Our Premier pet insurance also includes farewell cover. This means we could help cover some of the costs involved. These include the cost of your pet being put to sleep by a vet and cremation or burial costs.
You can also add this as an optional extra if you choose one of our other cover types.
Learn about the types of pet insurance we offer to help you choose the right cover for your needs.
Coping with losing a pet
Grief can be different for everyone. There’s no right or wrong way to experience it, whether it is for a human or a furry companion.
Give yourself space
Take time out and give yourself space to grieve. Having a focus can often help, so try to spend time on your favourite hobby, go for a walk or do some home cooking. Get lots of rest, sleep and fresh air.
Be patient
There’s no set time to get over the loss of a pet. It may be months before you start feeling better and are ready to move forward. There is no timeline you have to follow.
Talk to friends and family
Be open about how you're feeling and seek support if you need it. Share memories about your pet with those who knew and loved them too.
Create a memorial
This can be a comforting way to remember and commemorate your pet. You could choose a sentimental plaque or picture frame. If you keep your pet’s ashes, you may prefer a decorative urn.
Get the right support
Chatting to the Blue Cross or Paws to Listen for confidential support can help you manage the pain of losing a pet. There are many services on hand to support you.
Getting a new pet
You’ll know when the time feels right, but it's important not to rush the decision or try replacing the pet you have lost. You should also make sure everyone in the family is involved in the decision. Think about the impact on any other pets in your home.
You may wish to think about adopting a pet and speaking with rescue centres to find a good match.
Helping children cope with the loss of a pet
Losing a pet can be hard for children to grasp. It’s usually best to be as honest as possible. We have a guide on helping children after pet loss that you may find useful to read.
Pet insurance and death
Our pets mean the world to us, so it’s important we know what to do when it’s time to say goodbye. Feel free to refer back to this guide if you’re in need of support following the loss of a pet.
We include farewell cover as standard as part of our Premier insurance, giving you peace of mind when you need it most. Find out more about our cover options.
