Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy, whether it happens at home or at a veterinary clinic. But when a pet passes away at a kennel, the experience can be especially heartbreaking, as you may not have the chance to be there during their final moments to say a proper goodbye.
This situation also changes the aftercare process, requiring some additional steps to ensure a meaningful farewell to your beloved companion. At Pet Cremation Services, we’re here to guide and support you, doing everything we can to ease the burden during this difficult time.
1. Contact the Kennel
The kennel should contact you immediately if your pet has passed away while under their care. During this initial conversation, make sure you get all the details about what happened, including the time and circumstances of death. We also recommend asking for written documentation of the incident, including any reports from staff who were present, what actions they took, and the veterinarian’s report (if they sought care for your pet).
2. Check Your Contract/Terms of Agreement
Next, review the agreement you signed with the kennel. These will typically outline what the standard protocol is if a pet passes under their care.
3. Call Your Vet
It is recommended to call your veterinarian to inform them your pet has passed. If you’re away from home, your vet’s office is closed, or you lack a regular vet, promptly contact the nearest emergency clinic. Expert guidance will ease the situation, particularly as you move forward to attend to your dog’s remains and prepare for the final goodbye.
4. (Optional) Ask for a Necropsy
If the cause of death is unclear or unexpected, you may want to request that a necropsy (animal autopsy) is performed. This can help provide closure and also provide insight into whether the kennel was responsible.
5. Consider Your Options for Your Pet’s Remains
When you call your vet, they may ask what you would like to do with your pet’s remains. While you do not need to decide immediately, your vet should be able to contact a cremation or burial service provider on your behalf. Depending on your local regulations, you will likely be able to choose from a private cremation, communal cremation, backyard burial, or burial in a pet cemetery.
6. Contact PCS
If you know you would like your pet cremated, you can also contact Pet Cremation Services directly after your pet’s passing if you haven’t already asked your veterinarian to do so. We offer both private and communal cremations, depending on whether you want your pet’s remains returned. We will send a member of our care team to pick up your pet following our trustworthy and established process that we have relied on for over 25 years.
7. Allow yourself to grieve.
No matter if your pet’s death was planned or sudden, the loss is still felt, and it hurts. Our pets are beloved members of our family and the void they leave is hard to fill. Give yourself the time to grieve the loss. Surround yourself with friends and family who will wrap you in sympathy and support.
8. Memorialize Your Pet
When your pet passes away, you may find yourself thinking about ways to honor their memory. It’s completely understandable if this feels overwhelming right now, and it’s okay to take your time. Whenever you feel ready, our website offers a selection of memorial products to help you cherish your companion. If you have any questions, our compassionate team is here to guide you through the process.
At Pet Cremation Services, we understand how challenging this time can be and are here to support you every step of the way. You can learn more about our process, find resources to help you deal with your grief, review our Frequently Asked Questions, shop our memorial products to help you celebrate the life you shared with your pet.
