When a much-loved pet passes away at home, the house can suddenly feel very different.
Their bed is still there. Their bowl is where it always was. Their lead may still be hanging by the door.
For years, they have been part of the rhythm of everyday life. And now, amongst the sadness, there are practical questions you may never have expected to need to answer.
What do we do now?
If your pet has passed away at home, you don’t need to have everything worked out immediately.
There are some simple steps you can take, and when you’re ready, help is available to care for your pet with dignity and gentleness.
Take the Time You Need
Unless there is a reason you need to act immediately, it’s okay to spend a little time saying goodbye.
Some families want to sit quietly with their pet.
Others may want children or another family member to have an opportunity to say goodbye.
There is no single right way to experience these first moments.
If you’re uncertain about what to do, contacting your veterinary clinic or a pet cremation provider can help you understand the next practical steps.
Do I Need to Contact My Vet?
This will depend on the circumstances.
If your pet’s passing was expected and their health was already being managed by a veterinarian, you may already have discussed what to do.
If their passing was sudden or unexpected, contacting your veterinary clinic is a sensible first step, particularly if you have questions about what happened.
If you are unsure, ask.
You don’t need to navigate an unfamiliar situation alone.
Caring for Your Pet Until They Are Collected
If there will be some time before your pet can be transferred into care, keeping them in a cool, peaceful place is generally important.
You may wish to gently wrap them in a favourite blanket or place something familiar beside them.
If you’re uncertain about how best to care for your pet while you wait, speak directly with your veterinary clinic or pet cremation provider for advice appropriate to your circumstances.
Pets R.I.P provides collection from homes and veterinary clinics and says its team uses dedicated vehicles and stretchers for the transfer.
Can My Pet Be Collected From Home?
Yes.
For many families, this is an important source of reassurance.
Pets R.I.P provides home and veterinary clinic collection for families across Toowoomba, Ipswich, Brisbane and surrounding areas of South East Queensland. After-hours assistance is also available when needed.
It means you can make one phone call and have someone gently guide you through what happens next.
What Happens When My Pet Comes Into Care?
One of the hardest parts can be watching your pet leave home.
You have cared for them throughout their life, so handing that responsibility to someone else can feel enormous.
Pets R.I.P states that pets entrusted to its team are treated with dignity and professionalism and that families are given clear information to help them make informed choices.
You can discuss the cremation process, how your pet will be identified, your choice of memorial and how their ashes will eventually return home.
What Does Individual Pet Cremation Mean?
Pets R.I.P states that every pet is individually cremated.
Secure identification is maintained throughout the process, and the pet’s ashes are returned in the urn or keepsake selected by the family, together with a cremation certificate.
For many families, knowing this can provide considerable reassurance.
It means the little companion you entrusted into care remains individually cared for throughout the cremation process.
Do I Need to Choose an Urn Straight Away?
There are different memorial choices available, and you can ask the team to explain them.
Pets R.I.P currently offers options including timber and ceramic urns, memorial boxes, paw-print keepsakes and memorial jewellery.
The right choice is simply whatever feels appropriate for your family and your pet.
For some, that’s a beautiful urn displayed at home.
For others, it’s something simple and understated.
And some families may eventually choose to scatter their pet’s ashes somewhere meaningful.
What If My Pet Passes Away After Hours?
Pets don’t choose convenient times to leave us.
Pets R.I.P lists after-hours assistance for families who need help outside its usual operating hours.
If you are uncertain about what to do, making that call can at least give you some direction.
Pet Cremation Across Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba
Pets R.I.P assists families across Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba and surrounding South East Queensland communities, including collection from homes and veterinary clinics.
When your pet has just passed away, you don’t need to think about every decision that comes afterwards.
Sometimes you only need to think about the next one.
Spend the time you need with them.
Ask for help when you’re ready.
And know that there are people who understand that the pet leaving your home wasn’t simply an animal.
They were part of your family and part of your everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when my pet passes away at home?
Take the time you need to say goodbye and contact your veterinarian or pet cremation provider when you’re ready. If the passing was sudden or unexpected, contacting your vet is particularly important.
Can Pets R.I.P collect my pet from my home?
Yes. Pets R.I.P states that it provides collection from homes and veterinary clinics.
Does Pets R.I.P provide pet cremation in Brisbane?
Yes. Pets R.I.P states that it assists families across Brisbane, Toowoomba, Ipswich and surrounding areas.
Is each pet cremated individually?
Yes. Pets R.I.P states that every pet is individually cremated and secure identification is used throughout the process.
Can I choose an urn for my pet?
Yes. A range of urns, memorial boxes and keepsakes is available.
Can I arrange a paw print or fur clipping?
Yes. Pets R.I.P says clay or ink paw prints and a small fur clipping can be requested.
Does Pets R.I.P offer after-hours assistance?
Yes. After-hours assistance is available when required.
Does Pets R.I.P service areas outside Brisbane?
Yes. The team assists families across Toowoomba, Ipswich, Brisbane and many surrounding areas of South East Queensland.