Whether your pet passed at home or at the vet, here's a calm order of things. Nothing here is urgent in the next few minutes — take each step when you're ready.
Take each of these when you're ready — there's no clock running.
There's no rush. Sit with your pet as long as you need to. If children or other pets are in the home, they may need a moment to understand and say goodbye too — animals often sense a loss and do better when they're allowed to.
Lay your pet on a towel or blanket in a cool room or spot. Gently position them as if sleeping, before their body stiffens, if you can — it's easier for everyone later. You don't need to do anything drastic; keeping them cool simply gives you more time to make calm decisions.
Your vet can keep your pet safely until a cremation provider collects them — often at no charge to you. You can ask the vet to arrange a specific provider, or make the call yourself. Either way, you don't have to transport your pet.
If your pet passed at home, most cremation providers will come to your door and handle transport gently. If they passed at the vet, the provider can collect them there. You choose what feels least overwhelming — you never have to move your pet alone.
Good providers answer day and night. On that first call they'll arrange a gentle pickup and walk you through your options — private or communal cremation, keepsakes, and timing — without any pressure. It's okay to ask questions, and it's okay to take a day to decide.
However this happened, you have more time and more options than it feels like right now. The decisions ahead are gentle ones, and you can make them at your own pace — with help whenever you're ready for it.
No need to read all of this now — it's here when you want it.
When you're ready to talk to someone, the local provider we recommend — Pet Passages Louisville — answers 24 hours a day, gently and at your pace.
Call (502) 793-5154 or reach Pet Passages →