Saying Goodbye

The practicalities you need to know when your pet passes on.

- Gina Hartoog

Sally Roberts recalls a tragic event that claimed the life of their neighbour’s eight-month-old Jack Russell Terrier several years ago. “The family was on holiday and one of the staff left the gate open and the dog got out,” Sally recounts. “Sadly, the pup was hit by a car and died instantly. My own kids were distraught as they had played with Jamie many times. It was late at night and my husband and I weren’t sure what the options were and where we should place the body until morning.”

When a pet passes away

Losing a beloved pet is a tragic experience for all family members. Whether the pet died due to old age, ill health or tragically, the sense of loss and despair is the same. Coping with the pet’s passing and coming to terms with your grief starts with ensuring that your pet’s body is treated with the same dignity he enjoyed during his life.

If your pet dies at home, either of old age or a known illness, you can arrange for a deceased pet care service to collect the body at your home. Your vet may also be able to assist with storage of the body and can arrange for collection from the vet’s office through the crematorium company they use. For this option, you will need to transport your pet’s body to the vet. If you are too distraught to drive, rather ask a friend or family member to assist.

If your pet passes after hours, Dr Amanda Haechler of Harmelia Animal Clinic suggests placing the body inside a plastic bag or a box lined with plastic and placing it in a cool area, possibly in a garage or bathroom, until morning.

If your pet dies at the vet or after euthanasia, the body will be placed in a cold storage facility at the vet’s consulting rooms until the pet service company comes through to collect.