Losing your dog is one of the most painful experiences you can go through. If your dog has just passed away at home, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do. This guide walks you through each step — gently and practically — so you can focus on your family during this difficult time.

Step 1 — Take a moment

There is no immediate rush. Take a few minutes to sit with your dog, say goodbye, and gather yourself before making any calls. Many families find it helps to have a short, private moment together first.

If you have children in the house, you may want to decide how and when to tell them before anything else happens. Simple, honest language works best — children generally cope better when gently included rather than shielded from what has happened.

Step 2 — Confirm your dog has passed

If you are unsure whether your dog has died, check for these signs:

• No rise and fall of the chest — no breathing
• No heartbeat — place your hand on the left side of their chest
• No pulse — the femoral artery in the groin is the easiest place to check
• No response to touch or sound
• Eyes may be partially or fully open with fixed, dilated pupils
• Body feels limp — rigor mortis (stiffening) typically begins within 3–4 hours

If you have any doubt at all, call your vet. Most emergency vets are available 24 hours a day and can advise over the phone or arrange a home visit.

Step 3 — Handle their body with care

After your dog has passed, their body will begin to change. Here is what to know:

• Place your dog gently on an absorbent towel or blanket — the body may release fluids after death, which is completely normal
• Position them how you would like them to rest — curled up, as if sleeping, is a natural choice
• Keep them in a cool room, ideally below 7°C
• Do not keep the body at home for more than 24 hours — decomposition begins immediately after death
• Wear gloves if you need to handle or move the body

If your dog is large and you cannot move them alone, call your vet or a pet cremation service — they can assist with collection directly.

Taking time to say goodbye is an important part of the grieving process — there is no rush.

Step 4 — Let other pets say goodbye

If you have other dogs or cats in the household, allowing them to see and smell their companion can help them understand what has happened and may reduce subsequent anxiety and confusion. This is a personal decision — you know your pets best.

Step 5 — Decide on aftercare

In the UK, you have several options for what happens after your dog passes away.

Individual pet cremation

This is the most common choice for dog owners in the UK. A pet cremation service collects your dog from your home and cremates them individually — meaning your dog is cremated alone, with no other animals. You receive only their ashes back, typically within 5–7 working days, in a dignified urn.

At My Pet Farewell, we only ever offer individual cremation — your dog will never be cremated alongside another animal.

Our handmade heart urns are crafted individually — a lasting tribute to the dog you loved. Browse our full range of urns and keepsakes.

Burial in your garden

In England, you can legally bury your dog in the garden of the property where they lived, provided you own the property (tenants must obtain landlord permission). You must follow these guidelines under the Animal By-Products Regulations:

• Bury at least 1 metre (3 feet) deep — deeper in soft or sandy soil
• At least 10 metres from any water source, drain or ditch
• At least 30 metres from a stream or river
• At least 250 metres from a well or borehole
• Away from flood zones

Pet cemetery burial

Licensed pet cemeteries offer individual burial plots in a dedicated space you can visit. Registered pet cemeteries in the UK must comply with Animal By-Products Regulations and are regulated by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Step 6 — Arrange collection promptly

Once you have decided on cremation, contact a pet cremation service as soon as you are ready. Try not to leave it longer than 24 hours. When choosing a service, look for one that:

• Is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Collects directly from your home
• Clearly confirms that cremation is individual, not communal
• Has verified reviews from real customers
• Is transparent about pricing with no hidden costs

My Pet Farewell is available 24/7 and can arrange same-day collection across the UK. Call us on 020 3432 3240 or get a free instant quote here.

Step 7 — Update their microchip record

If your dog was microchipped — compulsory for dogs in England, Scotland and Wales since April 2016 — remember to notify your microchip database provider of their death. This prevents any confusion if their chip is ever scanned in the future. You can find which database your dog is registered with by searching at check-a-chip.co.uk.

Step 8 — Look after yourself

Grief for a pet is real grief. Dogs are companions, confidants and a constant part of daily life — and their loss leaves a genuine hole that takes time to heal. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Many people find comfort in the idea that their dog is at peace — running freely, without pain.

Some things that may help:

• Allow yourself to feel what you feel — sadness, shock, and even guilt are all normal responses
• Talk to friends or family who understood your bond with your dog
• Give yourself time before making any decisions about getting another dog
• Consider a small memorial — a framed photo, a planted tree, or a keepsake with their ashes
• Be honest with children — simple, truthful language is usually better than euphemisms

Celebrate the life your dog lived — the joy, the walks, the moments that made every day brighter.

The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service offers free, confidential support by phone and email for anyone in the UK grieving the loss of a pet. You don't have to go through this alone.