Gentle guidance
What To Do When Your Pet Dies
If your pet has just died, take a breath. You don’t have to do everything at once. Here’s what to do in the first few hours, and how we can help.
At a glance
- There’s no rush to say goodbye
- Keep your pet somewhere cool
- Call (312) 582-9090 or arrange online
- Home pickup $100, vet pickup free
- We guide you through every step
First, breathe
You’re not alone in this
The first hours after a pet dies can feel unreal. Whatever you’re feeling is okay. There’s no wrong way to grieve and no need to rush.
When you’re ready, follow the steps below. If anything feels unclear, call us and a real person will walk you through it.
Step by step
The first few hours
- 1 Take a moment It’s okay to sit with them and say goodbye. Let family members, and other pets, spend time with them too.
- 2 Confirm they have passed Check gently for breathing and a heartbeat. If you’re unsure, call your veterinarian.
- 3 Lay them on a towel or blanket Place your pet on their side, in a natural curled position if you can. Some fluid release is normal.
- 4 Keep them cool Move them to the coolest room in your home, out of direct sunlight, until pickup.
- 5 Call us or arrange online We’ll schedule home pickup for $100, or you can bring them to us at no charge.
- 6 Take care of yourself Eat something, rest, and lean on the people around you. Our grief support page can help.
If your pet died at the vet
Tell your veterinarian you’ve chosen Chicago Pet Cremation Services. Then arrange online or call us. We collect from the clinic at no charge.
Talking with children
Use simple, honest words like “died,” and avoid phrases like “went to sleep,” which can confuse or frighten young children. More on helping children grieve
In their words
“A huge weight off our shoulders”
“From my very first call, he was incredibly responsive, kind, and understanding… Throughout the process, I always felt like my pet was being treated with the dignity and respect they deserved.”
FAQ
Questions in the first hours
If you’re unsure what to do right now, call us. We’ll stay on the phone with you as long as you need.
How long can my pet stay at home before pickup?
Keep your pet somewhere cool and call us as soon as you’re ready. We’ll arrange pickup as soon as we can.
Should my other pets see them?
Many families find it helps other pets to see and smell their companion. It’s your choice.
What if my pet dies at night or on a weekend?
Arrange online any time, or call us between 8am and 8pm. We’ll schedule the soonest pickup we can.
Related services
When you’re ready, we’ll take it from here.
Arrange online any time, or call and we’ll guide you through it.