What To Know When a Pet Passes Away

It is hard to put into words what a pet means to a family. When they pass, the house feels different by the very next morning. Along with the sadness, there are practical things that need doing, and most of us have never been told what they are.

This guide walks you through those first steps, one at a time. Our family has helped Fort Worth pet owners through this moment for four generations, and the same questions come up again and again. Here is what we tell our own neighbors.

First, Take a Breath

Nothing here has to happen in a hurry. Whether your pet passed at the vet or at home, you have time to sit with them, say what you need to say, and let the rest of the family do the same. If you are not sure what to do next, you can simply call us at (817) 862-7000. A real person from our family answers at every hour, and we will walk you through it.

If Your Pet Passes at Home

When a pet passes at the vet's office, the staff there can hold your pet and help with the next steps. When it happens at home, a few simple things keep your pet resting with dignity until you decide what comes next.

• Make sure your pet has truly passed. Watch quietly for breathing and feel for a heartbeat. Sometimes a very sick pet is only in a deep sleep.
• Lay your pet on a folded towel or blanket, with a plastic layer such as a trash bag underneath. A pet's body can release fluids after passing, and the layers protect your floors and bedding.
• Move your pet to the coolest room you have, out of direct sun. A garage or a tiled room works well. Try not to wait more than a day, since a pet's body begins to change within hours.
• Call us whenever you are ready, day or night. We come to homes all over the Fort Worth area to pick up pets, or you are welcome to bring your pet to us on Haltom Road.

Larger dogs can be hard to lift once several hours have passed. If you cannot move your pet, leave them where they are and tell us when you call. We will handle the lifting for you.

The Types of Pet Cremation

If you choose cremation, the next question is which kind. We keep it simple and put every price on our website, so there is no guesswork during a painful week.

• Semi-private cremation starts at $170 for pets up to 15 pounds. Pets are separated by a solid barrier from start to finish, and the ashes returned to you are your pet's own.
• Private cremation starts at $220, with pets of every size welcome. Your pet is alone in the chamber, so the ashes that come home are 100% your pet's, never mixed.
• The premium package starts at $245 and adds an engraved wood urn, a paw print keepsake, and a lock of hair.

What To Do With Your Pet's Ashes

There is no deadline on this decision. Some families know right away, and some let the urn rest on a shelf for a while until the answer feels clear.

Many keep the ashes at home in an urn, or place a small portion in a keepsake like a pendant. Others scatter the ashes at a favorite spot, a walking trail, a shady tree, or a corner of the backyard where your pet loved to nap.

One gentle caution if you plan to scatter near plants: ashes are high in salt and alkaline, which can be hard on growing things. Spread them thin, and keep them a little away from young plants. Well-established trees and shrubs handle a light scattering just fine.

A Dignified Goodbye With Precious Pets

Losing a pet is heavy enough without carrying the practical side alone. Our family runs its own crematory here in Fort Worth, and we treat every pet the way we treat our own. Most families have their pet's ashes back home in about four days.

When you are ready, you can arrange everything online in a few minutes, or call us at (817) 862-7000 at any hour. Our lobby at 1111 Haltom Road, Suite B in Fort Worth is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, and we are glad to welcome you in person.