When a dog dies at home, the emotional impact is mixed with the uncertainty of not knowing what to do. It's a difficult time, but staying calm and knowing the right steps to take will help you say goodbye to your companion with respect and peace of mind.
In this guide we explain what to do when your dog dies at home, step by stepWhat options do you have for their dismissal and how to seek immediate professional help?
⚠️ If your dog has just died at home, act calmly
Losing a dog is one of the most painful experiences a family can go through. But even in those moments of sadness, it is important to keep calm and act correctly to ensure that everything is handled respectfully and safely.
👉 24-hour emergency telephone number Funeralvet: 611 113 649
📍 Free pick-up in Estepona and Malaga
If your dog has died at home, you can call us at any time. At Funeralvet we have a 24 hour service specialising in immediate collection and individual or collective cremationso you don't have to worry about anything.
🐾 Step by step: what to do when your dog dies at home
Here we explain what to do if your dog has died at homein an orderly and straightforward manner.
1️⃣ Check if he/she is really dead
Sometimes, especially when dogs are ill or elderly, they may appear to have died when in fact they are unconscious or with very weak vital signs.
To make sure:
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Check for breathing. Observe the movement of the chest.
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Feel the heart. Place your hand on the left side of your chest.
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Look at the pupils. If they are dilated and do not react to light, it is a sign of death.
If in doubt, call your regular veterinarian or an emergency vet. to confirm death.
2️⃣ Place the body in a cool and quiet place.
Once death is confirmed, the body will begin to go into rigor mortis (stiffness) within the next few hours.
To avoid odours or damage, places the body on a waterproof surface (e.g. an old blanket or an absorbent towel) and, if possible, in a cool and ventilated room.
You can cover it with a sheet or light blanket, leaving the head uncovered if you wish to say goodbye.
3️⃣ Contact a veterinary funeral service
In Spain it is not allowed to bury pets in unauthorised places. Therefore, you must contact an authorised collection or cremation service.as Funeralvet.
📞 Telephone 24 h: 611 113 649
🚐 Free pick-up in Estepona and Malaga
At Funeralvet we take care of the whole process, from the pick up at your home until the incineration individually or collectively, whichever you prefer.
4️⃣ Decides on the type of cremation
There are two main types of cremation for pets:
🔹 Individual cremation
Your dog is cremated individually and you receive his ashes in a personalised urn.
Ideal if you want to keep a physical memento of your partner.
🔹 Collective cremation
It is done together with other animals and the ashes are not returned.
It is a cheaper but equally respectful option.
At Funeralvet we can advise you on both options so that you can choose the one that best suits your situation and budget.
👉 More information: Cremation process step by step
5️⃣ Necessary documentation
Normally, in order to proceed with the cremation or removal of the body, it is required:
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Your ID card or identity document.
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The microchip or veterinary card (if you have it at hand).
We take care of all the paperwork with the health authorities so that you don't have to worry about any formalities.
6️⃣ Saying goodbye to your dog
Take the time to say goodbye. You can do it at home or, if you prefer, in our facilities before cremation.
Some families choose to place a candle, a flower or a letter next to their pet as a symbol of love and gratitude.
At Funeralvet we understand the importance of that moment and we accompany you with empathy and respect in our Farewell Room.
7️⃣ Preserves his memory
If you decide on an individual cremation, you can keep the ashes in an urn or turn part of them into memorial souvenirs, such as a memorial:
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Biodegradable urns for planting a tree.
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Pendants or commemorative jewellery.
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Small reliquaries with part of the ashes.
What is important is keeping his memory alive in a way that comforts you.
🕊️ Why choose Funeralvet?
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🕓 24-hour availability365 days a year.
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🚐 Free pick up in Estepona and Malaga.
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🌿 Ethical and certified cremation.
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💬 Emotional accompaniment and advice throughout the process.
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📜 Certificate of incineration and urn delivery (in individual cremations).
In difficult times, we want you to worry only about saying goodbye with love.
📞 Call us now on 611 113 649.
❓ Frequently asked questions on what to do when your dog dies in the house
1. Can I bury my dog in my garden or in a field?
No. The law prohibits the burial of pets outside authorised sites for health reasons. The right thing to do is to contact a veterinary mortuary service.
2. How long can I wait before calling the collection service?
Ideally, this should be done as soon as possible, preferably within the first 6 hours. In warm areas, it is better to act quickly to avoid decomposition.
3. Can I take the body to the cremation centre myself?
Yes, but Funeralvet offers free collection in Estepona and Malagaso that you don't have to move at such a delicate time.
4. How much does it cost to cremate a dog?
It depends on the size of the animal and the type of cremation (individual or collective). At Funeralvet we give you a clear and non-binding quote.
5. How long does cremation take?
Generally between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the size of the dog. If it is an individual cremation, you can collect the ashes the same day or the next day.
6. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, all cremations are issued with a certificate of incineration with the name and details of the pet.
7. What happens if my dog dies at night or on the weekend?
You can call us at any time. Our 24-hour service is available every day of the year.
8. May I be present during the cremation?
Yes, at individual cremations, you can attend if you wish. It is an intimate and symbolic moment for many families.
9. Can I cremate several animals together?
Not for individual cremations. But you can request a collective cremation, where several pets are cremated at the same time (no return of ashes).
10. What do I do if my dog dies at the veterinary clinic?
You can also request that Funeralvet will arrange collection and cremation directly from the clinic. All you have to do is report it to the vet.
💚 Funeralvet: accompanying you in the most difficult moments
We know how hard it is to say goodbye to a faithful companion. Our commitment is to make that last step dignified, calm and full of respect.
📞 Telephone 24 h: 611 113 649
📍 Free pick-up in Estepona and Malaga
🌐 More information about our incineration process
