It is incredibly distressing to find your pet has passed away. They may have been a golden oldie and it was expected, or it may be a complete shock. Firstly, be assured that once your pet has passed away there is no immediate hurry in the process. There are some steps you can take to keep them safe and protected until you decide on your preferred memorial service.
It is important to understand that there is assistance if you need. Pet Rest Cremations offers phone support 24 hours and we can talk you through the process and your options.
If you can, place your pet on a cool surface such as in the laundry, garage or on the patio/deck. If they have passed away on their blanket or bed, this will be a perfect place for them to stay. If they are on your bed/ couch, it is important to know that there will be some loss of blood/urine/faeces and moving them from these areas or placing something underneath them could be necessary.
Elevate their head slightly by placing a rolled or folded up towel underneath. This is to prevent blood loss through their nose. Do not be alarmed if you find blood around their nose and mouth, it is a natural part of the process.
Place a towel or old blanket underneath their bottom. This is to prevent faeces or urine loss from getting on the floor. Loss of our bodily fluids is completely natural and again, part of the process.
If you would like, you could wrap your pet in a blanket or towel, however it isn’t necessary if you don’t feel comfortable. If your pet is outside, you might like to place a blanket or sheet over to protect them from insects.
It is unlikely that your pets eyes will close (it does sometimes happen though). Part of the natural passing process is for muscles to contract, including around the eyes. Because of this, it may appear that they have not passed away. Signs of passing include- passing of urine or faeces, blood loss from nose/mouth, gums and tongue blue tinged, rigidity (rigor mortis) in limbs, loss of warmth -particularly in feet/ears. Pets may retain warmth and softness for many hours so if you are in any doubt, call or visit your closest vet or emergency vet clinic as soon as possible.
After hours vet clinics on the Sunshine Coast are: North Coast Veterinary Specialist (5453 7555 – 5/30 Chancellor Park Blvd, Sippy Downs), Animal Emergency Services Tanawha (5445 1333- 431 Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha), Animal Emergency Centre Noosa (5353 7005 – 28 Eenie Creek Rd, Noosaville)
Your vet may have an on-call emergency line also if they are not open.
You can call Pet Rest Cremations on 5439 6111 anytime for support with the process, and we will be able to guide you through your options. We can also arrange the respectful collection of your pet for an Individual Cremation service.
It is much easier to roll your dog onto something than to drag/ lift them. Place an old sheet/blanket/tarp beside your dog to his/her back. This is easiest done with two people if possible- gently pick up both his/her back legs and front legs and roll them over so that they are now resting on the sheet.
Be mindful that his/her head will follow so you may choose to place a rolled up towel in the area or provide a supportive hand.
Once your dog is on the sheet, place something underneath his/her bottom to prevent loss and you can then use the sheet to either perform a two person lift to a safe area or use the sheet to gently pull them into place.
Only you will know the appropriate way to approach your children about the loss of a beloved pet. We have a blog post ‘Children and Pet Loss’ which may provide some support if you are looking for ideas. You may choose to move your pet to avoid your children seeing them, or you may choose to allow your children to say their goodbyes.
If you have decided to have an individual cremation service for your pet, your children may like to place favourite toys, treats, special photos, drawings or letters ect with them before we visit your home for collection. These special treasures can stay with your pet all through the process so they can take them across the rainbow bridge.
If you have decided that you are not comfortable with your children seeing your pet, we can most certainly provide a discreet collection for individual cremation service whilst they are at school or in another room.
There is no need to do anything if you don’t feel comfortable. Pet rest cremations can visit your home at a suitable time and collect your pet for an individual cremation service. We are experienced in home collections and will be respectful and gentle of your pet and give you time and space to say your goodbyes.
It is instinctive for many pets to find an isolated place when the time comes. If they are heavy and in a very difficult place, you may chose to place a blanket over them and we can assist you to move them when we come. We can arrange two staff members to visit your home to make this process easier if needed.
It is easier to roll your pet onto something and then use this for leverage as opposed to lifting/ dragging. If your pet is in an unsafe place (on the road/ in a creek ect) it will be necessary for you to move them if possible.
Do not put yourself in danger- pets on roads can be collected by the Sunshine Coast Council Pound if needed.
If you are in anyway unsure if your pet has passed away, please contact your closest vet clinic or emergency vet clinic.
If you know they have definitely passed away however it is a traumatic situation, place your pet somewhere safe and cover them with an old sheet/blanket/tarp. Once you have done this, you can give us a call and we will make an arrangement for a suitable collection time for your pets’ individual cremation service.
It is understandable that seeing your pet in an accident can be incredibly distressing. If possible, we may be able to provide a viewing at a later time where your pet will be presented in a respectful way to allow more time for your goodbyes.
If you feel that your pet is near the end, there are three options-
- Your pet is very ill and needs immediate vet attention – if it is during normal business hours, call your closest vet clinic for an emergency appointment. If it is out of hours/ during holidays ect. Call or visit your closest emergency vet clinic.
- Your pet is very old/ill and it is expected any day. There are special palliative care vets who can come to your home and help make them more comfortable or provide an assessment. If you decide that euthanasia is the kindest process, they will be able to do this at home where your pet is most calm and happy. They are also able to arrange the collection of your pet for individual cremation once they have passed and you are ready.
- Your pet is very old/ ill and it has been expected for some time. You may choose not to seek veterinary intervention. Keep your pet as comfortable as you can and just spend time with them. Your pet will most likely not accept water/food and may try and go outside or to an isolated place if they can. This is a natural instinct. Your pet may also vomit or soil themselves. If you feel that they are in too much pain, your vet will be able to assist to make their passing more comfortable.
After hours vet clinics on the Sunshine Coast are: North Coast Veterinary Specialist (5453 7555 – 5/30 Chancellor Park Blvd, Sippy Downs), Animal Emergency Services Tanawha (5445 1333- 431 Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha), Animal Emergency Centre Noosa (5353 7005 – 28 Eenie Creek Rd, Noosaville)
Your vet may have an on-call emergency line also if they are not open.
You can call Pet Rest Cremations on 5439 6111 anytime for support with the process, and we will be able to guide you through your options. We can also arrange the respectful collection of your pet for an Individual Cremation service.