Losing a pet unexpectedly is one of the most disorienting experiences a family can face. One moment your dog or cat is here — and then suddenly they aren't. If your pet has passed at home without a scheduled appointment, this guide is here to help you understand what to do, step by step, without pressure.
Take a breath. There is no rush. Your pet is at peace, and you have time.
Step One: Give Yourself a Moment
If your pet has just passed, the most important thing right now is not logistics — it's you and your family. If others are home, be together. If children need comfort, focus on that first. The practical decisions can wait a few minutes.
Your pet is no longer in pain or distress. They are not suffering. You have time.
Step Two: Confirm That Your Pet Has Passed
Signs that a pet has passed include:
- No visible breathing or chest movement
- No response to touch or sound
- Eyes may be open and fixed
- Muscles may relax, which can cause the body to release bladder or bowel contents — this is normal
- Gums will become pale or grayish
If you are unsure whether your pet has passed or is in a medical crisis, call a veterinarian immediately. Hickey Home Veterinary Care can be reached at (480) 806-1888.
Step Three: Know That You Have Time for Aftercare Decisions
If your pet has passed, you do not need to rush aftercare decisions. In most cases, a pet's body can remain at home for several hours, kept in a cool area, while your family makes arrangements.
If the death occurred during warm months in Phoenix — where temperatures can be extreme — you'll want to keep the body in an air-conditioned area. If possible, place them on a blanket in a cool room.
You do not need to transport your pet anywhere immediately. Take the time to grieve first.
Step Four: Call for Aftercare Support
Once your family is ready to make practical decisions, you have several options:
Call Hickey Home Veterinary Care at (480) 806-1888. Dr. Kyle Hickey coordinates aftercare for Phoenix-area families even when an appointment was not previously scheduled. He can guide you through your options — individual cremation, communal cremation, aquamation, or home burial — and handle all logistics directly.
Contact a local pet cremation provider. Phoenix has several pet cremation services that offer transport from your home. Dr. Hickey can recommend providers he has worked with directly.
Home burial in Arizona. Home burial of pets is generally permitted in Arizona on private residential property. There are no state-level laws prohibiting it, though some municipalities or HOA communities may have restrictions. The general guidance is to bury at least 2-3 feet deep, away from water sources. Call your local municipality if you are unsure about regulations in your specific area.
Step Five: Tell the People Who Need to Know
If your pet was also seen by a regular veterinarian for wellness care, notify their office. They will update their records and this is a courtesy they appreciate. If your pet had a microchip, contact the microchip registry to update the status.
If your pet had pet insurance, contact your provider — some policies include reimbursement for end-of-life care costs.
Helping Children Understand
If children are in the home, they will need age-appropriate honesty. Euphemisms like "went to sleep" or "went away" can create confusion or fear around the concepts of sleep and travel. Simple, honest language — "our dog has died, it means their body stopped working and they aren't in pain anymore" — is generally more supportive for children than well-intentioned vagueness.
Children grieve differently than adults and may seem to move on quickly, then return to sadness days later. Both responses are normal.
Helping Other Pets in the Household
Other pets in the home are often aware that something has changed. Some animals show clear signs of grief — loss of appetite, searching behavior, lethargy. Others seem unaffected. Both are within the normal range of animal behavior.
Many families choose to allow other pets to spend time near the body of the pet who has passed. There is evidence that this may help other animals understand that their companion is gone, reducing prolonged searching behavior. This is entirely optional and a personal decision for your family.
When to Call a Veterinarian
Call a veterinarian if:
- You are unsure whether your pet has passed or is in medical distress
- You need guidance on next steps and don't know where to start
- You have questions about aftercare options
- You have other pets showing severe signs of distress
Hickey Home Veterinary Care serves Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, and Fountain Hills. Dr. Kyle Hickey can be reached at (480) 806-1888 or contact@hickeyhomeveterinarycare.com.
You don't have to navigate this alone.