What to Do When Your Pet Dies at Home in India? A Step-by-Step Guide

Aman

06 August, 2025

Table of Contents

1. Accepting the Grief of losing a beloved pet -:
2. Before mourning confirm the death -:
3. Handle the Pet’s Deceased body very carefully-:
4. Pick a dignified Farewell -: Burial or Cremation
5. Taking Professional or Municipal help if required -:
6. Creating a Personal Memorial -:
7. Choose Healing Through Conversation -:

One of the toughest experiences for any pet lover is losing a beloved pet. Whether it was a dog, cat, rabbit, bird or any other cherished friend, pets become a part of the family. They provide us peace, joy, and unfillterd love.
Losing a pet animal at home might leave you feeling depressed, confused or unsure of taking the next step ahead.

This guide provides complete and appropriate information for Indian pet parents and guides you through the procedure step-by-step in the very straightforward and easy manner.

1. Accepting the Grief of losing a beloved pet -:

It is important to accept your sentiments before moving ahead in the life. You should let yourself and other people mourn the loss of the deceased pet animal. Respecting and relieving your grief allows the healing procedure to start, whether it means crying a little or just taking a quick pause in life.

At this stage, talking to a family member, close friend, or pet support group about your feelings can be helpful.

2. Before mourning confirm the death -:

It is very usual when a pet falls very sick, they may lie silently and motionless and it can be difficult to understand whether they are dead or taking deep rest. Here, only with an adult's assistance if you're not sure, check for -:

No signs of normal breathing or chest or other body movements.
You are not sensing the heartbeats of the pet.
If the pet is not giving any response to sound or touch.
The body of the pet is feeling very cold, stiff or lifeless.
The eyes remaining open and unfocused.

3. Handle the Pet’s Deceased body very carefully-:

If it is confirmed, that your pet has passed, handle it with dignity and hygiene is necessary. Ideally, an adult should follow these steps -:

You should wear disposable gloves and your hands must be clean.
Using a soft towel or old bedsheet to gently lift the pet will be easy.
Keep the pet on a clean and plain surface cardboard, a pet carrier, or choose a sturdy box to place the pet.
Keep the body in a cool and quiet place especially when the pet is to be cremated after sometime.

4. Pick a dignified Farewell -: Burial or Cremation

Generally, cremation or burial are the two most respectful manners to say goodbye to the beloved pets. You can pick any one which suits your needs, cultural or personal tastes as well as where you live.

A. Burial At Home -:

If you have a house with a garden or plot of land, you may bury your pet at home. But make sure, the area chosen for burial should be away from the water source.
First, dig a pit or hole at least 3–4 feet deep, in a peaceful corner.
Cover the deceased pet’s body in biodegradable cloth or towel.
Place it gently in that pit, cover it with soil and consider placing a stone marker, flower or small plaque.
You can also plant a tree or a flowering plant on top to symbolize the continuity of life.

B. Cremation of the deceased pet -

In India's cities, cremation is considered the most convenient and easily accessible option. Pet cremation services are provided by many organizations at veterinary clinics or private crematoriums in different cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and others.

There are two main types of cremation of pets-:

Individual Pet Cremation -:

Only your pet gets cremated in this private or Individual Pet Cremation Service. If you would like, you can often watch the entire process of cremation also. Then the ashes are given to the family members in a box or urn. Many pet owners decide to do this in order to perform rituals at home close to sacred location, where they can visit them frequently.

Communal or group Cremation -:

It is a less expensive option that provides facility of cremation of several animals at once. Ashes of a particular pet will not be recovered because the remains get mingled with other pets. Pet hospitals, NGOs, and shelters frequently offer this for stray or abandoned dogs or other animals.

Choosing any of the options is based on your needs, beliefs and expenditure.

5. Taking Professional or Municipal help if required -:

In India, there are a number of organizations that offer support and help if someone is unaware of the dead body collection and disposal, they can take help from the service providers which frequently provide such assistances.

Local shelters or animal welfare NGOs such as WVS in Delhi, Blue Cross in Chennai, or others can help in organizing a respectful burial. In many places, municipal corporations operate animal disposal units; you can contact them to arrange for the collection of your pet's dead body.

To ensure respect and hygiene, these services relieve bereaved families.

6. Creating a Personal Memorial -:

Making a tiny memorial once everything is done will help you and your loved ones heal. Here are some basic concepts given below -:

You can frame your pet’s photo or create a small display.
Write a letter or a short note that expresses your feelings.
Keeping his/her favorite toy, collar or tag in the memory box.
Lighting a candle or incense (safely, with adult supervision) in thd beloved remembrance.
Planting a flower, tree or shrub in his/her honor.

This memorial event will serve a gentle ritual and provide closure along with honouring the bond you shared.

7. Choose Healing Through Conversation -:

Grief is a powerful emotion. It's possible that some family members, particularly kids, require help in processing their feelings.

Invite everyone to share stories or cherished memories.

Validate each person’s feelings—there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve
Join an online pet loss support group if helpful
Keep a diary or journal during the days after the loss—it can help sort difficult emotions