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Harbourside Pet & Equine Cremations

What to do when your dog dies — the first 24 hours

A calm, practical order of steps for the day your dog dies, whether it happens at home, at the vet, or without warning.

10 August 2026 · Alby & Rachael Koster

In short

There is no medical emergency once a dog has died. Lay them on their side in a cool, quiet room on a towel, let other pets say goodbye, and call an aftercare provider when you're ready. Harbourside answers at any hour on 0493 814 474 and can usually collect the same day.

Most people have never done this before, and there is no natural instinct for it. Take it in order and take it slowly.

If it happened at home

  • Move them somewhere cool and quiet, on their side, on a towel or blanket.
  • Support the head; close the eyes if you can. Small fluid releases are normal.
  • Let other dogs and cats in the house have a moment — it genuinely helps them settle.
  • Take a photograph or a paw impression if you think you'll want one later. Many families are glad they did.

If it happened at the vet

You can ask the clinic to hold your dog until your chosen provider collects — you are not obliged to use the clinic's default provider. Tell them Harbourside is collecting and we'll coordinate directly with the practice.

If it was sudden

Sudden loss carries a shock that planned goodbyes don't. Ring us even if you've decided nothing — talking it through out loud is often the first useful step.

Deciding on aftercare

You have three real choices: individual cremation with ashes returned, respectful removal with no ashes returned, or home burial where your council allows it. None of them is the wrong answer, and you don't have to decide tonight.

Questions families often ask

Do I have to use the aftercare provider my vet uses?

No. It is entirely your choice, and clinics are used to families nominating their own provider.

How soon must my dog be collected?

There's no legal deadline. In a cool room, the same day or the next morning is fine — we'll guide you.

Should my children see him?

For many children, a quiet goodbye helps far more than an absence they can't picture. Follow their lead and keep it brief and honest.

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