Your Pet Died at the Vet: What Happens Next

You do not have to decide in the room

You will usually be asked what you want done, minutes after the worst moment of your year. You are allowed to say you need to think about it. Ask them to hold your pet — every practice can, and it costs nothing to take a day.

What the vet will offer

Most practices have a standing arrangement with one crematorium and will offer communal by default, because it is cheapest and most people take it. Private with ashes returned is almost always available if you ask. The default is not a recommendation.

The questions to ask before you leave

Which crematorium do you use? Is this communal or private? What does each cost? When would the ashes come back? Can I have a fur clipping and a paw print? That last one has to be asked now.

You can use someone else

You are not obliged to use the practice's crematorium. You can ask them to hold your pet while you arrange your own. Vets do this regularly and a good one will not make it awkward.

Taking them home

You can also take your pet home — to bury on your own property where by-laws allow, or to arrange collection yourself. Ask for them to be wrapped properly. Nobody will think it strange.