My Pet Just Died
What Do I Do Now?
My Pet Just Died, What Do I Do?
Losing a pet is heartbreaking. Whether expected or sudden, it can be overwhelming to know what to do next.
If you're searching for compassionate guidance and practical steps, you’re in the right place.
1) Take a Moment
First, allow yourself a moment to grieve. It’s okay to feel sadness, shock, or confusion. Your pet was a beloved part of your family, and this is a difficult time.
Be sure not to wait too long. Now that your pet has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, their body immediately begins to break down. You want to decide on a solution within 6 hours. Any longer than that, an odor will develop and that's not good for anyone. Time is of the essence.
Helpful Tip: If your pet is smaller in size, like a cat or small dog, you can wrap them in a towel and place them in a typical household garbage bag and place them in your freezer. This can buy you time until you decide how you'd like to honor them.
Don't worry, they'll understand. Don't forget how much they loved you.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pet
If possible, move your pet to a cool, dry place.
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If your pet passed outside, try to bring them indoors or at least out of direct sunlight.
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Clean up gently — it's normal for pets to release their bowels after death.
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Wrap your pet in a towel or blanket.
If, however, handling your beloved pet's body after they've passed is a little too much, this is perfectly understandable. Don't be troubled, we will take care of everything.
Helpful Tip: Placing your pet on a blanket or on their bed helps to move them easily and keeps any unpleasant fluids from spreading.
3) Decide on Aftercare
After your pet passes, you’ll need to choose between pet cremation or pet burial. Both are valid and meaningful options, but there are some practical differences to consider.
Pet Cremation
Benefits of Pet Cremation:
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✅ Cremation Is Portable
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✅ Quicker & Simpler Process
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✅ Hygienic and Controlled
Pet Burial
Burial can be meaningful, especially if done on private land or in a designated pet cemetery.
However, consider the following:
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It's not really an option for renters or apartment dwellers
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If you move, you can’t take your pet with you
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Local laws may restrict home burials
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Pet cemeteries may be more costly or less accessible
Because of these limitations, many families opt for pet cremation as a more flexible and lasting way to say goodbye.
What to Expect After You Call
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We will arrive at your home, usually within the hour
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We will handle your pet with dignity and care showing them the love they deserve.
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Your pet will be compassionately cremated within days.
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Every cremation is guaranteed to be private, with no mixing of ashes with other pets.
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We will text you when your pet is ready for pick up — typically within one week
Helpful Tip: You can opt to pick up your pet's cremains in person or, if that is not convenient, we can always ship to your home or personally hand deliver. The choice is yours.
Summary
Losing a pet is hard. At APC-FL, our mission is to make this difficult time as simple, compassionate, and stress-free as possible.
Whether you need immediate pet cremation, have questions about pet cremation cost, or are just searching for ethical pet cremation services near you, we're here to help — with care, integrity and honesty.