First, take a breath
If your pet has just died at home, we are so sorry. In these first moments you may feel shocked, tearful or strangely numb, and unsure what you’re supposed to do. Please know there is nothing you must rush to do right now. It’s okay to simply sit with your pet, to cry, and to take whatever time you need to begin saying goodbye.
This guide is here for when you’re ready to think about the practical steps — gently, and at your own pace. None of it has to happen immediately, and you don’t have to manage any of it alone.
Gently caring for your pet
When you feel able, there are a few simple, loving things you can do to care for your pet’s body until they can be collected. None of this is urgent, and you can take your time.
- Lay your pet on a blanket, towel or their favourite bed, in a position that looks natural and restful — many find it comforting to settle them as though they’re sleeping.
- Choose a cool, quiet place away from direct heat or sunlight. A tiled floor, laundry or cooler room can help, especially in an Adelaide summer.
- If you wish, you can gently place a towel underneath them, as some fluids can release naturally after death — this is normal and nothing to be alarmed about.
- Let family members, including children, say goodbye if they’d like to. A few quiet minutes together can mean a great deal.
- You might like to keep a clipping of fur or take a paw print as a keepsake, though we can also do this for you later.
Who to call, and when
There’s no single right order, but most Adelaide families find it helps to think about two calls. The first is to a pet cremation or aftercare service, who can arrange gentle collection from your home — that’s where we come in. The second, if you’d like advice or your pet was unwell, is to your vet, who knows your pet and can offer guidance.
If your pet died unexpectedly and you have any concerns, your regular or an emergency vet can talk you through what may have happened. But you don’t need a vet’s involvement to arrange cremation — you’re welcome to call us directly, day or night, and we’ll take it from there.
How collection works
You should never feel you have to move or transport your pet yourself, especially a larger dog. We offer gentle, respectful collection from your home right across metropolitan Adelaide, the Hills and surrounds — often the same day, and after hours when you need us.
When you call, we’ll talk you through everything calmly, arrange a time that suits you, and guide you on caring for your pet in the meantime. Our team arrives discreetly, treats your pet with the utmost tenderness, and takes care of the journey into our care so you can stay present with your family. You can read more about our gentle pet collection service whenever you’re ready.
Thinking about cremation, when you’re ready
There’s no need to decide everything at once. Once your pet is in our care, you can take time to consider whether you’d like an individual cremation, where your pet is cared for on their own and their ashes returned to you, or a communal one. We’ll explain both gently and never pressure you.
Many families find comfort in bringing their pet home again, whether to keep their ashes close, scatter them somewhere meaningful, or simply hold them until they decide. Whatever feels right for you is the right choice.
A note on backyard burial in South Australia
Some families wonder about burying their pet at home. Rules around backyard burial vary between councils across South Australia, and there can be practical considerations too — rental properties, hard Adelaide clay soils, and the question of what happens if you move home. If you’re considering burial, it’s best to check with your local council first about what’s permitted in your area.
Many Adelaide families choose cremation precisely because it sidesteps these difficulties and offers a dignified, permanent way to remember their pet wherever life takes them. If you’d like to talk through your options, we’re always here.
After-hours, weekend and same-day pet care in Adelaide
Pets rarely pass at a convenient hour. If your pet has died overnight or on a weekend, please know you can still reach us — we keep an after-hours emergency line open, and we care for Adelaide families seven days a week. There’s no need to wait anxiously until Monday, and nothing you have to manage alone in the meantime.
Across metropolitan Adelaide we can often arrange same-day collection, and we’ll gently guide you on caring for your pet at home until we arrive. If you’d like to understand how urgent care works, our emergency pet cremation page explains same-day and after-hours collection, and our pet collection service covers how we come to your home or vet, wherever you are in Adelaide.
Whatever the hour, a calm and caring voice is only a phone call away — and there is nothing you need to have figured out before you ring. Many families simply call, tell us what has happened, and let us guide them from there. You can take it one small step at a time, and we’ll be beside you for each one.
You don’t have to do this alone
Whatever the hour, you’re welcome to call us. We’ll listen, guide you gently through the next steps, and arrange everything with care. Our opening hours are Open 8:30am – 7:00pm · After-hours emergency line available, with an after-hours line available when you need us most.
Losing a pet at home can feel frightening and lonely, but you are not on your own. We’ll carry the practical weight, so you can focus on saying goodbye.