The first hours after a pet dies
A calm checklist for the first calls and choices.
- Who to contact
- What can wait
- Personal items and surviving pets
Ready to print or share privately
These handouts are designed for veterinary practices, shelters, hospices, crematories, support groups, workplaces, and community organizations. Each one stands on its own and points readers to current source material when details may change.
What to say after pet loss
Specific language for friends, coworkers, and care teams.
- Four messages that leave room for grief
- Concrete ways to help
- Phrases that often land badly
Questions for an aftercare provider
A list someone can hold during a difficult call.
- Identification and transport
- Cremation and return of remains
- Timelines, personal items, and costs
Put them where people need them
Print them at the desk.Keep copies available for appointments, pickups, support groups, and workplace conversations.
Link to this page.Add the toolkit to a grief-resource page, client portal, staff guide, or follow-up email.
Share the original files.Email a PDF privately or print it without collecting anyone's information.
Help us make the next version better
If you work in veterinary medicine, animal hospice, aftercare, sheltering, grief support, social work, or counseling, we welcome corrections and practical suggestions. Email songs@bestieballad.com. We will not identify a reviewer publicly without permission.
For current support lines, groups, guidance for children, surviving pets, and source notes, visit the pet-loss resource center.