What to Do When Your Pet Dies in Florida

1. In the first hour

Give yourself a moment. There is no rush in the very first minutes — what you are feeling is real and it deserves space. When you are ready:

• Confirm your pet has passed — look for breathing and a heartbeat. If you are uncertain, contact your vet.
• Move your pet to a cool, quiet room away from other pets. In Florida's climate, air conditioning slows natural processes and gives you time to make decisions without urgency.
• Wrap your pet gently in a blanket or towel if that feels right. Many families find this comforting.

2. You have time — typically 24–48 hours

In Florida's warm climate, an air-conditioned room gives you roughly 24 hours before arrangements need to be made. If you need more time, many cremation providers can advise on refrigeration options or arrange early pickup and hold your pet for you. Do not let anyone pressure you into a decision before you are ready.

3. Before arrangements: a few things to consider

Once your pet has passed, there are a few things you may want to do before a cremation provider arrives — or before you leave for a drop-off. You do not have to do any of these, but many families are glad they did.

• Paw print impression. A simple clay or ink paw print takes two minutes and lasts forever. Most craft stores sell impression kits. Alternatively, ask your cremation provider — many include this as an add-on or can arrange it before cremation.
• A small fur clipping. If you want a physical keepsake beyond ashes, a small lock of fur — kept in an envelope or a locket — is something many families treasure. Do this before the provider picks up your pet.
• A few photographs. If you haven't already, a quiet photo of your pet at rest — in their favorite spot, wrapped in their blanket — can be meaningful to have later.
• Their collar or tag. Set it aside before your pet leaves. Once a cremation provider takes them, personal items may not be returned.

4. Decide on cremation vs. burial

Most Florida families choose cremation. It is flexible — you can keep ashes at home, scatter them somewhere meaningful, or have them incorporated into jewelry or a memorial piece.

Home burial is legal in Florida if you bury your pet at least 2 feet deep, away from water sources, on private property you own. Pet cemetery burial is available in some areas of Florida for families who want a dedicated resting place they can visit.

5. Choose a cremation type

Read our full guide on cremation types →

6. Find and contact a provider

Use our directory to find providers in your city. Look for:

• Home pickup — so you don't need to transport your pet yourself
• 24/7 availability — if you need same-day or overnight service
• IAOPCC accreditation — a voluntary quality standard worth looking for
• Verified badge — providers we have confirmed directly by phone

7. What to ask the provider

Before agreeing to any service, ask these questions directly — a reputable provider will answer each one clearly:

• What cremation type do you offer, and what is the price for my pet's weight?
• How will I know the ashes I receive belong only to my pet?
• What does your pickup process involve, and what are your hours?
• How long until I receive the ashes?
• What urn or container is included, and what are the upgrade options?
• Will I receive any written documentation with the returned remains?

Florida currently has no state law requiring written disclosures from pet cremation providers. A provider who offers these details without being asked is operating at a higher standard. Learn how to protect yourself →

8. Your other pets

Surviving pets in your household are affected too. Many dogs and cats search for a companion who has disappeared — they may become quieter, eat less, or follow you more closely than usual. This is genuine grief.

Many veterinary behaviorists suggest allowing surviving pets to briefly smell or be near the body of their companion, if you are comfortable with it. This can help them understand what happened and reduce prolonged searching behavior.

Maintain their routine as much as possible. Extra walks, play, and attention help. Most pets adjust within a few weeks, though some take longer — especially if they were closely bonded to the pet who passed.

9. A few practical things to handle

When you feel ready, there are a few administrative tasks worth taking care of:

• Notify your vet. Update your pet's records, cancel any upcoming appointments, and ask about any open prescriptions.
• Cancel or adjust pet insurance if you had a policy.
• Update microchip registration. Contact the microchip registry (AKC Reunite, HomeAgain, or whichever registry your chip is enrolled with) to mark your pet as deceased. This prevents confusion if the chip is ever scanned in the future.
• Pet food and supplies. Donate unopened food and medications to a local shelter or rescue — most are grateful for them.

10. If your pet is still alive but declining

If you are reading this because your pet is seriously ill or in pain — rather than already gone — you may be facing the question of when and how to say goodbye. In-home euthanasia allows your pet to pass peacefully at home, in their familiar environment, without the stress of a clinic visit.

Lap of Love is one of the largest in-home veterinary hospice networks in Florida. You can reach them at 855-933-8683 or visit lapoflove.com. Your regular vet may also offer this service or be able to refer you to someone local who does.

11. Taking care of yourself

Pet loss is real grief. It does not matter how long you had them, how small they were, or what anyone else thinks about it. What you feel is valid.

The Pet Loss Support Hotline at 1-888-478-7574 (Iowa State University) offers free, compassionate phone support staffed by veterinary students. The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement also offers online support groups. You do not have to go through this alone. See all grief support resources →