How to Handle Your Pet’s Remains After Passing

Caring for your pet while you wait

How to Handle Your Pet’s Remains After Passing

We understand this is a difficult time. This guide is for pet owners who already have a confirmed appointment with Green Meadows. While waiting to bring your pet to us, follow the steps below to help keep their remains cool and dry.

Illustration of a hand gently wiping a sleeping dog with a soft cloth, beside a bowl of water
If you can, gently clean your pet with a soft cloth and clean water. If that feels too hard, do only what you’re able. It’s enough.

If your appointment is today

  • Position your pet curled, in a fetal position, before rigor mortis sets in.
  • Keep them dry and cool, preferably in an air-conditioned room. If you can, don’t cover them. Lay them on an absorbent cloth like a towel.

Before bringing your pet to Green Meadows ↓

If your appointment is not today

Follow the steps below to help keep your pet’s remains cool and dry until you bring them to our facility.

Step 1: Position the remains in a curled or fetal position before rigor mortis sets in.

1Position the remains in a curled or fetal position before rigor mortis sets in.

Step 2: Wrap the remains in cloth to absorb any liquids that may seep out.

2Wrap the remains in cloth to absorb any liquids that may seep out.

Step 3: Securely place the wrapped remains inside at least 2 to 3 layers of plastic.

3Securely place the wrapped remains inside at least 2 to 3 layers of plastic.

Step 4: Put 2 to 3 large bags of ice on the bed of a cooler big enough to fit the remains.

4Put 2 to 3 large bags of ice on the bed of a cooler big enough to fit the remains.

Step 5: Place a plastic lining on top of the bags of ice to act as a protective barrier.

5Place a plastic lining on top of the bags of ice to act as a protective barrier.

Step 6: Place an old towel or any cloth on top of the plastic to keep the moisture down.

6Place an old towel or any cloth on top of the plastic to keep the moisture down.

Step 7: Gently lay the wrapped remains on top of the covered ice packs.

7Gently lay the wrapped remains on top of the covered ice packs.

Step 8: Keep the cooler covered until you bring the remains to our facility.

8Keep the cooler covered until you bring the remains to our facility.

Before bringing your pet to Green Meadows ↓

“Your presence and gentle approach made this heartbreaking journey a little more bearable for pet owners like me who are facing such a painful loss.”

Lowella Marie, a Green Meadows family

Before Bringing Your Pet to Green Meadows

Personal Belongings and Keepsakes

Before bringing your pet to Green Meadows Pet Aftercare Services Inc., remove all collars, harnesses, clothing, identification tags, toys, blankets, and other personal belongings. Once your pet has been received, personal belongings cannot be retrieved.

Special Handling for Infectious-Disease Cases

All cases identified as infectious require special handling. If your pet has been diagnosed with an infectious disease, or your veterinarian has advised special precautions, please inform us before your appointment. Pets in these cases must remain sealed or wrapped according to our handling procedures.

↑ Back to the handling steps

When you’re ready

Please follow these steps until your scheduled appointment. Bring your pet to our facility at the confirmed date and time.

Have questions about arranging your pet’s cremation? Call or text us on 0969 050 4225, or message us on Facebook. We’re available Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm.