Pet Memorial Planner
Losing a pet is overwhelming. This checklist helps you take things one step at a time, from practical decisions to honoring their memory. There's no rush. Go at your own pace.
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What does the Pet Memorial Planner do?
The Pet Memorial Planner is a checklist of everything that needs deciding or doing after a pet dies, in a sensible order: immediate care of the body, choosing between cremation and burial, paperwork and accounts to close, telling people, and then the memorial itself, from a simple ritual to a memorial page or keepsake. Items link to the guides on this site where there is more to read. Progress is saved in your browser, so you can do two things today and come back next week. Nothing is sent anywhere and no account is needed.
How do I use the Pet Memorial Planner?
Work through the list from the top, marking items as they are done; the order is a suggestion, and anything that does not apply can be left. Time-sensitive decisions, such as what to do with the body, come first; memorial decisions come last, because they can wait. Progress stays in this browser until you clear it, so use the same device to pick it up again. If several people are involved, one person can keep the planner and read out what is left. It takes days or weeks to finish, not an hour, and that is expected.
Who is the Pet Memorial Planner for?
For someone whose pet has just died or is about to, who is overwhelmed and needs the next step spelled out rather than a whole guide to read. It is written for the person handling the practicalities, which is often not the person grieving hardest. It also suits owners of a terminally ill pet who want to make decisions calmly in advance. It does not replace a vet's or a cremation provider's own instructions; it makes sure nothing is forgotten between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when my pet dies?
Start by contacting your veterinarian, especially if they provided ongoing care. Then take time to decide between cremation and burial. There's no rush on most of these steps. Do what feels right for you.
Do I need to have a ceremony for my pet?
Not at all. Some families find comfort in a formal ceremony, while others prefer a quiet, private moment. Even lighting a candle or reading a poem at home can be meaningful. Do whatever feels right.
How long does pet grief last?
There is no set timeline. Some people feel better in weeks, others grieve for months or years. Grief is not linear. You may have good days and hard days. All of this is normal. If grief feels overwhelming, consider reaching out to a pet loss support group or counselor.