Pure Souls Journal
My Dog Died at Home: Who Do I Call?
Calm, practical steps for Townsville families if your dog died at home, and who to call, day or night.
In short
- Call Pure Souls on 07 3519 4990, any time, 24/7. We can collect your dog from home.
- Gently lay your dog on their side on a towel or blanket, and keep them somewhere cool.
- In the Townsville heat, try to arrange care within a few hours.
- You do not need to call your vet first, unless you are unsure your dog has passed.
If your dog died at home, the first moments can feel overwhelming. Maybe it happened peacefully in their sleep, or suddenly and without warning. Either way, it is completely natural to feel shocked and unsure of what to do, or who to call.
This guide walks you through the first hours, step by step, and explains who can help. If you would rather talk to someone right now, our team is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 07 3519 4990.
If Your Dog Died at Home: The First Hours
If your dog died at home, take these steps at your own pace. Each one helps you care for your dog, and for yourself.
Make sure they have passed
Look for no breathing, no heartbeat and eyes that stay open and still. If you are not sure, call your vet or call us straight away.
Take a moment
There is no need to rush. Sit with your dog, say goodbye, and give other family members, and even other pets, the chance to do the same.
Lay them down gently
Place your dog on their side on a towel or old blanket, with their legs gently tucked into a natural sleeping position. Try to do this soon, as the body begins to stiffen within a few hours. An extra towel underneath helps, as it is normal for some fluid to be released.
Keep them cool
Move your dog to the coolest room in the house, turn on the air conditioning or a fan, and place ice packs wrapped in a towel nearby. In Townsville’s warm climate, this makes a real difference.
Call us, day or night
Call Pure Souls on 07 3519 4990. We will gently talk you through the next steps and can collect your dog from home, or you can bring them to us.
Who to Call When Your Dog Dies at Home
If your dog died at home, there are three calls you may want to make. Only the first one is urgent.
Pure Souls
If your dog died at home, we can collect them from home within 30 km of our Garbutt office, or you are welcome to bring your dog to us at no charge.
How we help- Gentle, respectful home collection
- $120 in business hours, $185 after hours
- Individual aquacremation for dogs from $450, priced by weight
- Regional collection from Ayr, Ingham, Bowen and Charters Towers is available for a transfer fee
- You can call us just for advice
Your vet
If you are not sure your dog has passed, or you have questions about how they died, your vet is the right person to call.
How they help- Can confirm the passing
- Can answer medical questions
- Can often care for your dog until aftercare is arranged
- Many clinics are closed after hours
- You may need to take your dog to the clinic
Townsville City Council
If your dog was registered, let the council know so their records can be updated. It is also a good idea to update your dog’s microchip details.
Why it helps- Keeps registration records accurate
- Avoids reminder notices for renewal
- This can wait a few days
- Have your dog’s registration or microchip number handy
“You do not have to work this out alone. One phone call is enough.”
Burial or Cremation?
After your dog died at home and the first hours have passed, you can think about how you would like to say goodbye. There is no rush, and no wrong choice.
- Home burial may be possible, depending on your property and local rules. Check with Townsville City Council before you decide.
- Individual aquacremation is a gentle, flame-free option. Your dog’s ashes are returned to you, with a paw candle, a scattering pouch and a tree planted in their honour.
You can read more in our guide to aquacremation vs flame cremation.
Telling Your Family
When a dog dies at home, the whole family feels it, including children and other pets.
- Use simple, honest words with children, and let them say goodbye if they want to
- Let other pets see and smell their companion, which can help them understand
- Keep a little routine going, like a short walk, for everyone’s sake
Our guide to helping children say goodbye has more gentle ideas.
Dog Died at Home: Common Questions
Who do I call if my dog died at home at night?
You can call Pure Souls on 07 3519 4990 at any time, day or night. We can talk you through what to do and arrange an after-hours home collection for $185.
My dog died at home. How long can they stay with us?
In Townsville’s warm climate, it is best to arrange care within a few hours. Keeping your dog in the coolest room, with ice packs wrapped in a towel nearby, helps in the meantime.
Do I need to call my vet first?
Not always. If you are sure your dog has passed, you can call us directly. If you are unsure, or have questions about how they died, call your vet first.
How much does it cost?
Home collection within 30 km of Garbutt is $120 in business hours or $185 after hours. Individual aquacremation for dogs starts from $450, priced by weight. See our full prices.
Can I bury my dog in my backyard in Townsville?
Home burial may be possible, depending on your property and local rules. Check with Townsville City Council before you decide.
Should my other pets see my dog after they pass?
Many families find that letting other pets see and smell their companion helps them understand what has happened. Let them approach in their own time.
Who do I call if my dog died at home at night?
You can call Pure Souls on 07 3519 4990 at any time, day or night. We can talk you through what to do and arrange an after-hours home collection for $185.
My dog died at home. How long can they stay with us?
In Townsville’s warm climate, it is best to arrange care within a few hours. Keeping your dog in the coolest room, with ice packs wrapped in a towel nearby, helps in the meantime.
Do I need to call my vet first?
Not always. If you are sure your dog has passed, you can call us directly. If you are unsure, or have questions about how they died, call your vet first.
How much does it cost?
Home collection within 30 km of Garbutt is $120 in business hours or $185 after hours. Individual aquacremation for dogs starts from $450, priced by weight. See our full prices.
Can I bury my dog in my backyard in Townsville?
Home burial may be possible, depending on your property and local rules. Check with Townsville City Council before you decide.
Should my other pets see my dog after they pass?
Many families find that letting other pets see and smell their companion helps them understand what has happened. Let them approach in their own time.
We Are Here, Day or Night
If your dog died at home, you do not have to manage alone. Call us any time and our team will gently guide you through every step, from home collection to aftercare.
