First
Take a breath
There is no perfect way to handle this, and there's no rush in the immediate moments after your pet passes. You have time. Your pet can remain with you while you gather yourself, notify your family, and decide what you'd like to do next.
This page walks you through the practical steps, calmly and without pressure. We're also available by phone if you'd rather just talk to someone.
Step by step
What to do next
Confirm that your pet has passed
Signs that a pet has died include no visible breathing, no response to touch or sound, fixed and dilated pupils, and a gradual loss of body warmth. If you are unsure, your veterinarian can help you confirm over the phone.
Give yourself a moment
There is no need to act immediately. Sit with your pet. Let other family members say goodbye. You have time before next steps become urgent, often many hours, and if you follow the care instructions below, even longer.
Care for your pet at home
Place your pet somewhere comfortable, their bed, a favorite blanket, a cool room. Keeping your pet in a cool area of your home (away from sunlight and heat) significantly extends the time you have before drop-off is needed. A waterproof layer under the blanket is a practical precaution.
Many families find it meaningful to spend a day or more with their pet before saying goodbye. This is completely okay, and we'll support whatever timeline feels right to you.
Contact us when you're ready
Call or text us at 530-278-6913 when you're ready to schedule a drop-off appointment. We'll walk you through your options and answer any questions. There is no wrong time to reach out.
Bring your pet to us
Families bring their pet to our Grass Valley facility by appointment. If your pet passed at a veterinary practice in Nevada City or Grass Valley, we work with many local clinics and can coordinate pickup directly, just ask when you call.
Remains are generally ready within a week of drop-off, often sooner. We'll notify you as soon as they're available.
There is no emergency, you have time
If your pet passes on a Saturday evening, a Sunday, or in the early hours of the morning, please know: you do not need to do anything right away. We are not an emergency service, and you don't need to rush.
Keep your pet at home, in a cool space, and reach out to schedule a drop-off appointment when we're back on Monday. Most families find this is plenty of time, and it allows you to grieve without feeling pressured to act immediately.
Keeping your pet cool is the main thing. Follow the care tips below and you'll have all the time you need to say a proper goodbye before bringing them in during the week.
How to keep your pet at home comfortably
Place your pet on a waterproof surface (a plastic bag or liner under a blanket works well) and move them to the coolest room in your home, away from sunlight and heat sources. Wrapping them gently in a blanket they loved is appropriate and comforting. In a cool environment, most families have at least 24–48 hours before they need to act. Call us Monday morning and we'll get you scheduled right away.
We're here whenever you need us
There's no wrong time to call, even if you just need to hear a calm voice.
530-278-6913Monday–Saturday · After-hours for urgent needs
Common questions
Things people often want to know
Do I bring my pet to you, or do you come to me?
Families bring their pet to our Grass Valley facility by appointment. If your pet passed at a veterinary practice in Nevada City or Grass Valley, we work with many local clinics and can coordinate pickup directly, just let us know when you call.
How long until I receive the ashes?
Remains are generally ready within a week of drop-off, often sooner. We'll contact you as soon as they're available. Very small pets (0–2 lbs) may take a bit longer due to processing scheduling, we'll let you know upfront.
Do you only cremate cats and dogs?
No. We cremate all companion animals, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, goats, chickens, reptiles, and more. We can handle pets up to 400 lbs. If you're not sure whether we can help, just ask.
What if I'm not sure which service I want?
You don't need to decide anything before you call. We'll walk you through the options at whatever pace feels right. There's no pressure and no wrong answer.
Can my family be present for cremation?
Yes. Witnessed cremation is available for families who would like to be present. Reach out and we'll discuss whether it's a good fit and how it works.
Is there anything special I need to do to prepare my pet?
Nothing formal is required. If you'd like to wrap your pet in a blanket or include a small keepsake, that's entirely welcome. Just let us know when you call so we can note it.
What if something is important to my family that isn't listed on your website?
Ask. If there's something that would be meaningful to your family's grieving process, something that would help you say goodbye in the right way, reach out and we will find a way to make it happen.