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Reviewed in November 2026

When your pet passes away: euthanasia, saying goodbye and paperwork

It is the moment nobody wants to face. What the law says, the options for saying goodbye and the paperwork you need to do.

Euthanasia

Only a vet can decide on it and carry it out, and only to avoid suffering that cannot be relieved and seriously harms its quality of life (Ley 7/2023, the Animal Welfare Act, art. 27.a). Ask them anything you need to: how it will be, whether you can be there or whether it can be done at home.

Saying goodbye

  • Individual cremation (you get its ashes back) or communal cremation.
  • Burial in a pet cemetery.
  • Both must be carried out by authorised companies. Your vet can usually arrange it.

The paperwork

You have to report its death to your region's identification register, with the document from the company that cremated or buried it (Ley 7/2023, art. 26.j). Often the vet does this; ask them. If it was insured, tell the insurer too.

Grief

Missing it is normal, and there is no «right» amount of time to be sad. Talking about it helps, and if there are children at home, it is best to tell them in simple words and without beating about the bush. If you have other animals, they may also notice the absence: give them time and routine.