Checklist after your loss
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is difficult and emotionally stressful enough. Nevertheless, there are also a few things that need to be organized. Here is a small checklist to help you keep track of everything important:
Planning burial or cremation: Think about how you would like to bury your pet. Whether in your own garden, at a pet cemetery or by cremation - there are various options. Find out about your options from vets or special providers.
Deregistration with the city or the animal register: Was your pet registered with the city or entered in an animal register? Don't forget to deregister it there. This is especially true for dogs, which often require a dog tax.
Cancel memberships and subscriptions: If you are a member of an animal club or have a subscription for pet food or supplies or belong to a particular animal sports club, you should cancel these. Animal welfare organizations with which your pet was registered also want to be informed.
Adjust insurance policies: If you have taken out liability or health insurance for your pet, notify the insurance company of the death. As a rule, these policies can be terminated quickly and easily.
Check financial obligations: If you still have ongoing installment payments for your pet (e.g. vet bills, pet food subscriptions), make sure they are paid on time, cancel them or clarify the payment arrangements.
Preserve beautiful memories: Take time to say goodbye to your pet. Many people create memorabilia such as photos, paw prints or small memorials at home to commemorate their faithful companion. Think about which items you may be burdened by and give them away, for example via an exchange cupboard or a small box at the dog park, or store everything in a box until you want to deal with it again.
These steps will help you to arrange everything important despite your grief so that you can process the loss in peace and, above all, take good care of yourself.
