The loss of a pet is an emotional and often overwhelming, difficult experience. Whether it’s sudden or has been a while coming, when that moment does arrive, you might feel at a loss and not know what arrangements you need to make. With this guide, our aim is to walk you through that process, so that you can give your beloved friend the send off that it deserves.
Call Your Vet
First off, call your vet - they would be best-placed to advise you on what you should do next and the fact that they are familiar with you and your pet would be helpful. However, you might be in a situation where your pet sadly passes away at a time when the vet and other clinics aren’t open.
In that case, it is good to be aware of the services offered by Ambuserv Animal Rescue Ambulance.
Seeking Mental Help in Malta
Dealing with loss can be tough - free helplines are available.
Call the Animal Ambulance
The Ambuserv Animal Rescue Ambulance offers a wide range of services depending on your needs. You can call them on +356 99200100 and they are available 24/7, all year round.
If your pet passes away at home, they will be able to transport the body from your home to your vet, whilst they also offer the service of transporting the body to Island Sanctuary in Marsaxlokk.
Pet Cremation Malta
Island Sanctuary offers you the option of cremating your pet - all of which can be organized and taken care of by the people at the Ambuserv Animal Rescue Ambulance.
The cost of the cremation varies depending on the size of your pet, but tends to fall within these ranges:
- Group (communal) cremation: ~ €60–100
- Individual cremation with ashes returned: ~ €200–300+, dependent on the size of your pet. This price does not include the cost of the urn, if you choose to buy one.
If you call them to pick up your pet, they will guide you and help you make arrangements with Island Sanctuary, whilst also arranging to store your pet’s body until the day of cremation.
This is done on an appointment basis, with appointments highly dependent on the amount of requests they receive at the time. However, as a rule, you could expect to have an appointment for the cremation within a couple of weeks.
Before the actual cremation, you will also have the option of seeing your pet to say your goodbyes. A few days later, you will be able to go and pick up the ashes - you can buy an urn of your choice and have the ashes placed in there.
Private Burial
Another possibility is giving your pet a private burial, provided you’ve got the land/space to do so. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you do go down this route:
- The space area dug up for burial must be at least 1.5 metres deep;
- It must be far from water sources;
- Naturally, this cannot be done on public land.
We recommend getting in touch with your local council before proceeding with a private burial, to make sure you’re covered.
Take Your Time to Grieve
Saying goodbye to a pet is heartbreaking, but having clear steps can ease the burden. Whether you choose cremation or burial, remember that your pet was loved and cherished — and that’s what truly matters.
If you’re unsure about your options or need help, reach out to a vet or get in touch with a pet support organisation.
