#WisdomWednesday: What happens to beloved pets after they die?
VIDEO: The Herald speaks to a local vet about the procedures involved following the death of a pet.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/08/IMG_3634_04341.jpg)
They say losing a loved one is not easy, but what happens to the body of your pet after it has died or has had to be put down?
For this week’s #WisdomWednesday, the Herald spoke to a local vet, Dr Doret du Plessis, who explained the procedures involved following the loss of any pet.
Dr du Plessis said that it is usually a difficult moment for the pet owners, and that the deceased pet is usually sent to the crematorium for a dignified send-off.
“There are options to have the ashes of the pet returned to the owner in a little casket, or the owner can have a private cremation that can be done in their presence,” Du Plessis said.
She added that the decision to euthanise any animal is not taken lightly, but said when a pet is in severe pain or when his or her quality of life has been compromised, the procedure may be considered.