Pet Aftercare Services · Based in San Diego, Serving Southern California
Gentle care whenever you need it, every step of the way.
When a pet passes, the last thing a family should have to manage is logistics. Old Friend arranges gentle pickup and dignified cremation care, day or night.
If Your Pet Just Passed Away
What to do when your pet dies at home
If this just happened, take a breath — you don't have to figure everything out right now. Here's what to know, whether it's the middle of the afternoon or the middle of the night.
You don't have to rush
A pet's body can safely stay at home for several hours in a cool room. It's normal for muscles to twitch or for fluids to be released — this is a natural part of the process, not a sign anything is wrong.
Make them comfortable
If you're able to, gently move your pet onto a towel or blanket in a quiet, cool room. You don't need to do anything else right away — there's no wrong way to handle this moment.
Call whenever you're ready
Whether it's 2pm or 2am, on a weekday or a holiday, we answer the phone ourselves — no call center, no hold music. We'll talk you through pickup and every option, at your pace.
If your pet passed away at your vet's office or an emergency clinic, we coordinate pickup directly with them — you don't have to handle that logistics yourself either. And if you're simply not sure what to do next, that's exactly what the call is for.
Prefer to call? We answer 24/7 and can usually help faster that way. If now isn't a good time to talk, the form works too — just include a phone number and we'll reach out.
How It Works
Four steps, from your call to their return
Each step happens in order, so you always know what comes next.
Call anytime
Reach a caring voice day or night — no call center, no wait.
We come to you
Our team arrives to gently and respectfully take your pet into our care.
Trusted cremation care
Your pet is transported to a licensed, vetted and reputable crematory partner.
They come home
If desired, ashes can be returned to you with care, along with keepsakes.
Services
Cremation care, suited to your family
Every option is handled with the same dignity and attention. We'll help you choose the right one when you call.
Communal Cremation
Your pet is cremated alongside other pets in a shared, respectful ceremony.
Individual Cremation
Your pet is cremated separately from other pets, so their ashes can be returned to you.
Private Cremation
Your pet is cremated entirely alone, start to finish, with their ashes returned directly to you.
Why We Do This
"We started Old Friend to ease the hardship families face in these tough moments — so no one has to navigate this alone."
Old Friend · Pet Aftercare Services
For Vets, Hospitals & Shelters
A trusted partner for your facility
We work alongside veterinary offices, animal hospitals, and shelters across Southern California — as a referral you can trust, or as your transportation partner.
Refer Your Clients to Us
Give families a trusted next step at the hardest moment, without adding to your staff's workload.
- Cards and brochures for your front desk
- A direct line for your staff to reach us
- Fast, dependable response times
No cost. No obligation.
Call to discuss a partnership →Let Us Handle Your Transportation
We can serve as your facility's logistics partner — picking up on your schedule and delivering directly to a licensed crematory partner.
- Scheduled or on-call pickup from your facility
- Direct transport to a licensed crematory partner
- Ashes returned to your facility or the family
Routine schedule or as-needed — your choice.
Call to discuss a partnership →Common Questions
