Fremont man asks: Who do I notify when my pet dies?

DEAR JOAN: After learning about a recent death of a stray cat in the parking lot, I need your opinion on what an owner can do if his or her pet dies.

By the way, the pet is already registered with the city and goes through regular check-ups at the veterinary doctor.

Who should I contact first in the event of sudden death?

Zafar Yousufzai, Fremont

DEAR ZAFAR: Although there’s no law or rule that requires it, if your pet dies at home, you should first notify your veterinarian of the death. The doctor can assist with arranging for a cremation or burial at a pet cemetery.

The vet’s office also is responsible for notifying the city or county of the death, which will prevent you from being charged or fined for any future license fees or rabies vaccinations.

It’s illegal in California to bury your pet in your backyard, but you can scatter cremated remains in your yard.

If your pet has a microchip, the company issuing the chip also should be notified.

DEAR JOAN: My large dog was recently attacked by a smallish dog at an off-leash dog park. It’s the second time she has been bitten by a small dog.

I am nervous that this will make her aggressive. Do you have recommendations for a behaviorist? I haven’t been able to find anyone except for “self-trained” people, who have not been helpful.

Jennifer, Richmond

DEAR JENNIFER: I’m so sorry to hear about your experiences and hope your dog is OK. While pit bulls and larger dogs get all the attention for unwanted attacks and bites, smaller dogs can be menacing, too.

I recently had a letter from a woman whose dog was the aggressor, and she explained that she had to pay for the injured dog’s vet bills and pay a fine, and the dog now has to wear a muzzle when it is out. Instead of complaining about all of that, she wanted to praise Animal Control and veterinarians for all they do to address these issues.

For the sake of preventing future problems, you should report the bite to Animal Control.

As for a dog trainer or a behaviorist, I can’t make a recommendation, but I will suggest you talk to your favorite rescue group. Many of them offer classes, training or consultations at a reasonable price. Your vet might also be able to make a recommendation.

You also can visit the Association of Professional Dog Trainers website, https://apdt.com, for a list of certified trainers close to you. The site explains the different certifications and qualifications dog trainers can have.