When we take a pet into our lives, we know it will end with saying goodbye to a family member. Pets provide us with many, many good days and one really difficult day when they leave our lives. Our goals often switch from extending longevity to improving the comfort in the time we have left. We can help you with options to alleviate discomfort and nausea that are often experienced with end of life. In the end, when the decision is made to let our loved one go, we want to help provide the most stress-free experience for you and your pet to find peace.

What To Expect

Hospice and Palliative Care

When cure is no longer the goal, hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and quality of life. This care can include pain management, nutritional support, mobility assistance, and other treatments to help your pet enjoy their remaining time. We work with you to create a care plan tailored to your pet's needs and your family's circumstances, and we are always available to discuss your pet's comfort and adjust their care as needed.

Understanding Quality of Life

One of the most challenging parts of this journey is knowing when it's time. To help guide these conversations, veterinarians often use quality-of-life scales that assess factors like pain, appetite, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and whether good days still outnumber bad days. We are here to discuss your pet's condition openly and help you make the most compassionate choice for them.

The Euthanasia Procedure

When the decision is made to say goodbye, our goal is to provide a peaceful, pain-free experience for your pet and a supportive environment for you. You are welcome to stay with your pet throughout the entire process, or you may choose to say goodbye before the euthanasia. Whatever you decide, we will make sure your pet is treated with the same gentle, loving care throughout.

  • Before the Procedure: We create a calm, comfortable space for you and your pet. Our staff can explain the process in detail and answer any questions you have.

  • The Process: The euthanasia is typically carried out by injection. Your veterinarian will usually administer a sedative first to ensure your pet is fully relaxed and free from anxiety. Once you and your family are ready, the final injection is given, allowing your pet to pass peacefully and painlessly.

  • Afterward: You are welcome to take as much time as you need to say goodbye and pay your respects. Our staff will handle everything with dignity and care. 

What Are the Options for Aftercare?

  • Take Home: If you prefer, you may take your pet home for private burial. This option allows you to say goodbye in a place that holds special meaning for your family. Please be aware of local regulations regarding pet burial.

  • Cremation (no ashes returned): This is a respectful, dignified option for families who do not wish to keep ashes. Your pet's remains are handled with the same care and respect as with any other option.

  • Cremation (ashes returned): Ashes are typically returned within 1 to 2 weeks. This option allows you to keep your pet close or scatter their ashes in a place that was special to them.

Can I Bring My Other Pets?

This is a deeply personal decision, and there is no single right answer. We want to help you make the choice that feels best for your family and your pets.

We generally do not recommend having other dogs in the room during the actual euthanasia process. Our experience has shown that it can be difficult for a dog to fully relax into the pre-euthanasia sedation when there is another dog present. The presence of a housemate can create distraction or even anxiety at a moment when peace is the priority.

However, we absolutely support allowing a close housemate to see and sniff their companion after the companion has passed. Animals often understand more than we realize, and allowing them to experience their housemate's absence gently can be meaningful for them.

If you would like to bring another pet along, we are happy to discuss this. One option is to keep your other pet in a kennel or separate space during the procedure. We can go through the euthanasia process with you and your pet, and then bring the housemate in afterward to say goodbye in their own way.

A Note on Grief in Other Pets

After losing a housemate, it is not uncommon for other pets to show signs of grief. You may notice changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or activity levels. We often recommend using this time as an opportunity to get them outside for walks or extra playtime. That little bit of activity and connection can help bridge the gap for them as they adjust to the loss.

We are here to support you and all the members of your family, including the ones with four legs. Please don't hesitate to talk with us about what feels right for you and your pets.