Here at our clinics, we understand the importance of wellness checks as much as we understand navigating the difficult moments of a pet’s end of life journey. Our team is dedicated to walking beside you as we provide all the available options so you can make the choice that is best for your pet.
How Do I Know When It’s Time?
The following is a list of subjects to help determine if it may be time to have a discussion with one of our doctors regarding your pets quality of life and potential end of life care:
- Your pet has become lethargic
- Your pet has a loss of appetite
- Your pets "bad days" are now more than the "good days"
- Your pet is struggling with mobility
- Your pet is having abnormal bathroom habits
During the exam, our staff will conduct a quality examination of your pet to give you as much information as possible. We believe having this information gives us the ability to give you as many options as we can. Our goal is to help make a plan that you and your family resonate with to honor your pet in the best way possible.
What to Expect When It Is Time
When you have come to the difficult decision to say goodbye, we will schedule a day and time for your appointment. We understand sometimes these moments come suddenly, and we have emergency appointments available for that reason. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule and to allow any family to make arrangements to be present.
On the appointment day we will take care of all aftercare arrangements at the front desk prior to the appointment. This is so when everything is over you can leave when you're ready. You can decide to be present for the procedure, or you can leave your pet with us and our staff will sit with them, ready with a cozy blanket and gentle words of comfort. Once you are ready, we will begin by giving the pet an injectable sedative to let them relax. This helps them feel peaceful and sleepy. After the sedative has taken effect, the doctor will give the final medication and your pet will drift off to sleep.
Aftercare
For aftercare, you can choose to take your pet home for private burial or use our cremation service. Pets who are taken home for private burial will be sent home in a burial bag to ensure your pet can be laid to rest without being disturbed.
We offer two types of cremation services: Group Cremation (remains scattered at crematory) or Private Cremation where ashes are returned in a tin or a box with a nameplate.
We also offer paw print impressions that you can either take with you the day of the procedure or pick up when cremation is returned.
If you have decided you may need to plan for your pets end of life services, we are able to give you options in advance so you can discuss what is best for your family.
Contact us today with any questions about our end of life care services. We are here for you and your family.