End of Life Pet Care
A difficult decision.
When a pet’s quality of life deteriorates to the point where they experience more bad days than good days, you may be faced with the difficult decision regarding whether to choose euthanasia.
The same way we provide compassionate care for pets in their early days, we’re prepared to support you and provide end of life care for them during their last. As partners in your pet’s health, we’ll make sure you’re informed about all potential treatment options before you make a decision. We understand that making that kind of choice is never easy, but we promise to be there every step of the way.
Should you decide euthanasia is the right choice for your pet, we’ll prepare you for the process and answer any questions you may have about what’s going to happen. We hope you’ll find some comfort knowing our humane methods will ensure your pet is laid to rest peacefully.
Coping with Pet Loss
Pets are family and losing them comes with the same grief as any other loss. If you’re struggling with grief following the loss of your pet, remember to:
- Give yourself time to mourn and cry
- Do your best to stick to your regular routine
- Talk about your feelings with family, friends, or even our hospital staff
- Memorialize your pet in a way that’s special to you
You can use these resources if you need additional support:
Pet Loss Support Hotlines:
- Tufts University 508-839-7966 (staffed by veterinary students)
- Cornell University 607-253-3932 (staffed by veterinary students)
- ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline 877-474-3310
- The Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement
- Animal Love & Loss Network
Suggested Reading:
- Life & Loss: A Guide to Help Grieving Children by Linda Goldman
- I'll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm (children's book)
- Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant (children's book)
- Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant (children's book)
- A Final Act of Caring by Mary & Herb Montgomery
- Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson Allen
We have been assisted by Inserv Corporation for over the past 25 years. They have provided us with a reliable and dignified final journey for our client's companions.
After Care Wishes
Communal Cremation/Burial - This is the least costly option and returns your pet to the earth with other animals. This is a regulated activity, which requires an approved site and there are no markers or visiting privileges.
Individual Cremation - Your pet will be individually placed into the cremation chamber and kept separate from all other pets. Your pet's ashes are then placed into your choice of:
- Decorative tin (standard, especially if you wish to scatter ashes)
- Cedar urn with an engraved nameplate
- Oak picture box
We have display samples of the boxes for your viewing. The ashes are then returned to the animal hospital in about 7 days with a certificate of cremation.
Paw Print Memorial - A clay impression of your pet's paw will be made. We have a display sample for viewing & the print is returned to the animal hospital in about 7 days.
Personal Viewing - There is a viewing room that allows pet owners who select individual cremation an option of personal viewing. Prior arrangements are necessary.
If you have any questions about the different aftercare options please give us a call at (860) 658-1931. We understand that this is a difficult process and we are committed to being respectful and compassionate.
Please reach out to us at (860) 658-1931 if there’s anything we can do for you.
