Saying goodbye to your beloved furry family member can be one of the most challenging things you experience. While we wish they could live forever, we know they cannot, so facing these moments is something that unfortunately every pet parent must do.
While most pet parents would undoubtedly prefer that their pets would pass away peacefully in their sleep, it’s sadly not often the case. Particularly if a pet is senior (over the age of 7 for most breeds of dog and cat) or geriatric (not necessarily senior but in fragile health), you may notice that your pet’s quality of life has declined to such a point that the kinder, more loving thing to do would be to choose humane euthanasia, rather than watching your pet suffer.
Making a euthanasia appointment can be more difficult if you’re unsure whether it’s the right time for your pet. If you are uncertain about euthanasia for your pet and wish to discuss the decision or alternative options with a veterinarian, call us to set up an appointment to help you make a decision. We will set up enough time so you can talk through everything, and we won’t rush you to decide before you are ready to.
If you’re sure it’s the right time for your pet, consider if you wish to have an appointment in our office. If you want to bring your pet into the hospital, we will work to find a time when the clinic is typically less busy.
When you call us, it’s helpful to consider the following questions so we can work with you to make this visit as easy as possible for you and your pet:
- Is there a particular veterinarian or nurse you would like to handle the appointment? We will do our best to accommodate your wishes.
- Do you know what you wish to do with your pet’s body? We can discuss options with you at this time, including cremation.
- Will you have a family member accompany you as you say goodbye?
The euthanasia appointment itself is conducted with the utmost care and respect. After all, as dedicated pet lovers and pet parents ourselves, we understand the sadness and grief your family is feeling. We know every interaction matters at this difficult time – from how we communicate with you and your pet to how long the appointment takes, to how we care for your pet’s body. Our goal is to offer you guidance, support, and compassion and make your pet’s final time one of peace, devoid of fear and anxiety.
Saying goodbye to your pet is never easy. With this guidance, we hope to make the process just a little bit easier. Our entire team is committed to the most compassionate care for your pet. If you have questions, please call us.
