FAQs

Your pet is a part of your family, so you care about him or her very much. That means you want to make the ‘right’ decision – but there is no time that feels ‘good’ to say goodbye. When a pet is struggling, no choice feels ‘right’ – so we have to make the best decision possible, in the midst of a difficult situation. Our veterinary nurses and hospice veterinarians are here to help you through that decision. There is usually not just one day where the decision is appropriate, and it is better to be a few days too early than a moment too late. At some point, you’ll see your pet struggling, and you’ll know that watching them get worse is more difficult than letting them go. That is when you know you’re as ready as you ever will be.

When you arrive, our team will spend a few moments meeting you and your pet. If you have any questions, they will be glad to answer them for you. Your pet will then receive a cocktail of sedation and pain medication so that he or she can begin to feel relaxed and comfortable. (Most pets handle the sedation injection about the same as they typically handled their vaccines.) Once your pet is asleep, the doctor can make a clay paw impression (if you would like one). The final injection of medication is an overdose of anesthesia that will allow your pet to peacefully pass in their sleep. Once our veterinarian has confirmed your pet’s passing, they will offer to give you a few moments alone. If we are assisting you with aftercare arrangements, your pet will be wrapped in a soft, cozy blanket. If you are taking your pet home with you, we will help you carry them to your car (if desired).

This is a very personal decision and depends on many factors.  Parents know their children best, but in general, we support children being a part of their pet’s passing. For very young children, you may wish to have a trusted loved one with you to help watch them, while you focus on your pet. For older children, we recommend asking them if they would like to be present.  Some children have a strong desire to be (or not to be) present. If they choose to be present, we will explain each step of the process, and they can choose to leave the room at any time. If they choose not to be present, they may wish to have some time with your pet before our appointment time. It can also be helpful for them to draw a picture or write a letter to send to their pet. For more information on kids and pet loss, please visit this link:

https://petsatrest.vet/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Helping-Children-Cope-Printable-2013.pdf

There is no simple ‘yes or no’ answer to this question, but you are welcome to bring your other pets with you to our Comfort Center. As long as your other pets do not get so excited that they bother our patients, we encourage you to have them present during our visit.  We like to follow their lead…some pets wish to stay close by, while others choose to sit further away. If they are closely bonded, being present when their companion passes can help them work through the grieving process. For more information on pet grief, please visit this link:

https://petsatrest.vet/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DoAnimalsGrieveFactSheet.pdf