We are never quite prepared for the death of a pet. Whether death is swift and unexpected or whether it comes at the end of a slow decline, we are never fully aware of what a pet has brought to our lives until our loved one is gone.

Everyone secretly hopes for a pet's peaceful passing, hoping to find it lying in its favorite spot in the morning. The impact of a pet's death is significantly increased when, as responsible and loving caretakers, we decide to have our pet euthanized.

Preparing for the end of your pet's life is a difficult process and requires you to make many decisions. Because our doctors and staff care about you and your companion animal, we are prepared to guide your decision process and offer you any support you may need along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know when it is time?
Death usually comes with great difficulty... after a lengthy illness, often with pain and debilitation. Your pet may experience a wide array of signs - weight loss, breathing difficulty, nausea, pain, mobility problems, bleeding, and many others. Each illness is different as it progresses. A "natural death" is often cruel and painful.

Once the reality of the impending death can be accepted, we believe the decision to euthanize relieves your pet of the final suffering that accompanies many diseases. Your pet has no way to understand their illness. They just feel its effects. The decision to euthanize can be your final gift of peace to your pet.

What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia is the deliberate decision to end a life in order to relieve suffering. In a few minutes, the final injection is given. This is an intravenous injection of a rapidly acting drug that quickly and painless stops the heart.

Will it hurt my pet?
We try to make this a peaceful experience and as comfortable as possible a process for both owners and pets. A sedative can be given to help the pet relax if needed.

How long does it take for the actual euthanasia?
An injection is given into the vein and travels through the body to the heart. This is fairly quick, 1-2 minutes. At that point the doctor listens to your pet's heart to insure it has stopped.

Do I have to stay with my pet?
This is optional, but a meeting with a doctor is required before euthanasia is performed. You may stay with your pet for as long as you need to before and after the procedure.

What happens afterwards?
There are several bodily functions that could occur: Eyes will remain open, muscles may contract or spasm, urination or defecation may occur, the pet may take a gasping breath, this is an unconscious effort.

Burial Services

There are several options available to dealing with
your pet's remains.

General Cremations/Burials: Communal burial, your pet's remains will be buried with the remains of other pets. These gravesites are for pets only, but are unmarked.

Private Cremation: after cremation, your pet's ashes are returned to you in an appropriate container.

Euthanasia with no burial: You can take your pet's body either for burial at home (check with your town office for guidelines) or to make burial arrangements yourself.

We utilize the Angel View Cemetary's services for all our burial services.
You can check out their website for more burial options.