Compassionate and Professional End of Life Care for Pets

Making the right decision regarding end of life care for your pet can be complicated and sometimes confusing. At St. Francis Vet Care, we’re here to help you navigate these difficult times with compassionate care and knowledge.

Honest Answers to Your Questions

When facing the loss of your pet, it’s understandable to have plenty of questions. What are my options? How long should I continue care? Is my pet suffering or in pain? When should I consider euthanasia? These are all common questions and ones we’ll answer honestly and compassionately.

Quality of Life

Is your pet still able to enjoy activities without pain or suffering? Are they comfortable? Are they happy and engaged? These questions are important when determining your pet’s quality of life and when developing a plan of action regarding end of life care. Our veterinarians will always evaluate your pet’s quality of life with care, patience, and respect. This process may also include a physical exam, diagnostic testing, medications, and treatment.

End of Life Care

While euthanasia is often the last option you want to consider as a pet owner, it’s an important one that should be discussed as soon as possible once your pet begins exhibiting the following signs of diminished quality of life:

• No longer eating or drinking

• Demonstrating signs of pain despite the use of medication

• Difficulty urinating or defecating

Once euthanasia is necessary, we offer a comfortable room with a door close to the exterior where our clients can discretely enter and leave. If you would prefer to be home with your pet during this process, we also offer in-home euthanasia services.

Understanding the Procedure

We take every care to ensure that the procedure itself is peaceful. Everything will be done at a pace you are comfortable with. First, a sedation injection will be given to ensure your pet is comfortable and relaxed. Once you and your pet are ready, the final euthanasia medication is given. It works very rapidly, usually in just a few seconds. Your pet will not feel any pain. The veterinarian will then confirm that your pet has passed on. After, you may spend as much time as you need with your pet.

After-Care

We offer the following after-care options for your pet:

• We can prepare your pet for a private home burial.

• We can assist you in arranging either a private cremation (the ashes are returned to you) or a communal cremation (the ashes will not be returned to you).

Preserving Your Pet’s Memory

We understand that preserving the memory of your pet is important. To honor and commemorate your pet’s life, we offer clay paw prints.

Grief Counseling

The human-animal bond is unique and enduring. As pet owners ourselves, we have first-hand knowledge regarding just how difficult it can be to lose a pet. If you or a loved one need help as you transition through this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to utilize resources to manage your grief.

Do something to share your memories of your pet or memorialize your pet.