Our approach to end-of-life care
End-of-life care is part of emergency medicine more often than people realize. Some pets arrive in a crisis that cannot be resolved. Others arrive because their owners recognized that further treatment would only extend suffering, not prevent it. In both situations, our role is to provide honest information, compassionate guidance, and a peaceful process — without pressure and without judgment.
We understand that you may be exhausted, frightened, and grieving before this conversation even begins. We take the time to sit with you, answer your questions honestly, and help you make the decision that is right for your pet and your family.
Quality of life — how to think about it
The question of when to pursue euthanasia is deeply personal, and it is not our place to make that decision for you. What we can offer is honest information about your pet's condition, their prognosis, and what continued treatment would involve — so that your decision is fully informed.
Some questions that can help guide this conversation:
- Is your pet experiencing more bad days than good days?
- Can they do the things that gave them joy — eating, moving, interacting with family?
- Are they in uncontrollable pain or distress?
- Is treatment extending life, or primarily extending suffering?
- What would your pet want, if they could tell you?
There is no universally right answer to these questions. We can help you think through them without pressure.
The euthanasia process
We take great care to make this as peaceful and gentle as possible. The process begins with quiet time in a private room — you do not need to rush. We place an IV catheter, usually in a front leg, which allows the medication to be delivered smoothly without distress. We then administer a barbiturate overdose that causes the pet to drift peacefully into unconsciousness, followed within seconds by cessation of heart and breathing. Most owners describe it as watching their pet simply fall asleep.
You can be present for as much or as little of this process as you need to be. We will not rush you before, during, or after.
Grief over the loss of a pet is real and valid. Many people find it helpful to speak with others who understand. The ASPCA Pet Loss Support Hotline at (877) 474-3310 and Pet Loss Support groups through the AVMA are available for those who need them. It is okay to need them.
Aftercare options
We understand that thinking about aftercare is painful when you are in the middle of grief. We will gently walk you through your options at a pace that feels right for you.
- Private cremation: Your pet is cremated individually and the ashes are returned to you in a container of your choice.
- Communal cremation: Your pet is cremated with other animals. Ashes are not returned.
- Home burial: Where permitted by local ordinance, you may take your pet home for burial. We can advise on how to do this properly.
We work with trusted local pet cremation services and can provide referrals and assistance with arrangements.