Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye to your loving companion is never easy, but we will do all we can to make the process as comfortable as possible for them.

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Is It Time?

One of the most central parts of your life can be the relationship with your pet. We see them every day. We feed them. We pet them. We play with them. We simply spend some quality time with them. They become more than just a friend – they’re a member of your family. Deciding that it’s time to euthanize them humanely can be a tough decision. At Healthy Pets Veterinary Care, we feel that letting them pass without more suffering can be our most compassionate option.

A driving factor in this decision should be your pet’s quality of life, both mentally and physically. If you feel like it might be time, please consider these questions:

  • Do bad days outnumber good days? Marking this on a calendar can be beneficial.
  • Are they able to control their urination and bowels?
  • Is your pet constantly in pain or discomfort?
  • Are they eating or interested in eating?
  • Can they move around on their own?
  • Are they still enjoying their favorite activities?

Who Decides?

This is a difficult and personal decision; no one knows your pet better than you do. If you have any questions or want to know more about your options, our veterinarians are here to help. It might also be helpful to include family members or close friends who also share a close bond with them.

If you ever feel uncertain or uncomfortable, please let us know. We’re always here to help assess their quality of life and help you during this burdensome time.

A Gentle Goodbye

Euthanasia should always be peaceful. We don’t want to add discomfort to your pet’s life. We will place an IV catheter and sedate them entirely without discomfort or pain throughout the procedure.

Comfort is our number one priority, so if the idea of at-home euthanasia puts you more at ease, please let us know.

The Process

We don’t want anything about this procedure to come as a surprise to you, so we will make sure to have a discussion to explain the whole process in detail. This includes going over your wishes for how to handle their remains. We all deeply love pets at Healthy Pets Veterinary Care, so we treat these situations sensitively and respectfully. You can stay by their side the entire time if you wish.

The first thing we will do is place the IV catheter; then, they’ll be given an anesthetic agent, allowing them to drift off to sleep gently and calmly. Once you’re ready, we will provide them with a second injection, letting them pass on without discomfort. No pain. No suffering.

Commemoration

Many options are available to commemorate and memorialize your pet after they pass on. One way to do so is by having their ashes returned to you. We’ve partnered with Rainbow Crossing Pet Memorial Services and offer numerous specialty urns. You can also scatter their ashes around your pet’s favorite place. If you don’t wish to have their ashes returned to you, Rainbow Crossing will scatter them along the coast.

An additional great way to memorialize them is by donating to a local non-profit or rescue. We work with several rescues, and we can help you with the process of a memorial donation. You might also consider going through the Arbor Foundation to plant a tree in loving memory of your pet.

Grieving and Support

Losing a family member is painful. Grief is a natural part of healing. While there isn’t much we can do or say to help with this pain, we’re always here to listen and offer support.

Even though your time together has ended, giving them a happy and full life was the best gift you could have ever given them. We want you to remember your pet with that same happiness and joy.

If you need any additional support, please think about contacting the Tuft’s Vet School pet loss hotline at 508-839-7966 or the ASPCA grief counseling hotline at 877-474-3310.

Are You Looking for a Caring Pet Hospital in Boca Raton, FL?

Deciding to say goodbye to your pet can be one of the hardest decisions you’ll have to make. If you decide it’s time, we at Healthy Pets Veterinary Care will ensure this moment is as comfortable as possible for you and your loving pet. Please contact us today to learn more. For additional support, please consider contacting the ASPCA grief counseling hotline at (877) 474-3310 or the Tuft’s Vet School Pet Loss Hotline at (508) 839-7966.