Dignity
Humane pet euthanasia
Compassionate companion
animal euthanasia
Our in-home veterinary practice takes a compassionate approach to end-of-life care and humane pet euthanasia that is sensitive to the significant role your pet plays in your life. We honour your relationship and your strong bond.
Our goal is to keep pets feeling comfortable for as long as possible and to allow them to express as many of their preferred behaviours for as long as they can. We are also sensitive to the capacities and limitations caregivers have when providing care for ailing pets.
We currently serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Tsawwassen/Ladner and West Vancouver.
Saying goodbye is never easy
It comes far too soon. The decision to release our family member and best friend from their suffering is never an easy one. We’re here to support you through this difficult process.
We let your pet’s wishes speak through their state of welfare. We honour the ways pets interact in the world during this time – it’s how they express it’s time to go.
It’s important that we work together with you in the decision-making process.
We will help you assess your companion’s quality of life. If the time has come to say goodbye, we’ll help make their last moments as pleasant as possible. From managing discomfort to planning a bucket list for your companion’s final days and creating a meaningful way to say goodbye to aftercare, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Understanding companion animal euthanasia*
Making the decision to say goodbye to a special friend is very hard and can be very complicated. Take your time.
Think about what is important to you, your pet, and everyone who loves them. And thank you for the care and devotion you’ve given throughout your pet’s life.
Euthanasia is the act of humanely ending an animal’s life. Most often, euthanasia is achieved by administering an anesthetic overdose that will quickly and gently end all life functions (often in under two minutes).
Ask questions as you need and trust we have your pet’s best interest at heart. The procedure will help your pet pass peacefully, with little to no pain or anxiety. Euthanasia means ‘good death’. To help facilitate this peacefulness, we will administer a sedative first to induce sleep.
Decision-making
Knowing when the time may be right for euthanasia is very complicated. Your pet’s overall comfort and quality of life will be important to consider. Options in medical care and your ability to provide for their daily care must be reviewed. When no more options are available to prevent suffering, euthanasia becomes a very kind way to release them from their body. Many decisions will need to be made. We are there to help guide and support you through the process.
Reflect on who you want present for your pet’s passing: children, other pets, extended family members or friends. Everyone is welcome but no one is ever made to stay. You may decide to remain present or step away.
The time to choose euthanasia is a combination of when the pet is ready and when those who want to attend are available.
Aftercare preparations
Together, we can discuss how best to arrange for your pet’s body care. Options may include communal or private cremation, a necropsy, or we can leave the remains for personal disposition/burial. Finalizing details before euthanasia will minimize decision-making after.
Grief support
It is important to take care of yourself before, during, and after the euthanasia of your beloved pet. Surround yourself with people who understand your bond and how difficult this loss may be. We will provide you with pet loss resources to assist you in your grief. Remember you are not alone. Your pet is special, and their loss may be overwhelming. They’re a member of your family.
Every interaction is an opportunity to practice compassion, curiosity, respect and integrity
*Special thanks to the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy for making this information available.