End of Life Planning
Making the decision to assist in the passing of your pet may be one of the most difficult decisions you ever make. Gathering more information about the process can be helpful to prepare you for this difficult day.
How do you know when it is time?
The process begins by talking with your veterinarian about your concerns and discussing your pet’s quality of life. You can reach out to us by phone call, text message, email or you can make an appointment for a consultation in person; however you feel most comfortable.
We understand that this can be an emotional conversation and we are here to provide guidance and support however we can.
If you would like to explore additional information regarding the quality of life and decide when it is time to say goodbye, you are welcome to visit some of the resources below:
Sometimes, if a pet is sick or injured, and additional treatment will not be pursued, the veterinarian may recommend euthanasia as an option based on the severity of a pet’s condition. In some cases, palliative care may be a temporary alternative to provide comfort and allow for more time with family. The veterinarian will discuss if palliative care is attainable and talk about what to expect.
What should you prepare for in advance?
It can be helpful to do some planning ahead of time to enable you to focus more of your energy and love on your pet. Below are some questions for you and your family to consider prior to the euthanasia process.
Where will the euthanasia occur? At your home, the veterinary hospital, outside, under a favorite tree?
In most cases, euthanasia is performed in the hospital. Upon your arrival, you would be escorted directly into an exam room that is prepared in advance for your family. You would have as much or as little time as you would like to spend with your pet before, during and after the procedure.
Some families choose to have the euthanasia take place at their home. South Hyland Pet Hospital offers house call or at-home euthanasia for our existing clients. There are also other local and compassionate services that will come to your home to perform the procedure if you choose.
Who will be there during the process? Family, friends, children?
It is a good idea to have a discussion with your loved ones about who would like to be present for the procedure and talk about what to expect during and after the euthanasia. It is ok if you choose not to be present. Many people will step away or wait outside of the room during the process. Others may choose to say goodbye and leave their pet in the caring hands of our team.
Is there a specific veterinarian you would like to help during your appointment?
If there is a veterinarian you would like to be present to conduct your appointment, please let us know so we can make sure everything is arranged accordingly.
What is the back-up plan in case your pet has an emergency? Who should you call or go to?
Sometimes, something unexpected or sudden takes place where humane euthanasia needs to be performed on an urgent or emergent basis. There are multiple veterinary hospitals in the Twin Cities that are open 24/7 that are able to assist with the passing of a beloved pet at any time of the day.
Eden Prairie / Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital
(952) 942-8272
South Minneapolis / Allied Emergency Veterinary Service
(952) 521-3030
Apple Valley / South Metro Animal Emergency Care
(952) 953-3737
St. Paul / University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center
(612) 626-8387
Oakdale / Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota
(651) 501-3766
What are your wishes for the care of your pet’s body?
The most commonly selected option for families is cremation. We work with a cooperatively owned animal cremation service that has years of experience and dedication. Pets are kept with us at the hospital and are picked up by our cremation service on a daily basis. If you choose cremation, you have the option for communal cremation or you can have your pet’s remains returned to you.
What are the details of the euthanasia process?
When you and your family have decided that it’s time to say goodbye, we can help you make arrangements for an appointment based on your wishes.
If you have already made an appointment, or will be planning to, you may choose to complete the Owner’s Authorization to Perform Euthanasia form in advance. You can submit this form electronically by clicking the following link:
Euthanasia is performed by giving an injection of a medication that causes end-of-life. Prior to the injection, our team will shave a small area, typically on the front leg, and place an intravenous catheter. This allows the veterinarian to administer the injection smoothly. A mild to moderate sedative is sometimes given in advance to help your pet feel more comfortable and at ease.
Once the intravenous catheter is in place and any sedation required or requested has taken effect, the veterinarian may proceed with the injection of the medication to cause euthanasia.
After the injection has been administered, end-of-life happens within moments. The veterinarian will confirm death with a stethoscope. It is not uncommon for a pet’s eyes to remain open or for a pet to take a couple of final breaths. Occasionally, a pet will eliminate urine or stool as its body relaxes. These are all normal and expected following the procedure.
After the end of life has been confirmed and the family has said their final goodbyes, our staff will proceed to respectfully prepare for the cremation process.
What are the options for cremation?
There are three options to select from if you would like your pet cremated.
Separate Cremation: Pet is cremated alongside but apart from other pets; ashes are collected from each pet separately and returned
Individual Cremation: Pet is cremated alone and ashes are returned
Communal Cremation: No ashes are returned
In some circumstances, families may choose to bring their pet home for burial. If this option is one you and your family would like to pursue, please be mindful of the following factors:
- Ownership of the burial property
- Burying deep enough – the optimal depth to bury a deceased pet is between 3 to 5 feet. This allows for microbes to reduce the body while being deep enough to prevent disruption from wildlife
- Avoiding underground utilities and tree roots
- Avoiding flood plains
If you would like to bury your pet at a pet cemetery, one of the last remaining options in the Twin Cities is located just north of Owatonna.
How are my pet’s remains returned to me?
If you elect to have your pet’s remains returned to you, we will call you as soon as they arrive back at the hospital. Ashes, or cremains, are returned in a sturdy cardboard box. You may select a simple wooden or metal urn instead for an additional cost.
There are also a number of other urns of all shapes, sizes and styles you may choose from if you would like. Click the link below to view these options.
Pet Mementos
We offer several ways to commemorate your beloved pet. We provide complimentary clipped locks of fur and clay paw prints for families if they choose. Families must bake the clay paw prints at home to set the impression. We also have a Pet Memorial page on our website if you would like to submit a photo and a cherished memory of your pet to share with the community.
The Grieving Process
The grieving process can be complex and is different for every individual and family. Keep in mind that other pets in the household may also experience grief. Signs of this may be increased or decreased social interaction, lack of appetite or lethargy. Please let us know if your family or other pets need any assistance. We do offer a selection of books on pet loss that families may keep. Some books are geared towards children, and others for adults or families as a whole. Below are some additional resources and information about the grieving process.
Are there Pet Loss and Grief Support Groups?
Coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion is difficult and often overwhelming. Support groups exist to offer a safe and confidential environment for you to share your story and connect with others who understand your loss.
Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota offers a Pet Loss Support Group that meets at the Oakdale location on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-8:30pm. In November and December, the group is held on the third Tuesday due to the holidays. Please call 651-501-3766 for details.
The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) offers a biweekly bereavement group to support those grieving the loss of a beloved animal. The CALLM Group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. Sessions begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:00 p.m. Dates may be adjusted to accommodate holidays. Please call to confirm their schedule before attending. All sessions are free of charge. Group attendees must call in advance for pre-screening and to reserve a seat. Please call Veterinary Social Services at 612-624-9372 for details.