Euthanasia

Compassionate and Understanding In-Office Euthanasia for Your Pet

We understand how difficult it is to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Our in-office euthanasia services provide a peaceful and compassionate environment where you and your pet can find comfort during this challenging time. By offering this service in our clinic, we ensure a controlled, serene setting that allows you to focus on your pet without the distractions of a busy veterinary hospital.

The Process

Call to schedule an appointment, and our receptionist will gather essential details such as your name, phone number, and your pet's name, sex, and weight. We will provide an estimate of the cost, which you will review and agree to at the appointment before payment is processed. A veterinarian will examine your pet during the appointment to ensure euthanasia is the appropriate decision and address any questions or concerns you may have at that time.

Arrival & Examination

When you arrive at our clinic, our team will greet you and your pet with care and understanding. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of your pet to confirm that euthanasia is the appropriate choice. During this time, they will discuss your reasons for euthanasia and address any remaining diagnostic or treatment options. You will be asked to sign a euthanasia authorization form and agree to the estimate provided. If you wish to be present during the euthanasia process, an intravenous catheter will be placed to ensure a smooth and compassionate experience. Sedation can also be administered if necessary or upon request.

Euthanasia

Once you feel ready, the veterinarian will administer the euthanasia solution. This is a peaceful and painless process. The veterinarian will confirm when your pet has passed and provide you with the time and space you need to say your goodbyes.

Cremation & Memorials

We partner with West Coast Memorial for cremation services. You may choose a private cremation, where your pet’s ashes are returned to you, or a communal cremation, where ashes are not returned. Our team will handle the arrangements with care and respect.

Owner Aftercare

If you prefer, you may take your pet’s body to arrange for your own cremation services or for home burial, provided local ordinances allow it. We recommend burying your pet with at least three feet of soil above them.

Pet Loss Support

Losing a cherished companion is never easy. Grieving is a deeply personal process, and we are here to support you. If you have questions or need additional resources, you are welcome to reach out to our team. We are here to assist and support you during this difficult time.

Pet Loss Support Hotlines

San Diego County Pet Bereavement Program

2058 Oxford Ave. Cardiff, CA 92007
(760) 436-6798  Fax: (760) 436-6798 
www.petbereavement.com
Contact: Lorri Greene, Ph.D.
The San Diego Pet Bereavement Program offers support and counseling for those pet owners who have lost or are anticipating the loss of a pet. Free telephone consultations and low cost counseling is available by a licensed psychologist.

Pet Loss Counseling, Center for Effective Living

9815 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 566-3333
Contact: Meg Kaufman, MFCC
Meg Kaufman is a marriage, family, and child counselor in private practice. Her specialties include bereavement counseling, especially for animal loss. She works with children, adolescents and adults and is available to speak to groups concerning the loss of a pet. Her background includes counseling in schools, hospices, outpatient psychiatric facilities and in private practice. She is also a certified animal lover!

Pet Loss Support Group

San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 299-7012 x 2311  www.sdhumane.org
One weekend morning and one weekday evening session per month
The Pet Loss Support Group is open to those ages 12 and up, including pet parents who are considering or preparing for euthanasia. Thanks to support from the San Diego Pet Memorial Park, sessions are free. Donations are appreciated.

Chicago VMA

www.chicagovma.org, 630-325-1600

Colorado State University, Argus Institute

http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/diagnostic-and-support/argus/Pages/default.aspx, 970-297-1242

Cornell University

https://www2.vet.cornell.edu, 607-253-3932

University of Illinois

http://vetmed.illinois.edu, 217-244-CARE (2273) or 877-394-CARE (2273)

Michigan State University

https://cvm.msu.edu, 517-432-2696

P&G Pet Care, Pet Loss Support Hotline

888-332-7738

University of Pennsylvania, Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/veterinary-hospitals/ryan-veterinary-hospital/services/grief-support-social-services, 215-898-4556

University of Tennessee

www.vet.utk.edu/socialwork, 865-755-8839

Tufts University

http://vet.tufts.edu, 508-839-7966

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

http://www.vetmed.vt.edu, 540-231-8038

Washington State University

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu, 509-335-5704 or 866-266-8635

Books

Saying Good-bye to the Pet You Love Lorri Greene, PhD and Jacquelyn Landis, New Harbinger Publications, 2002. Also see San Diego County Pet Bereavement Program

Coping with the Loss of a Pet

Christina M. Lemieux, Wallace R. Clark, 1992

Living Through Personal Crisis

Ann Kaiser Stearns, Ballantine, 1984

Maya's First Rose

Martin Scott Kosins, Open Sky Books, 1992

When Your Pet Dies: How to Cope with Your Feelings

J. Quackenbush & D. Graveline, Simon & Schuster, 1985 (out of print check library)

Especially for Children:

Lifetimes

B. Mellonie & R. Ingpen, Bantam Books, 1983

Oh, Where Has My Pet Gone?

Sally Sibbett, B. Libby Press, 1991

Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children

H.A. Nieburg & A. Fisher, Harper & Row, 1982 (out of print - check library)

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney

Judith Viorst, Aladdin Books, 1975

Web Resources

Delta Society - www.deltasociety.org, counselors, groups, websites, memorials, articles, and a comprehensive bereavement directory

Pet Loss Help - www.petlosshelp.org, memorials, articles, pet stories, reference links

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, www. APLR.org, Free groups, websites, memorials, articles

HealthyPets.com (AAHA) dealing with the loss of a pet