Palliative Care and End of Life

The hardest decision in life to make is the decision to relieve the suffering of a sick beloved pet. While many conditions can be treated by integrative and modern medicine, some medical cases result in too much pain or poor quality of life and we must make the responsible and humane decision to end a pet's suffering. 

Palliative Care

Palliative care options are those that aim to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the pet and the family. These options include pain management medications, nutritional supplements, laser therapy, diet recommendations, appetite stimulants, anti-nausea drugs, etc. 

Cremation

Our cremation services are provided by Abbey Glen. Families  have the option of having a beloved pet individually cremated, with ashes returned in a beautiful wooden urn or communally cremated, with ashes spread over the Memorial Gardens at Abbey Glen. Owners are always welcome to visit the Memorial Gardens at Abbey Glen. A clay paw print is provided with each cremation. 

In addition to Abbey Glen, we offer Peaceful Pet Passage at-home euthanasia and crematory services. Peaceful Pet Passage also offers individual cremation as well as memorial cremation (ashes will be interred at the memorial gardens and a plaque with your pet's name will be placed in the garden).   

Our staff can provide details regarding the above options so that you can choose an option that best meets the needs of your family and your pet. 

End of Life

Humane euthanasia is a unique gift that we, as veterinarians, can provide to your pet. Euthanasia is translated as  "good death" and literally means just that. It is a smooth and painless transition from this world unto the next. We are here for you to help guide you through your pet's transition and to assist you in making end of life decisions and plans for your pet.

We strive to make the transition as smooth and painless as possible for your pet. In most instances, the procedure is as follows: You will be escorted to a private room. Generally, we will take a brief history to make sure there is no other option for your pet. Also, be  prepared, some authorization forms will need to be filled out prior to the procedure being performed. Our technicians will place an IV catheter for good venous access. When everyone is ready, an injectable anesthetic will be given so that no pain will be felt and the pet will become calm and relaxed. Lethal injection will be given when everyone is ready. 

It is OK to choose to not be with your pet during this time. We respect that. Just let one of our caring staff members know and we will arrange a drop off time for you so that a doctor is available to attend to your pet's transition as soon as possible. 

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Pet Loss Support and Grief Counselling ​

Everyone processes grief differently. We all are very aware that losing your pet is one of the most difficult emotional events that can happen in a lifetime. It really is just not fair that they cannot live as long as we do. Below are several hotlines that are available and staffed with wonderful caring individuals who have been trained in discussing your grief and worry and are there to help you heal from your pet's transition.
Michigan State Pet Loss Support Hotline
University of Pennsylvania Pet Loss Support
Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline
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View our Memorial Page here.