Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing when to say goodbye to a pet is a deeply personal and challenging decision. Here are some considerations that may help:
Quality of Life: Assess your pet’s overall quality of life. Look at factors such as mobility, pain, appetite, and enjoyment of activities. If your pet is suffering and there’s no reasonable expectation of improvement, euthanasia might be considered.
Chronic Illness: If your pet has a chronic illness that significantly impacts their well-being and there are no effective treatments, it may be worth discussing euthanasia with your vet.
Pain Management: If your pet is experiencing unmanageable pain despite medical intervention, euthanasia may be a humane option to prevent further suffering.
Mobility Issues: When a pet has severe mobility issues that affect their ability to move, eat, or perform basic functions, it might be a sign that their quality of life is compromised.
Consult with a Veterinarian: Your vet can provide valuable insights based on their professional expertise. They can assess your pet’s condition, discuss treatment options, and help you make an informed decision.
Remember, this is a highly personal decision, and it’s important to consider both the physical and emotional well-being of your pet. If you’re unsure, seeking guidance from a veterinarian can be crucial in making the best decision for your pet’s welfare.
It’s never easy to make the decision to say goodbye to a loved one. Losing a beloved companion is a heartbreaking experience, but please know that you’re not alone, and many people understand the pain and grief associated with losing a pet.
Making the decision to euthanize a pet is never easy. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian who can provide guidance based on the specific circumstances surrounding your pet’s health.
Veterinarians consider various factors, such as the pet’s quality of life, pain, suffering, and whether medical interventions can improve their condition. They can help you assess the situation and make an informed decision that prioritizes your pet’s well-being.
If you’re unsure, consider discussing your concerns and observations with your veterinarian. They can provide professional advice tailored to your pet’s individual situation.
Ideally, appointments should be booked with Here to Help 3-5 days ahead of time, however we understand that sometimes certain situations won’t allow for that, so we do our best to be there when needed and can accommodate appointments anywhere from 12-24 hours’ notice if we are available.
At Here to Help we work closely with a local company called Pet Angel to assist us with your pets remains. After your pet passes, you will have three aftercare options:
Private cremation — Your pet’s body will be cremated individually and you will receive their ashes back.
Communal cremation — Your pet will be cremated with other pets, and the communal ashes will be scattered at Pet Angels memorial garden.
Burial — You may be able to bury your pet at your home, depending on local regulations, or at a pet cemetery. Here to Help does not take part in home burials.
Honoring a deceased pet is a thoughtful and meaningful way to celebrate the love and companionship they brought into your life. Here are some suggestions:
Create a Memorial:
- Make a memorial space with a photo, a favorite toy, or other mementos.
- Consider a personalized plaque or memorial stone.
Plant a Tree or Flower:
- Plant a tree or flower in your pet’s memory.
- Choose a location where you can visit and reflect.
Create a Scrapbook or Photo Album:
- Compile pictures and memories in a scrapbook or photo album.
- Write down anecdotes and special moments you shared.
Donate to Animal Charities:
- Make a donation to an animal charity or rescue organization in your pet’s name.
Hold a Memorial Service:
- Gather friends and family for a small memorial service to celebrate your pet’s life.
- Share stories and memories.
Custom Artwork:
- Commission or create artwork that represents your pet.
- This could be a painting, drawing, or even a digital illustration.
Write a Letter or Poem:
- Express your feelings by writing a letter or poem to your pet.
- This can be a therapeutic way to process your grief.
Create a Legacy Project:
- Start a project that honors your pet’s memory, such as a blog, social media page, or a charitable initiative.
Visit Special Places:
- Revisit places that were special to you and your pet.
- Take a moment to reflect and remember the good times.
Create a Custom Keepsake:
- Design a custom piece of jewelry, like a necklace or charm, in memory of your pet.
- Choose something that holds sentimental value.
- Remember that grieving is a unique process for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to honor your pet. Choose activities that feel meaningful and comforting to you. Surround yourself with support from friends and family during this difficult time.
Children should always have the opportunity to say goodbye, rather than coming home to an empty house. Of course, you alone are the best person to make this decision. Some parents choose to have their children at home, but in a different room for the sedation and/or actual procedure. This ensures the children are insulated from the parent’s emotions, which are typically more difficult for a child to deal with than the actual loss. After the euthanasia, the children are able to say goodbye before the pet is taken away. Feedback from parents indicates this is much easier on the children and parents. Children younger than 5 or 6 years old seem unsure about what is going on, and are often more upset by their parent’s emotions than the loss of their pet. Still, honesty is usually the best policy, including at this age.
In our experience, other household pets should absolutely be given an opportunity to say goodbye, as long as they do not disrupt their sick housemate. In fact, dogs and cats have been known to search the house for days when not allowed closure. If necessary, your pets can stay in another room, and then be allowed to say goodbye after their friend has passed. Your pets may act depressed or mope around for a few days after their loss, but there seems to be more closure when they are able to see and smell their friend’s body. Sometimes, pets appear to ignore their friend who has passed. Rest assured, they have taken in the situation and understand, despite their lack of reaction. Other pets may shake or cry. Ensure you pay your remaining pets extra attention to reassure them everything is OK. You will need the closeness as much as they will.