Compassionate Pet Euthanasia in Hermitage
Deciding when and how to proceed with end-of-life procedures is perhaps the most difficult part of being a pet owner. While it can be incredibly challenging to say goodbye to your beloved pet, when the decision has been made to end a pet’s suffering, a peaceful, dignified euthanasia experience is critical for both the animal and their owners.
Our Hermitage clinic is committed to providing painless end-of-life care for suffering pets. We also understand the emotional support needed for owners during this incredibly difficult time and are here to guide you through the process with compassion and grace. If you’ve decided to move forward with euthanasia, contact our office to set up the end-of-care process.
Why Choose Hermitage Animal Clinic for Your Pet’s Final Care
At Hermitage Animal Clinic, we focus on empathy, respect, and clear communication during end-of-life care. We understand how challenging this time period can be and realize the importance of personalized support before, during, and after the euthanasia process.
Our empathetic, highly-trained team of veterinarians is fully committed to ensuring your pet's final moments are peaceful and dignified. We also realize that each situation is different, and we are ready to answer all of your questions and provide all of the support we can.
We realize that pet care, and chiropractic care especially, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our vets practice a personalized approach to ensure each pet receives the best possible care. Each animal’s unique anatomy, condition, and health history plays a key role in what types of treatment our team recommends and performs.
In-Clinic vs. At-Home Euthanasia
When you’ve decided you’re ready to end a pet’s suffering, you have a few options of where you want the procedure to take place.
In-clinic euthanasia involves bringing the pet into a veterinary office, where there will be a special room prepared that’s designed to make the pet’s final moments comfortable. This allows for the veterinary staff to handle the process of preparing the pet for cremation if that is what you’ve decided after the euthanasia process has been completed.
However, you may feel more comfortable with the process being completed at home, where a pet is more comfortable and has more familiar surroundings. Some veterinary offices can accommodate at-home euthanasia, which will involve a doctor coming to your home and administering the final injections. You will then be left alone with the body to decide on post-death care.
Emotional and Logistical Support
At our Hermitage-based clinic, we pride ourselves on providing support to pet owners during the emotional period at the end of a pet’s life. We can refer you to counseling or grief resources, where trained professionals can help build coping strategies that can help as you’re dealing with the loss of your pet.
We also can provide assistance in guiding families through making post-life arrangements for your pet, which can include memorial arrangements and cremation/burial options. We understand the importance of direct and clear communication during this time. We are here to answer any questions you have with compassion and without judgment.
Assessing Quality of Life
One of the most challenging aspects of being a pet owner is deciding whether your pet’s pain and suffering rise to the level of needing to be euthanized. While no pet owner wants their animal to be living in pain, you’ll also want to be 100 percent certain that there is no pathway to recovery before deciding to put a pet down.
Your veterinarian can work with you to make a quality-of-life assessment of your pet before you decide to proceed with euthanasia. Vets can examine any potential symptoms of declining well-being, such as an inability to eat or sleep, constant pain, or the inability to move comfortably. From there, they can make a recommendation about whether there are treatment options or if the most humane decision is to move forward with end-of-life care.
Ultimately, it’s important to note that deciding to go with euthanasia is your and your family’s decision alone. We understand that each situation is unique, and it may take time to come to a final decision. If you decide not to opt for end-of-life care, our team can help provide strategies for minimizing suffering at home.
Payment Options for Euthanasia at Hermitage Animal Clinic
At Hermitage Animal Clinic, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Euthanasia. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Euthanasia
There is no one way to know when it’s time to move forward with end-of-life care for your pet. If you notice substantial changes in their behavior, severe loss of appetite, inability to move comfortably, or other symptoms of declining well-being, consult with a veterinarian to see if there are other treatment options available or if it may be time to say goodbye.
It’s completely up to you whether or not you wish to remain present when the doctor euthanizes your pet. Some owners may not be able to handle the act of physically seeing your pet pass away, even though there will be minimal to no physical reaction. Others may not like the thought of their pet being alone in their final moments, and doctors often allow you to cradle or hold your pet when injections occur.
If you choose to have your pet cremated, you can display their ashes with a picture of them so they can always be with you. You may also choose to have their collar or favorite toy turned into a memento you can display in your home or create a memory box with a variety of items related to your pet that you can return to at any time.
Book an Appointment at Hermitage Animal Clinic
New pets are always welcome at Hermitage Animal Clinic. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
