A Gentle Goodbye
At Sacramento Animal Hospital, we recognize that discussing when to say goodbye is possibly the most difficult, yet vital conversation we can have with pet families. We enter into these conversations with empathy, transparency, lack of judgment, and compassion.
Every pet deserves a serene and dignified farewell. Our entire team is here to ensure that both you and your furry companion feel at ease and are together throughout this journey. We will support you in making thoughtful and considerate choices, allowing you the opportunity to bid a loving farewell to your cherished pet.
What is Pet Hospice?
Veterinary hospice for pets is a family-centered and medically supervised service focused on the comfort and quality of life for terminally ill or senior pets. This care continues until a natural passing or the family determines euthanasia is the next step.
Veterinary hospice care may include:
- Discussions about the end-stage disease process
- Managing symptoms
- Pain treatment
- Supplementary nutrition
- Mobility support
Euthanasia: What to Expect
We consider it an honor to be a part of this final step in pet care and try our best to create a safe space for both you and your pet.
Our pet euthanasia services include:
- Discussion: We will have a conversation to address your concerns, thoughts, and questions.
- Sedation: We will administer a sedative to help your pet drift into a peaceful sleep.
- Euthanasia: Your veterinarian is available to explain and provide the administration of drugs that will allow the humane and gentle passing of your pet.
- Cremation: If selected, we partner with Animal Memorial Services to provide these services.
The Procedure
Before we begin, our team will explain the full procedure to you, while taking into account your comfort and preferences. We administer a sedation injection to ensure your pet's comfort, allowing them to gently drift to sleep before the final injection. This method guarantees a pain-free and tranquil experience.
Aftercare and Closure
After the final medication is administered, we will confirm your pet's passing. At this time we can provide a fur clipping and give you privacy to say your final goodbyes. We encourage you to take all the time you need.
If we are providing cremation services, we will keep your pet and lovingly transport them to our cremation partners.
Cremation Services
Sacramento Animal Hospital has partnered with Animal Memorial Services to provide cremation services for your beloved pet. There are two options for cremation services, private and communal.
By selecting a private cremation, your pet receives an individual farewell. Their remains will be returned to you in a lovingly crafted wooden urn, accompanied by a personalized engraved name plaque, which allows you to keep their memory close to your heart. If you would like to explore additional urn options, you can find a variety of customizable choices on the Animal Memorial Services website.
The private cremation process typically takes 7 to 14 days. Once your pet's remains are returned to our hospital, we will contact you to schedule a pickup time.
By selecting a communal cremation, your pet's remains will not be returned to you, providing a different way to say goodbye: Animal Memorial Services will scatter your pet's ashes into the Pacific Ocean in Southern California.
We understand that this is a deeply emotional and challenging moment. Contact us to learn about how we can support you during this emotional time.