End of Life - Vet in Duluth | North Shore Veterinary Hospital

Love, Always

At North Shore Veterinary Hospital, we understand that pets are family and deserve to be honored, both during and after life. The human-animal bond is unique and should be respected and remembered.

While the end-life-life process can be difficult, know that you aren’t alone — we’re here for you every step of the way. From helping you make the difficult euthanasia decision to making the process as stress-free as possible, we provide the guidance you need. We also offer several ways to privately or publicly honor the memory of your beloved companion.

Preparing To Say Goodbye

Once you’ve made the difficult decision to euthanize your pet, there are a few additional
options to consider:

Where will the euthanasia be performed?
Do you wish to be present for the euthanasia, and if so, what family members will also want to attend?
What do you want to say or do with your pet before he or she passes?
Do you wish to have cremation services or home burial?
If you choose cremation, do you wish to have the ashes returned to you? If so, do you want a special urn or other memorial container (we have several options available)?

Everyone reacts differently to loss and grief. There are many resources available to help prepare for the grieving process, including how this process can be different for our children during the various stages of their development. Please review these resources for additional information to help you and your family prepare for this loss.

Along with your veterinary team, we want you to have information you can trust about facing the loss of your beloved pet.

It’s not easy to face loss. Yet, experts say the process may be a bit easier to bear when you make key decisions before your pet dies. These decisions might include determining:

who may want to see your pet to say good-bye
where you hope to say your final good-byes
what you wish to do with your pet’s body

Making these decisions before your pet dies may help you be:

less likely to have regrets about how your pet died and how you said good-bye
less anxious about facing death
more ready and prepared to support your children and others who also love your pet

There are many steps you can take now to prepare, like:

talking with your veterinary team about the kind of support they offer, as well as the euthanasia services they provide
organizing details about memorials, body care, and child care (if you need it during the appointment time for euthanasia)
photographing and videotaping your pet with familiar people and during daily routines
finding support for yourself via the pet loss resources in your area or those listed on this website

When you decide to share your life again with a new pet, please remember that We Care and want to support you. Come back to us to learn how to blend memories of your former pet with love for your new one. The circle of life goes around and our care for you continues on.

You love and care for your pets with all your heart. Yet, the sad fact is most pets don’t live as long as people do. Loving our pets also means we will lose them one day. Learn more about preparing to face the loss of your pet in this section of the Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Center.

Articles

Free eBooks (Download PDF)

Saying Good Bye to Your Beloved Pet by Dana Durrance, M.A.

Recommended Books

Making Decisions: When Your Companion Animal is Sick by The Argus Institute

Additional Online Resources
Informational videos from Colorado State University’s Flint Animal Care Center about treating Canine Bone Cancer with Limb Amputation. Scroll down to “What if my pet needs to have a limb amputated?”
https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/faq/

Veterinary Cancer Society – links to clinical trials and university teaching hospitals offering pet cancer research and treatment, along with articles and other resources.
http://www.vetcancersociety.org/

Tripawds Blog Community – a resource, help center, and community for owners of dogs with amputations, canine osteosarcoma or other cancers.
http://tripawds.com/

Pet Hospice Resources
The Argus Institute
www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu/pethospice.htm
Colorado State University’s pioneer program with veterinary student volunteers.

IAAHPC
http://www.iaahpc.org/
International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care

Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets
www.pethospice.org
One of the organizers of an annual pet hospice symposium at UC-Davis (California).

Counselors
Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC (Distance Credentialed Counselor)
GriefHealing.com
TousleyM@aol.com

The Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
ArgusInstitute.colostate.edu
argus@colostate.edu

Pet Loss Helplines
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline
877-474-3310
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Helpline
630-325-1600
http://www.chicagovma.org/pet-loss-support/

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Line
(staffed by Cornell veterinary students)
607-253-3932
www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/Petloss/

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine C.A.R.E. (Companion Animal Related Emotions) Pet Loss Helpline
(staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students from 1pm-6pm Central Time, Tuesdays and Thursdays. If calling outside these times, leave a message and it will be returned within 24 hours.) 217-244-CARE (2273)
vetmed.illinois.edu/animal-care/care-pet-loss-helpline

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
517-432-2696
https://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/social-work

Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
(staffed by trained student volunteers)
508-839-7966
www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss/

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
540-231-8038
https://blogs.vetmed.vt.edu/veterinary-social-work/animal-loss-support.html

Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
970-297-1242
csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/diagnostic-and-support/argus/Pages/default.aspx

Other Resources
Veterinary Wisdom® Pet Parents Facebook Group
www.facebook.com/groups/petparentswisdom/

Products

Euthanasia is a gift we can give our beloved pets when they are suffering or terminally ill. Choosing euthanasia for our pets is also one of the hardest decisions we make in our entire lives. The articles we’ve collected in our Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Center help you make appropriate choices for you, your family, and your pets.

Articles

Free eBooks (Download PDF)

Recommended Books

Goodbye, Friend by Gary Kowalski

Related Resources
In-Home Pet Euthanasia Directory
www.inhomepeteuthanasia.com
A growing list, compiled by Dr. Kathleen Cooney, of in-home pet euthansia services from across the country.

The Argus Institute
www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu
Information and counselors to help with decision making.

Counselors
Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC (Distance Credentialed Counselor)
GriefHealing.com
TousleyM@aol.com

The Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
ArgusInstitute.colostate.edu
argus@colostate.edu

Online Grief Resources
The First Year of Grief: Help for the Journey by Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC, Distance Credentialed Counselor

Pet Loss Helplines
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline
877-474-3310
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Helpline
630-325-1600
http://www.chicagovma.org/pet-loss-support/

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Line
(staffed by Cornell veterinary students)
607-253-3932
www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/Petloss/

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine C.A.R.E. (Companion Animal Related Emotions) Pet Loss Helpline
(staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students from 1pm-6pm Central Time, Tuesdays and Thursdays. If calling outside these times, leave a message and it will be returned within 24 hours.) 217-244-CARE (2273)
vetmed.illinois.edu/animal-care/care-pet-loss-helpline

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
517-432-2696
cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/pet-loss-support

Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
(staffed by trained student volunteers)
508-839-7966
www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss/

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
540-231-8038
www.vetmed.vt.edu/vet-memorial/support.asp

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
866-266-8635 or local 509-335-5704
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/PLHl/

Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
970-297-1242
csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/diagnostic-and-support/argus/Pages/default.aspx

Other Resources
Veterinary Wisdom® Pet Parents Facebook Group
www.facebook.com/groups/petparentswisdom/

Products

Grief is the natural response to loss. Each of us grieves differently, but we all grieve…

Sometimes others don’t understand the pain of pet loss and this can make the death of your pet especially hard. Learn more about pet loss and grief from the articles we’ve collected here in the Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Center. We also keep an updated list of free pet loss help linesfor those who would find talking to someone on the phone helpful.

Free eBooks (Download PDF)

The Death of Your Beloved Pet by Dana Durrance, M.A.

Recommended Books/Audiobooks
Pet Loss

Local Resources

Northland Psychological Services
- Peggy Romero, LICSW
- Animal Companion Grief Therapist
Insight Counseling
- Pet Loss and Pet Terminal Illness Support Group

For Kids

For Parents

Pet Loss and Children by Cheri Barton Ross

General Grief and Loss

The Grief Recovery Handbook by John James and Russel Friedman

Counselors
Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC (Distance Credentialed Counselor)
GriefHealing.com
TousleyM@aol.com

The Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
ArgusInstitute.colostate.edu
argus@colostate.edu

Online Grief Resources
The First Year of Grief: Help for the Journey by Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC, Distance Credentialed Counselor

Pet Loss Helplines
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline
877-474-3310
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Helpline
630-325-1600
http://www.chicagovma.org/pet-loss-support/

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Line
(staffed by Cornell veterinary students)
607-253-3932
www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/Petloss/

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine C.A.R.E. (Companion Animal Related Emotions) Pet Loss Helpline
(staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students from 1pm-6pm Central Time, Tuesdays and Thursdays. If calling outside these times, leave a message and it will be returned within 24 hours.) 217-244-CARE (2273)
vetmed.illinois.edu/animal-care/care-pet-loss-helpline

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
517-432-2696
cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/pet-loss-support

Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
(staffed by trained student volunteers)
508-839-7966
www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss/

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
540-231-8038
www.vetmed.vt.edu/vet-memorial/support.asp

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
866-266-8635 or local 509-335-5704
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/PLHl/

Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
970-297-1242
csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/diagnostic-and-support/argus/Pages/default.aspx

Other Resources
Veterinary Wisdom® Pet Parents Facebook Group
www.facebook.com/groups/petparentswisdom/

Products

Mementos

Are you ready to share your life with a new pet and begin again after pet loss? The articles in our Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Center help you sort through the pros and cons of adopting a new member of your family.

Articles

Counselors
Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC (Distance Credentialed Counselor)
GriefHealing.com
TousleyM@aol.com

The Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
ArgusInstitute.colostate.edu
argus@colostate.edu

Online Grief Resources
The First Year of Grief: Help for the Journey by Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC, Distance Credentialed Counselor

Pet Loss Helplines
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline
877-474-3310
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Helpline
630-325-1600
http://www.chicagovma.org/pet-loss-support/

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Line
(staffed by Cornell veterinary students)
607-253-3932
www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/Petloss/

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine C.A.R.E. (Companion Animal Related Emotions) Pet Loss Helpline
(staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students from 1pm-6pm Central Time, Tuesdays and Thursdays. If calling outside these times, leave a message and it will be returned within 24 hours.) 217-244-CARE (2273)
vetmed.illinois.edu/animal-care/care-pet-loss-helpline

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
517-432-2696
cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/pet-loss-support

Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
(staffed by trained student volunteers)
508-839-7966
www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss/

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
540-231-8038
www.vetmed.vt.edu/vet-memorial/support.asp

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
866-266-8635 or local 509-335-5704
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/PLHl/

Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital
970-297-1242
csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/diagnostic-and-support/argus/Pages/default.aspx

Other Resources
Veterinary Wisdom® Pet Parents Facebook Group
www.facebook.com/groups/petparentswisdom/

Products

Preparing To Say Goodbye

Once you’ve made the difficult decision to euthanize your pet, there are a few additional
options to consider:

Where will the euthanasia be performed?
Do you wish to be present for the euthanasia, and if so, what family members will also want to attend?
What do you want to say or do with your pet before he or she passes?
Do you wish to have cremation services or home burial?
If you choose cremation, do you wish to have the ashes returned to you? If so, do you want a special urn or other memorial container (we have several options available)?

Everyone reacts differently to loss and grief. There are many resources available to help prepare for the grieving process, including how this process can be different for our children during the various stages of their development. Please review these resources for additional information to help you and your family prepare for this loss.

Along with your veterinary team, we want you to have information you can trust about facing the loss of your beloved pet.

It’s not easy to face loss. Yet, experts say the process may be a bit easier to bear when you make key decisions before your pet dies. These decisions might include determining:

who may want to see your pet to say good-bye
where you hope to say your final good-byes
what you wish to do with your pet’s body

Making these decisions before your pet dies may help you be:

less likely to have regrets about how your pet died and how you said good-bye
less anxious about facing death
more ready and prepared to support your children and others who also love your pet

There are many steps you can take now to prepare, like:

talking with your veterinary team about the kind of support they offer, as well as the euthanasia services they provide
organizing details about memorials, body care, and child care (if you need it during the appointment time for euthanasia)
photographing and videotaping your pet with familiar people and during daily routines
finding support for yourself via the pet loss resources in your area or those listed on this website

When you decide to share your life again with a new pet, please remember that We Care and want to support you. Come back to us to learn how to blend memories of your former pet with love for your new one. The circle of life goes around and our care for you continues on.

You love and care for your pets with all your heart. Yet, the sad fact is most pets don’t live as long as people do. Loving our pets also means we will lose them one day. Learn more about preparing to face the loss of your pet in this section of the Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Center.

Articles

Free eBooks (Download PDF)

Saying Good Bye to Your Beloved Pet by Dana Durrance, M.A.

Recommended Books

Making Decisions: When Your Companion Animal is Sick by The Argus Institute