When It's Time To Say Goodbye Compassionate and dignified end of life care.

End-Of-Life Care

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is always extremely difficult and emotional. The Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team includes pet lovers and pet owners who have experienced the joy of pet ownership and the pain of pet loss. We are here to help you through the process by celebrating your pet’s life, holding your hand, and providing resources for extra support.

End-of-life care FAQs

Our veterinary team may recommend you consider euthanasia for your pet when their condition significantly reduces their quality of life and when medical interventions are no longer helpful. Indicators of a reduced quality of life include uncontrolled pain, inability to eat or maintain weight, chronic dehydration, and loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Our team can provide you with tools to help you track your pet’s good and bad days and help you decide when the time is right.

You may choose that we perform the euthanasia procedure in our veterinary clinic, or in the comfort of your home, if you are an established client. Your decision can be based on your family’s wishes, and your pet’s temperament, comfort level in the veterinary hospital, and travel ability.

Most people opt to stay with their pet during the procedure. Our compassionate team members work to minimize stress for you and your pet by sedating your pet before the final injection to ensure they first slip peacefully into a deep sleep. If you choose to leave after the sedative, our team members will stay with your pet for the remainder of the process.

Our hospital works with a cremation service that offers a variety of options for caring for your pet after their passing. You may choose a group or private service, memorial items and urns from their catalog, or make your own cremation or burial arrangements.

Some people try to minimize pet loss grief, telling themselves they were “only a pet,” but recognizing that the grief is real is important. Losing a pet can feel as or more intense than losing a human family member or friend, so seek support from a close friend or family member, or a local pet loss group, hotline, or therapist.