“It’s never an easy decision to make, but perhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is extremely ill or so severely injured that it will never be able to resume a life of good quality is to have your veterinarian provide a humane death by euthanasia.”
— American Veterinary Medical Association
Deciding When It’s Time
These resources can help you decide when the time is right. They are provided by Lap of Love, a company we recommend for those who want euthanasia performed at home. We can also recommend The Sunset Vets and CodaPet for at-home service.
Coping with Loss
The loss of a pet can be very difficult. Here are some resources for coping with grief:
Understanding the Process
There are several excellent websites that explain the euthanasia process:
Aftercare Options
At Animal Hospital of Ovilla, we offer three options for aftercare:
- Home burial: Please be sure your municipality has no regulations against this.
- Aquamation: This method uses water to return the body to nature, resulting in a more environmentally friendly process. You can read more about it here.
- Traditional cremation: This method uses intense heat and vaporization to reduce organic matter to dust. The process is explained here.
Communal vs. Private Handling
If you choose to have your pet handled communally (meaning multiple pets are handled at the same time, and ashes are not returned to you), then we will choose the method.
If you prefer to have your pet handled privately (meaning your pet is kept separate throughout the process, and their ashes are returned to you), then you can choose the method and select additional memorial items.
Memorial Items
Aquamation
Memorial items included with aquamation include an engraved wooden box urn, a vial of fur, and an ink paw print. You can see a picture here. You may choose additional items for an additional charge, including a terracotta clay paw print or other memorial items, such as different urns or jewelry. Click here to see a catalog of additional memorial items.
Cremation
Your choice from this urn selection is included. You may choose other memorial items for an additional charge, including a clay paw print or other keepsakes.
Please Let Us Know
After you have scheduled your appointment, please consider the choices above and let us know your aftercare decisions using the form below. Arranging this in advance will allow your last moments with your pet to be peaceful and free of distractions.