Most people struggle with the thought of losing their beloved pet, and having to say goodbye can be one of the most difficult things you will have to face. Some pets will pass in their sleep, while others may require you to make the difficult decision. Other times, acute injuries occur, and you unexpectedly lose your beloved family member.

Whatever the case may be, dealing with the loss is exceedingly difficult.

Many pet owners fear choosing euthanasia for their pet because they see it as giving up on them or lacking the ability to provide for them. In reality, deciding to euthanize a suffering pet is one of the most humane choices you can make.

Click here for more details about our euthanasia services.

Dealing with the loss 

It is not uncommon for people to feel that the loss of their pet is, in some cases, harder to deal with than the loss of a family member or friend. Many people express that the loss of their pet was one of the hardest and/or most profound losses they’ve ever dealt with in life.

Due to the nature of pets, the amount of time we spend in their proximity, and the unique relationships they provide, losing a pet really does cause genuine and significant grief, and a person’s support system can play a big role in recovering from the loss.

Below are some helpful resources for anyone experiencing the grief of pet loss.

Resources from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine:

• Pet Loss Support Resources for Humans  
• How Animals Grieve
• Helping Children through the Grief

You are not alone (veterinarians.org)

Honoring the Bond (OSU Veterinary Medical Center)

Coping with the Loss of a Pet (AVMA)

Search for online support groups, or reach out to a grief counselor, or a therapist. 

Please let us know if we can do anything to help you through this difficult time.