Hospice & Euthanasia
“What he have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply become a part of us.”
-Helen Keller
Caring for an ill or aging pet comes with its own difficulties, and we’re here to help you navigate that path. Every pet’s case and every family’s situation is different. During your visit, Dr. Grossbard can discuss with you the medical options for your pet, quality of life, financial factors, and personal beliefs unique to your situation to help determine how to best keep your pet comfortable.
Quality of Life
As our pets age or an illness progresses, it can be difficult to know what is manageable and when it is time to let them cross the rainbow bridge. It can be helpful to assess if your pet is in pain or suffering, and keep track of their behavior and symptoms. From there you can determine what you consider a “good day” or a “bad day” for you pet. Each day, discuss with your family how your pet did and mark on a calendar or place a marker in one of two jars. Over the days, weeks, or months that follow you can check how their quality of life is changing.
Studies have found that caring for an ailing pet can cause the same level of stress as caring for an aging parent. If you find yourself overwhelmed, https://www.petcaregiverburden.com/ offers resources for those dealing with this type of stress.
When It’s Time To Say Goodbye
It is never easy to say goodbye to a beloved companion, but rest assured that we will treat your pet with the same compassion and respect as we would a member of our own family.
We work with Animal Memorial Services in Gilroy to care for your pet’s remains. They offer grief and pet loss support, urn customization, and individual and communal cremation options.
Please note, the return of remains typically takes 1-2 weeks. Out of respect for the grieving process, we will only call once to inform you when your pet has been returned to us.
We do not offer at-home euthanasia services, but can offer a list of trusted and compassionate professionals upon request.
Grief Support Resources
The SFSPCA and the Peninsula Humane Society both offer monthly pet loss support groups with monthly meetings
https://www.sfspca.org/resource/pet-loss-support/
http://www.petpartners.org/Pet-Loss-Resources
Helping Children Deal With Pet Loss Grief
https://www.lapoflove.com/community/Pet-Loss-Support/Children-and-Pets-Grief-Resources
https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support/Child_activity_book.pdf