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End of Life Services & Resources

At some point in a pet owner's life, they may face the difficult decision of saying goodbye to their beloved companion. Coping with this process and accepting the loss of your pet can be an overwhelming experience. We understand this and are here to provide guidance and support to you and your family throughout this journey.

We invite you to explore the various options below to discover more about the wide range of resources and services we offer.

Staff member laying next to pet

Defining Quality of Life

Understanding your pet's illness and end-of-life needs can be overwhelming. To assist you and your family in the process, we have gathered several resources to help explain what is "quality of life," how to determine whether a pet is still experiencing a good quality of life, and what options you have when the level of suffering is no longer acceptable.

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End of Life Services

Saying goodbye to our furry companions can be an incredibly emotional experience. To support you and your family during this difficult time, we offer a range of empathetic services to help ease the process. Discover how you can prepare for this moment, what to expect during the process, and explore our aftercare options to help you make the best decision for your beloved pet.

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Staff member discussing resources with pet parent

Grief Resources

We know how difficult and emotionally challenging it is to put your pet to sleep, so we have collected resources to help you process the loss. From hotlines to tips on how to cope, learn more about the best ways to begin processing you and your family's painful loss.

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Veterinary social worker holding a little dog

DCES Social Worker

DCES has a full-time veterinary social worker to provide the help you need as a pet owner to make the best choices regarding your pet's care. Whether you're in need of short-term support or grief resources, you can e-mail our social worker, Emmaly, at anytime. Please note, it might take 24-48 hours for her to respond. For immediate support, please visit our grief resources for 24/7 hotlines.

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