You can spend as much time as you need with your pet after the procedure. You will most likely experience a flood of emotions: a deep sorrow and feeling of emptiness, guilt, frustration, or even relief in the case of a sick pet. This is the utmost normal, and don’t hold back your tears. Please know that we often cry ourselves when we lose patients, as they become like members of our family.
The body will be put in a clearly marked body bag and stored in a freezer intended for this purpose. Bodies are picked up by the crematorium team on a weekly basis with the utmost professionalism and respect.
The compassionate team will follow your wish for cremation services. If you opted out of the cremation services, please know that your pet’s remains will still be treated with the utmost respect. For individual cremation, meaning that you want to retrieve the ashes, the veterinary clinic will contact you when they receive the urn. For your family and you, the grieving process starts here. Grieving a beloved pet is very similar to grieving a loved one. You will experience feelings of nostalgia, especially at moments of the day that you would normally share with your furry friend, like your morning routine, your evening walk, meal and snack times… There are several books and support groups on grief available. Here are a few book recommendations for you.
Lastly, please know that you are not alone. As animal health care professionals, pets are our passion. We have all been through the loss of a loyal companion and we understand how difficult it is. The pain will ease, but the fond memories will stay. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.