Pet Loss

Compassion in the End

Our pets show us unconditional love, provide us with unmatched companionship and enrich many aspects of our lives. In turn, our pets depend on us to meet their needs and provide them with the quality of life that they deserve. Often times it becomes necessary to consider humane euthanasia at the end of a pet’s life. It can be an agonizing decision for many pet owners, but it may be the most loving and selfless decision that we can make for our pets when the time comes.


Making the Final Decision

Making the decision to humanely end a pet’s life can bring up a wide range of emotions for the pet owner. People often experience guilt, grief, and serious trepidation when they are considering the option. It is important for most people to know that their pet has been properly evaluated by our veterinarian and that all other treatment options have been discussed and considered, prior to making their final decision. Once the decision has been made, it is beneficial to understand the process and to discover what resources are available for the pet owner and their family, to help them through the grieving process.

It is also perfectly acceptable for the pet owner to request not to be present during the procedure. We will be with your pet every step of the way and make sure that they are comfortable and cared for throughout the process. At ABC PET CLINIC, Pets will receive a sedative and pain medication (when indicated) to help provide them with the easiest, most stress free transition. The pet owner and their family are able to spend as much time as needed with their beloved pet prior to the administration of the euthanasia solution. Typically, the medication will take effect in seconds and the pet passes away very peacefully.


Gone, But Not Forgotten

ABC PET CLINIC is able to provide the pet owner with options for their pet’s remains. If you choose a communal cremation ashes would not be returned to the owner. Should you choose an individual cremation, the pet is privately cremated and ashes are returned to the owner in a standard cedar urn. We work closely with Pets at Peace crematory in San Ramon to provide these options for our clients. There are numerous memorial products available and we are here to help pet owners make the choice that best fits their needs. How the pet is memorialized can be very helpful in providing a sense of closure for owners and their families.


Local Pet Loss Support Groups

All people experience loss differently. Some pet owners may find that they need additional help dealing with the grieving process, once their pet is gone. We have provided a few resources below to help deal with the loss of your loved one.


Dublin Hope/Hospice Pet Loss Support Group meets second and fourth Monday of each month at 6377 Clark Ave, Dublin. Contact Michele Shimamura, LMFT, 925-683-8463, micheles@hopehospice.com website: www.hopehospice.com/grief-support-center/programs-and-classes/


Berkeley Humane Society Pet Loss Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 2700 9th Street at Carleton, West Berkeley from 7-8:30 pm. It is a free drop-in group, however, donations for BEBHS are appreciated. For more information, call BEBHS at (510) 845-7735, or visit the web site www.berkeleyhumane.org. Facilitator: Jill Goodfriend, RN. LCSW (510) 393-1359 (jill.goodfriend@sbcglobal.net)


​​​​​​​Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation meets second Tuesday of each month, 5:30-7:00pm, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, contact Vicki Smith LMFT 925-887-5678 X1075 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org


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