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Park Veterinary Centre

A paw print in sand

Euthanasia

With heartfelt condolences, we extend our support to you during this difficult time.

We understand that facing end-of-life options for your beloved pet can be overwhelming and emotional. Our aim is to provide you with the necessary information and guidance to help you make informed decisions during this challenging process. We want to ensure that your pet's well-being and comfort remain at the forefront, and we are here to assist you in any way we can. Please know that you are not alone, and we are here to walk this journey with you, offering compassion and understanding every step of the way. Dealing with the loss of a pet can be an overwhelming experience, filled with questions about what steps to take and what to expect next.

Preparation

Before the procedure, one of our staff members will explain the process to you and seek your consent. You as the owner will be given the option to be present during the euthanasia or to say goodbye to your beloved pet beforehand.

Peaceful Sedation

To ensure that the pet is relaxed and comfortable during the procedure, our veterinarian will administer a sedative. This helps the pet become drowsy or fall asleep, reducing any anxiety or discomfort.

Euthanasia

Once your pet is sedated and at ease, our veterinarian will administer the euthanasia solution. This solution is typically a combination of drugs, usually an anesthetic followed by a medication that stops the heart. The euthanasia solution causes the pet's body functions to gradually and peacefully shut down.

Passing Away

The pet will peacefully slip into unconsciousness and pass away within a few moments after the euthanasia solution is administered. It is a painless and gentle process, and your pet should not experience any distress or pain.

Aftercare

After your pet has passed away, you may choose to take your pet's remains home for a private burial or opt for aftercare services provided by us. Aftercare options include communal or private cremation. In private cremation, the pet is cremated individually, and you choose to keep the ashes in an urn or other memorial. In communal cremation, multiple pets are cremated together, and the ashes are not returned to the owner rather spread in a field on a beautiful acreage outside of the city.

Grieving & Support

The loss of a pet can be emotionally challenging for many pet owners. We have attached links below to resources for grieving pet owners, including grief counseling or information about pet loss support groups.

Urns

To celebrate the beautiful memories you shared, we offer a range of options for simple scattering urns, including our Scattering Tube, as well as a selection of other urns to serve as a loving memorial for your pet.

Grief Resources

Tan and white paws with a heart print in human hands

Books

Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson Allen

The Pet Loss Companion by Ken Dolan Del-Vecchio & Nancy Saxton-Lopez

Where the Tomorrow Go by Manoj S. Abraham (children’s book)

Help Line

Alberta has a toll-free Mental Health Services Helpline that can connect you to multiple avenues of support including mental health professional referrals.

Keepsakes & Urns

*Image provided by Spawts