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End of Life Services: Pet Loss, Pet Euthanasia and Grief Assistance

Compassionate Chicago Pet Euthanasia &

Pet Loss Resources

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 there pet has been properly evaluated by their 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. If you are considering pet euthanasia near Chicago, then the Metropolitan Veterinary Center can assist and educate you in regard to these issues. We realize the impact of this decision on the entire family and we are here to discuss all available options.

Consider the Process Itself

Along with the pet owner; we can help to decide on the best option for proceeding with the euthanasia process.  Pet owners and their family members are able to be present during the procedure. Our hospital is open from 7am until 10pm, every day of the week.  We are here to help anytime during these hours. Appointments are encouraged, but not necessary.  

It is important that everyone involved is adequately prepared for what will occur. The emotional impact on children and other family members will need to be considered within the family, but we are here to answer any specific questions in advance.  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 Metropolitan Veterinary Center, we place an IV catheter to help facilitate the injections of sedatives and euthanasia solution.  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 and we will discuss each step with you along the way.  Essentially, the euthanasia solution is a concentrated, over-dose of anesthesia.  Typically, the medication will take effect in seconds and the pet passes away very peacefully.

Gone, But Not Forgotten

Metropolitan Veterinary Center is able to provide the pet owner with options for their pet’s remains. We can facilitate the burial, private cremation or memorial cremation of the pet’s remains, by working closely with Hinsdale Animal Cemetery.  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.

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.  At Metropolitan Veterinary Center, we are here to offer support and provide pet owners with resources to help them heal. There are support hotlines, online resources and articles that may be helpful.  We can provide pet owners with access to those items.

Hinsdale Pet Cemetery
6400 S. Bentley Avenue
Willowbrook, IL 60527
(630) 323-5120

Pet Loss and Grief Help

The University of Florida offers a Grief Support Hotline plus some articles on coping with pet loss.

Tufts University offers a Grief Support Hotline and articles regarding the loss of a pet.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Pet Loss Support Hotline

The University of Illinois Grief Support Hotline

If you’re looking for in-home pet euthanasia assistance, please visit The In-Home Pet Euthanasia Directory

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