It’s normal to experience grief and sadness when a pet passes. For many of us, pets are family members, so their death is a time of grieving. Like any death, there are practical decisions that need to be made regarding what happens to your pet after they have passed away. It’s also important to acknowledge the emotional toll losing your pet has on you, your family and other pets in your home.
David Foote is a veterinarian and counsellor who works with pet owners dealing with grief over pet loss
If your pet becomes critically unwell, a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible and talk with you about coming in to be with them. You are welcome to spend time with your pet and say goodbye, both before and after they pass, in a quiet and caring environment.
We can also offer to take a paw print as a keepsake, if this feels right for you. Our staff will guide you through the next steps and talk with you about your wishes for burial or cremation, supporting you at every stage.
In much the same way that human doctors build essential skills through learning from donated bodies, veterinarians develop their knowledge and confidence by studying the bodies of animals that have been generously donated. This training helps vets practise important skills such as diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques and emergency procedures, so they are well prepared to care for animals in the future.
Our vets are deeply grateful for every donation and understand the trust placed in them. Donated animals are always treated with the utmost care, dignity and respect, honouring their life and the lasting contribution they make to the wellbeing of other animals.
If your pet is a suitable donor, we will gratefully accept them into our program. We hold your pet for a maximum of 6 months and will cremate your pet with the option to return ashes to you.
Your pet may be a suitable donor if:
There is no cost for donation or cremation. If you have personal requests such as a special urn or box, those will need to be ordered and paid for separately.
One of our staff will talk to you about the option of body donation. If you choose to donate your pet, a team member help you to complete a consent form for donation and answer any questions you may have.
