Pet End-of-Life Resources and Support
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The resources below have been carefully selected to help guide you through every stage of your pet's end-of-life journey, from quality-of-life assessments and anticipatory grief to pet euthanasia, saying goodbye, and coping with pet loss.
If you would like any additional resources, please don't hesitate to email me at srdogsrock@gmail.com
How do you know when it's time?
The Good Death article by Dr. Mel Newton
How Will I Know When It's Time to Say Goodbye? article by Paws at Peace
Making Decisions When Your Companion Animal is Sick a comprehensive PDF from the Argus Institute
Knowing When It's Time to Say Goodbye a comprehensive YouTube video from Dr. Gardner, Lap of Love veterinarian
Reframing End-of-Life Decisions for Pet Parents a YouTube video from BrightHaven’s Gail Pope and Karen Wylie that explores a thoughtful approach to end-of-life choices and offers related resources.
When Family Members Disagree About Euthanasia
Quality of Life Tools
Ohio State University Medical Veterinary Center article & quality of life scale (PDF)
Brighthaven's Living Quality of Life Care Assessment (PDF)
Lap of Love Quality of Life Scale (PDF)
MMVHS Quality of Life Scale (Interactive PDF)
Pain Scales
Colorado State University Canine Chronic Pain Scale (PDF)
Quality of Life Calendars
Blue Pearl Quality of Life Calendar (PDF)
Lap of Love Quality of Life Calendar (PDF)
Anticipatory Grief
How to Deal with Anticipatory Grief article by Lap of Love
Coping with Anticipatory Grief (YouTube video)
When the weight of anticipatory grief feels overwhelming, a simple mantra like, "You're here now," can become a powerful grounding tool. By saying it out loud while looking at your beloved companion, it can anchor you to the present moment and help shift focus to the time you still have together. Initially, this reminder may be needed often, but over time, those thoughts can begin to quiet naturally, making it easier to be present without constant prompting. In those quieter moments, it becomes clear that the greatest gift is simply being fully there- treasuring each moment without letting the worries of tomorrow overshadow the joys of today.
Caregiver Fatigue and Burnout
Managing Caregiver Burden Caring for an aging or ill pet can be physically and emotionally exhausting. This Psychology Today article explores the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving. It explains what caregiver burden is and why so many devoted pet caregivers experience it.
Pre-Planning and Aftercare
Aftercare Options and Ways to Honor Your Pet's Remains
Lap of Love Find a Vet helps you search for an in-home veterinarian when euthanasia at home feels right. It can connect you with a caring professional in your area.
Vet Angel is an in-home pet hospice and euthanasia provider directory that connects families with local veterinarians offering compassionate end-of-life pet care in the comfort and familiarity of home.
What to Expect During Euthanasia
Facts About Euthanasia This article from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine explains what to expect during the euthanasia process, including the normal physical changes that may occur after a pet has passed. Some people find this information reassuring, while others may prefer to read it when they feel ready.
Other Pets
Should Other Pets Be Present When We Say Goodbye?
How to Support a Grieving Pet (PDF)
Children and Pet Loss
Should My Child Be Present For Our Pet's Euthanasia?
Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Pet
The Invisible Leash a book by Patrice Karst
How to Help A Child Grieving A Beloved Pet (PDF)
Coping with Pet Loss and Grief
Coping with the Loss of a Companion Animal (PDF)
Pet Loss Grief: The Pain Explained (YouTube video)
The Emotional Costs of Euthanasia (YouTube video)
The Physical Symptoms of Grief After Pet Loss article from Love, Baxter
Guilt and the What Ifs After Saying Goodbye article by Ann | Senior Dogs Rock
Behavioral Euthanasia Losing Lulu website
The Physics of Death article by Jamie Trosper
Supporting Someone Through Pet Loss
Supporting Someone Through Pet Loss (PDF) When someone you care about loses a beloved pet, it can be hard to know what to say or how to help. This guide offers gentle, practical ways to support them through their grief.
Holding Space for Grief (YouTube video) explains what it really means to hold space for someone who is grieving.
Pet Loss and Bereavement Support
Lap of Love offers free online support groups and individual support (for a fee).
Oradell Animal Hospital offers online bereavement sessions hosted by a licensed social worker twice a month.
Dakin Humane Society offers monthly online support groups via Zoom.
Pet Loss Partners offers online chat rooms, virtual support groups and one-on-one support.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement offers offers live video support groups every Saturday and on select Sundays.
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue offers an online pet loss support group via Zoom the first Monday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. PST.
Cornell University Pet Loss Support provides a hotline available at (607) 218-7457. Hours vary seasonally, so call for current availability.
Petloss.com offers grief support, message boards, chat room and a candle lighting ceremony.
Rainbow Bridge offers pet memorials and a candle lighting ceremony.
You can glimpse the universe on the day your furbaby was born, the day they passed, or any special moment you shared. The NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive offers daily space images going back to 2015, letting you connect a cosmic snapshot to your cherished memories. This is the photo from the day my Bonnie passed, June 27, 2024.
Protostellar Outflows in Serpens- Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Klaus Pontoppidan (NASA-JPL), Joel Green (STScI)
If you're looking for more personalized guidance than these resources can provide, working with a companion animal end-of-life doula may be helpful.
What Is a Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula?
A companion animal end-of-life doula (CAD), sometimes referred to more simply as a pet end-of-life doula, is a trained professional who provides compassionate, non-medical, and non-judgmental support to pets nearing the end of life and to the people who love them. Doulas offer emotional support, guidance, and educational resources while complementing the care provided by veterinarians, hospice, and palliative care professionals.
A pet end-of-life doula may provide support with:
End-of-Life and Advance Care Planning: Gathering relevant information and beneficial resources, and making plans for end-of-life wishes and after-death care.
Discussions: Facilitating safe and compassionate discussions about death and helping with decision-making.
Quality-of-Life Assessment Assistance: Helping assess your pet's quality of life during their final stages.
In-Home Support: Providing support during the end-of-life experience, including rituals and ceremonies.
Veterinary Clinic Support: Providing support during the end-of-life experience at the veterinary clinic.
Compassionate Presence: Creating a calm, nurturing environment during euthanasia or natural pet death, if requested.
Memorialization: Offering ways to memorialize your pet and celebrate your special bond.
Grief Support: Providing guidance and support throughout the grieving process, from anticipatory grief to post-death.
How to Find a Pet End-of-Life Doula
How to Find a Pet End-of-Life Doula
I’ve created a directory to help you find a pet end-of-life doula. It includes doulas offering in-person and remote support in the United States and internationally. I’ll continue to add to the directory as I connect with more doulas.
If you can’t find in-person support in your area, please email me at srdogsrock@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to help you find someone.
Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.
-- inspired by Jamie Anderson
My services are complimentary, but if you’d like to leave a tip, you’re welcome to do so by clicking the Venmo or PayPal logo. Thank you for your support!
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