Aurora Animal Care Community is here to support you through all stages of your pet’s life. Often passed over until required, end of life care and decision making becomes critical. We are here to help navigate this difficult time in your pet's life as contemplating humane euthanasia can be an overwhelming burden for families. Pets are family members. When it's time say goodbye, the resulting sense of loss and grief is as real and overwhelming as when we lose a relative or friend.
When a disease or emergency has taken its toll on your pet, and skills of the veterinary profession can no longer alleviate the pain and suffering for your pet, humane euthanasia can provide a peaceful and dignified end to that suffering. Once established as a patient, our staff is here to have a conversation about the option of humane euthanasia and your pet's quality of life which is what is most important. We cannot make the decision for you, but we will give you the information necessary and support you while making this difficult choice.
If you are trying to pre-plan or work together as a family to assess your pet's quality of life, Lap of Love is a resource that can be used to establish your pet's current quality of life. This information can also be used to facilitate a family discussion when needed.
What To Expect
The word “euthanasia” means peaceful death. The veterinary profession respectfully utilizes the technical and medical skills associated with ending the life of a beloved pet.
At Aurora Animal Care Community, we understand this is never an easy decision to make. If you feel it may be time but have questions, we can schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians and consult regarding your pet's health status and create a healthcare plan. The care plan can be implemented that day if deemed necessary because of quality of life. Other times families return home and make arrangements for a future euthanasia appointment.
The Appointment
Our staff strives to provide a peaceful and supporting environment at every humane euthanasia appointment. The procedure will be explained in person by the veterinary staff according to your interest level and comfort. We want to prepare you as much as possible. Questions surrounding the euthanasia procedure are encouraged. Please be aware there is some paperwork that must be completed before any medications can be administered. The veterinarian will discuss with you any questions surrounding euthanasia you may have.
- Everything will be done based the pace that you and your pet dictate. There is never any rush.
- An injection is given to ensure your pet is comfortable. This injection relieves discomfort and anxiety for your pet.
- Once you and your pet are ready, the final injection which contains the euthanasia medication, is given in a vein. It works very rapidly within a few minutes but occasionally can be less than one.
- The veterinarian will then confirm that your pet has died when heart sounds stop. After your pet has passed away, you may continue to spend as much time as you need.
- Memorial keepsakes can be collected as a complimentary service such as an ink paw print or fur clipping.
- The humane euthanasia procedure may vary in extreme or emergent cases but is always done in the pet's interest.
Cremation Services
Through Faithful Companion, we are able to provide cremation services for our clients when their pet passes away. Located in Twinsburg Ohio, Faithful Companion is a pet cremation service that treats your pet like family.
- A specially designed container for transportation (no plastic bags)
- Same day transportation from your home or veterinary clinic
- Private cremation pet remains are returned by their staff to your home or clinic the next day. These times are arranged with Faithful Companion; your pet's remains are never left unattended on your doorstep.
- A stainless steel ID tag is used as part of their tracking system.
Private Cremation
Your pet will receive an individual cremation with its remains carefully packaged and returned to you in an urn along with a clay pawprint and fur clipping. The ashes will be available for delivery to your home or the clinic which the service was provided within 1 business day after your pet is brought to the cremation facility.
Communal Cremation
Faithful Companion will bury communal cremains on a regular basis at Robert's Funeral Home Pines Pet Cemetery in Wooster, Ohio. There will be a marker noting the Faithful Companion communal cremains burial area however pets are not individually identified.
Additional Services
For private cremations, a viewing can be set up at the Faithful Companion facility for those wishing for additional time with their beloved pet. Additional jewelry and keepsakes including specialized urns can also be purchased directly through Faithful Companion.
*If choosing home burial, please reference your local laws
Resources
Our partnership allows families to utilize support even after their pet passes.
- Coping with Loss
- Virtual Pet Loss Support Group hosted every Sunday by Faithful Companion in partnership with PetCloud