Grieving & Pet Loss Resources

One of the most difficult responsibilities you face as a pet owner is making the decision to humanely euthanize your pet when the time comes. Dr. Golden is here to help you with advice on your pet's quality of life and any other information you need to help you make your decision.

Once you've decided to humanely euthanize you can choose to say goodbye and leave your pet with us, or you may wish to stay for the procedure. At Golden Paws Veterinary Service and Housecalls, making you and your pet as comfortable as possible is our priority. We'll explain each step of the process and give you a chance to ask questions. Please don't hesitate to let us know what we can do to help you in this difficult time. 

You will need to choose whether to  have your pet's remains cremated, buried, or take them home with you. We partner with Agape for private or communal cremation services. In a communal cremation, your pet is cremated along with other animals. Because there are several animals, it’s not possible to get your pet’s ashes back.

In a private ceremony, your pet is cremated alone, so their ashes will be returned to you afterward. Agape also offers private burial at their facility. If we are unable to provide euthanasia at the time of your needs, we highly recommend contacting Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice.

We understand this is a difficult time to make decisions, so we are here to help you guide you through each step of the process and answer any questions you have.

Additional Resources:

• Veterinary Partner - Euthanasia of Companion Animals
  The euthanasia decision for a beloved pet may be one of the most difficult choices you must face during your entire lifetime. Learn more about evaluating quality of life and making this decision for your pet.
• Association For Pet Loss & Bereavement
  ALPB’s vision is to foster a society in which on-going empathetic pet loss and grief support services are widely accepted and available to pet families.
• Rainbow Bridge 
  Anyone who has ever lost a pet should visit this wonderful site. It is a terrific tribute to our lost family members.
• Agape Pet Services - Pet Loss Support Resources
  We offer tools to help manage grief and provide information about how everyone in the family (even other pets) may experience grief differently.
  
• Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice
  Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice provides personalized holistic care for pets in the Hampton Roads area (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, & beyond). Our doctors focus on treating senior companion animals and those with terminal diseases in the comfort of your own home.