December 3, 2019

When the time comes to say goodbye to your pet, it can make the grieving process easier if you can work with a Vancouver veterinarian in conjunction with a good cremation service that can honour your pet in the most meaningful way.  

You may not be aware, but it’s not permitted to bury your pet in Vancouver so you have to choose a burial service. There are obviously some that are better than others. 

No matter how much you prepare for the day, it is undoubtedly heartbreaking when your pet does pass away, but support is available.

Here are some things you can do to cope with the loss of a pet.

1. Consider a ceremony: Many people find great comfort in gathering with friends and family to remember their pet with a ceremony. In fact, a lot of people handle euthanasia as a memorial service or funeral. It’s a chance for them to say goodbye and also celebrate the pet’s life. The ceremonies can be difficult, but also very cathartic.

3. Take your time: Some people may try and rush you through the grieving process but grieving does take time. It’s important to go at your own pace. Deal with your grief as long as you need to, and don’t feel rushed to “get over it”. Everyone’s grief is an individual process. We all find comfort in different things.

4. Talk through it: One of the best things you can do is find people you can talk to about your pet. Find someone who will allow you to talk at length and reminisce. Some people may feel they are burdening others with their feelings or they are being repetitive but talking about your pet can really help. Another great idea is to find a support group; there are many great online groups that can help.

5. Address any feelings of guilt: While many people hope their pet will pass quietly in his sleep, it may not happen that way. Of course, we don’t like to see our pets suffer but sometimes there is some pain and you may need to face the possibility of euthanasia. Many pet owners struggle with feelings of guilt at having to make that choice for their beloved friend. You shouldn’t think of it as taking your pet’s life, but see it as a privilege and a gift to spare them from those very hard end stages of the dying process.

6. Memorialize your pet: Find a way that is meaningful to you to honour your pet. Planting trees or memorial gardens, volunteering, making a donation to a favourite animal charity or installing a plaque in the yard are some ways to keep your pet’s memory alive. Among the myriad other options are cremation or memorial urns and placement in a pet cemetery.

Conclusion

Grief is a natural process and it is important to understand that it’s completely normal to mourn the loss of your pet. A pet is a part of your daily life and it’s going to hurt to lose them. You have to find ways to face your grief. Don’t just ignore it or try to avoid it.

If you have an old pet and would like to plan for end-of-life care, give us a call at Cypress Animal Hospital. We can help you through this difficult time.