Planning ahead for an appointment allows for you and your family to emotionally prepare and make sure that you have the visit that is most compassionate and dignified for your pet. The following are some options that you may want to consider.

Location

Please choose a spot where you and your pet will be most relaxed and comfortable. You can settle on a sofa or bed, or he can be on his own bed in a favorite room. You’re welcome to hold your pet for the duration of the visit, or he can be settled next to you. We can also have the visit outside on a porch or in your yard, or even at your pet’s favorite spot in the park.

Atmosphere

• Would you like to have photos, candles, music, flowers? Have you written a letter or have a favorite poem or essay that you would like to read?

• We welcome all religious and spiritual practices or ceremonies – please let us know if we can assist in any way.

• If your children have made drawings or letters for their pet they can be sent with them.

• They are welcome to be wearing their favorite sweater and have their toys/blankets around them.

• If they have an appetite, snacks are highly encouraged- bacon, chocolate, ice cream, In & Out Burger, whatever they might enjoy most. It’s fine for them to eat before the visit.

Who would you like to have present?

Some people want to be alone with their beloved pet and others choose to have family or friends with them. If you have family who live out of town they are welcome to Face Time with you before and during the visit.

Children are always welcome. The doctor will explain each step as we proceed so they can choose whether the want to stay or go, depending on their comfort level.

Preparing Your Children

I explain each step as we proceed so they can choose whether the want to stay or go, depending on their comfort level. Often the loss of a pet is a child’s first experience with death. The following article written by The Ohio Veterinary College covers a lot of the questions parents have about how to help their children through this difficult time: “Children and Pet Loss”

Should other pets be present?

Although your other pets will be excited by the doctor’s arrival, they usually settle quickly and owners find their presence to be a comfort. They are an important part of what makes home such a comforting place to say goodbye.

If you find them disruptive they can wait elsewhere and then come in after the visit to have a chance to say their goodbye. They will understand that their friend has passed and aren’t upset by the event.

After the Visit

• Our doctor will bring everything needed for the visit – blankets, pee pads, a basket for the smaller pets to travel in a stretcher with blanket and towel for the larger pets.

• Our doctor will need one person to help carry the stretcher if you have a bigger pet.

• We offer communal and individual options for both cremation and aquamation.

• If you have chosen for Gifts of Peace to provide after care, the doctor will take your pet with them, and handle all of the arrangements.

Memorial Options

• A free clay paw print is offered with the individual cremation or aquamation.

• You may choose to make your own paw print or ink prints before the visit using a kit from a local craft store.

• Consider a portrait or photography session before the visit. There are local artists who offer this service

Final Details

• You may send a favorite toy, small blanket, pictures and letters, and flowers to be cremated with your pet. Items are not allowed in the aquamation process.

• We can email you a receipt for your insurance company

• Beds, blankets, towels, bowls are gladly accepted at local shelters and rescue groups. Most will take opened food as well.

• We will notify your veterinarian’s office of our visit