End-of-Life Care

Pet End-of-Life Care With Compassion

The staff at Bemidji Veterinary Hospital is comprised of pet owners. During what could feel like your loneliest time of pet ownership, we make sure you never feel alone.

We provide end-of-life options without judgment. From our doctors to our veterinary technicians to our office staff, we provide you with compassionate pet care, considering the best interests of both you and your pet at all times.

How Do You Know When It’s Time?

There is no perfect answer for knowing when or if to euthanize a pet. All we have are general medical principles and your instinct for knowing what’s best for your pet. Here are a few things to consider:

• Make a List—As your pet reaches his or her senior years, take a moment to write down your pet’s five favorite things to do. If your pet gets to a point where he or she cannot enjoy those things, then it’s probably time to consider euthanasia.
• Learn the 5 Hs—Hurt, hunger, hydration, happiness, and hygiene are five quality of life issues to track and consider.
• Learn the 2 Ms—Mobility and more (i.e., Does your pet have more good days than bad days?). Again, track and consider these basic quality of life factors. It will help you see what’s best for your pet.

We Are Here When the Time Comes

Bemidji Veterinary Hospital & Boarding Kennel provides humane euthanasia services at our facility as well as at your home or location. We understand the grief that is felt during this time, and we carry out your wishes with that grief in mind.

Whether your pet is humanely euthanized at our hospital, or another, we offer cremation services on site in our hospital. Our team treats each cremation with the utmost care and respect. Individual cremations are completed in a timely manner for families that want to keep their pet’s remains.

How We’re Different

Because we have a crematorium here at the hospital, we’re able to offer private cremations. This means that your pet is treated with dignity – never bagged up to be shipped off-site, but thoughtfully care for from beginning to end right here in the hospital. We can assure you that the ashes you receive are those of your pet, and your pet only.

Additionally, we’re able to provide cremation services for pets that passed at a different hospital.

Next Steps

Many pet owners experience the same grief when losing a pet as they do when losing a human family member. We’re here to help you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and/or provide grief support resources. Please give us a call.