BEFORE DEATH

When faced with a terminal illness for your pet, we recommend pet parents create a bucket list. This helps strengthen the bond between you and your pet and encourages the making of happy memories prior to their transition out of life. Think of their favorite things to do, see, eat, etc. For example, my childhood dog Casey, loved going for walks so we made sure to take her for long walks to new places while she was still able to enjoy them.

Many of the ideas included after death can help pet parents going through anticipatory grief. In the next section, you may find an idea that helps you through the euthanasia and grieving process.

AFTER DEATH

After a pet has passed, it is just as important to remember them for how they lived. Write down a list of fun and happy memories you shared with them or things about them that will always make you smile.

Celebrate their life by making a place of memorial for them. Dedicate a small table or space to place photos, their collar, favorite toys, lock of hair, clay paw print, or urn. To browse our memorial products or handcrafted keepsakes, please visit our Pet Memorial Shop.

Some people enjoy memorializing their pet through a favorite hobby or craft. This can include scrapbooking, jewelry making, etc. Think of something you love to do and incorporate your pet in memory of them.

In times of grief, many people find comfort in attending pet loss support groups or talking to a professional in a more private setting. For more information, you can visit our End of Life Pet Care page.

You can also honor your pet’s memory by helping other animals through donations, volunteering, fostering, or even adopting in your own time. Here at VIP Vet Visit we created a special program inspired by one of our own.

Our “Angel Rescue” program was created to honor your pet’s memory while helping an animal in need find a loving home. For each euthanasia performed, VIP Vet Visit sponsors the adoption of a pet at a local shelter or rescue. Each death creates a new life through our program. Every angel pet parent is sent a thank you card on behalf of the adopted pet, including a picture of that rescued pet whose adoption was sponsored in memory of their angel.