Pet Loss Support

Veterinarian-recommended resources to help you navigate pet loss, grief, and the end-of-life journey.

When is the right time?

We know that emotionally speaking, there will never be a right time. Deciding to euthanize your beloved companion is arguably one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make. When we approach this question, we aim to help you assess your pet’s quality of life, then let that guide your decision-making.

If your pet has a good quality of life, it could be that medical management, lifestyle or environmental changes, or alternative medicine support (or a combination of all three) are what is needed to help them live more comfortably, and with hope, for longer. If quality of life is no longer present, we can support you through the process of making the very difficult decision.

There are two ways to determine your pet’s quality of life:

  1. A Quality of Life Assessment that you can complete yourself

  2. A Quality of Life Consultation with a Veterinarian

A Quality of Life Assessment can be a helpful way to objectively assess your pet's comfort, happiness, and overall well-being. There are two scales that we recommend:

Both provide PDFs that you can easily print at home and go through on your own time.

A Quality of Life Consultation gives you the opportunity to talk with, ask questions, and seek advice from Dr. Schwartz directly. Together, you will discuss your pet’s overall health status and the factors that determine quality of life for your pet. The discussion will be aimed at preparing you for the very difficult end of life process and all available options for you and your pet.

Learn more about Quality of Life Consultations:

Grief & Pet Loss Support

BOOKS FOR ADULTS

  • When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering, and Healing by Alan Wolfelt 

  • Goodbye Friend by Gary Kowalski 

  • The Loss of a Pet by Dr. Wallace Sife 

  • Companioning the Bereaved by Alan Wolfelt 

  • The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss by Russel Friedman, Cole James, and John W. James

  • The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, Nancy Saxton-Lopez

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

  • Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant 

  • Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

  • I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm 

  • When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers 

  • A Special Place for Charlee by Debby Morehead