Northwest Veterinary Hospital

End Of Life Care

Contact our Northwest Veterinary Hospital doctors to discuss your companion's quality of life and discuss compassionate options available to your family.

When it is time to say goodbye.

Because we know it is not always possible to plan ahead, our staff will do their best to allow you to bring your pet in when it feels right to you. It is our goal to help make your pet’s passing as peaceful and pain free as possible for both your pet and your family.

What to Expect:

Once you have discussed your pet’s quality of life with their veterinarian and have made the decision that saying goodbye is the best and kindest option, you will be asked to sign brief paperwork confirming your decision. The veterinarian will administer a sedative and possibly a pain reliever to relax your pet. You can then be there to provide comfort while the sedative takes effect – typically 5-10 minutes.

The euthanasia injection is given once you and your pet are ready. This injection usually takes effect within a minute or so, allowing your pet to fall off into an anesthetic sleep that they will not wake up from. The process is peaceful and pain-free. The vet will use a stethoscope to listen and ensure their heart as stopped beating, and then give you time to honor your pet and say goodbye in privacy.

After euthanasia, several options are available to care for your pet’s body. Whether at-home or at the clinic, our team can facilitate transport where a trusted service will cremate your pet. The remains are returned in a keepsake vessel to the hospital where you can pick them up when it is convenient for you and your family. If you prefer not to receive your pet’s ashes, you may opt to have your pet cremated communally. You may also elect to bury your pet but please check local ordinances first.

Learn More:

You may read a more in-depth article written by one of our veterinarians in our blog.

Pet Loss Support:

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement offers a variety of support options and information.

Seattle Animal Shelter offers a virtual pet-loss support group once a week.  More information on dates and location can be found here.

Northwest Veterinary Hospital

Monday
8:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM — 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Sunday
CLOSED

Call/Text: 206-545-4255
Fax: 206-545-4205