Saying Goodbye

With grace and dignity.

Not Alone

The hardest time to be a pet owner is when we have to say good-bye. Every team member at Safe Harbor loves animals, and we understand how difficult end-of-life decisions can be. Our trained professionals are here to help you during this challenging period, and we can answer your questions and help you determine when humane euthanasia is necessary. We are also here to offer support and advice as you cope with your grief. One resource we commonly recommend is the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, which provides free assistance to family members when they lose a beloved pet. 

A woman and a white fluffy cat share a tender moment beside a window at the vet's office, gazing intently at each other in a serene, sunlit setting.

Not Alone

The hardest time to be a pet owner is when we have to say good-bye. Every team member at Safe Harbor loves animals, and we understand how difficult end-of-life decisions can be. Our trained professionals are here to help you during this challenging period, and we can answer your questions and help you determine when humane euthanasia is necessary. We are also here to offer support and advice as you cope with your grief. One resource we commonly recommend is the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, which provides free assistance to family members when they lose a beloved pet. 

A woman and a white fluffy cat share a tender moment beside a window at the vet's office, gazing intently at each other in a serene, sunlit setting.

An image of a colorful, blurred background with a poem titled "rainbow bridge," authored by a veterinarian, describing a serene place where pets go after they die, emphasizing comfort and reunion themes.

End-of-life care FAQs

As pet owners, we accept the loving responsibility of making decisions about the health and well-being of our animals. These may be pleasant decisions, like what food to choose or what type of activities we enjoy together. Read More

Safe Harbor offers two options to grieving pet owners. For our regular clients, we offer in-home euthanasia so you can say goodbye to your pet in the comfort of your home. We also provide in-office euthanasia in one of our private treatment rooms. Whichever option you choose, we are here to provide comfort and support. When possible, you should consider this personal decision before your pet’s appointment, and inform us so we can make the appropriate preparations.

Safe Harbor ensures your pet’s passing is peaceful and pain-free. We will first administer a sedative that allows your pet to drift off to sleep before the final injection is given. You can choose to be present for the entire procedure, or you can leave at any point during the process. Our caring staff will comfort and monitor your pet until the end to ensure their transition is peaceful, regardless of which option you choose.

You may take your pet home for a private burial, or Safe Harbor can make arrangements for you. We have a professional relationship with Pet Rest Cemetery and Cremation Services. Their services include private or communal cremation with or without ashes returned, as well as numerous funerary products and plots at Pet Rest Cemetery.

Pets are loyal family members who provide unconditional love, and losing your four-legged friend can be devastating. Our Safe Harbor Animal Hospital team knows that losing a beloved pet is painful, and we offer tips to navigate this difficult time.