Humane Euthanasia 

Deciding when to say goodbye is never easy. When considering euthanasia, it’s important to think about your pet’s quality of life, comfort, and overall well-being—as well as your realistic ability to manage their care. When suffering can no longer be relieved, euthanasia is the kindest and most humane option. Every pet and situation is unique. Our goal is to support both you and your pet, ensuring comfort, dignity, and compassion every step of the way. 
Some reasons for euthanasia maybe required
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  • Ongoing pain or discomfort that can no longer be adequately managed
  • Difficulty breathing or persistent respiratory distress
  • Inability to afford involved or risky medical procedures or ongoing care/treatments
  • Inability to stand, walk, or move without significant struggle
  • Loss of interest in surroundings, interaction, or activities they once enjoyed
  • Organ damage/failure or degenerative changes
  • Degenerative disease process
  • Severe trauma or injury that cannot be cured
  • Behavioral problems that are severe and pose risk to humans and all attempts to correct have failed 
  • Rabies
  • Chronic, terminal or progressive illness with no reasonable expectation of improvement

The Euthanasia Process: What To Expect


​Our team is experienced in making this process peaceful, humane, and focused on your pet’s comfort. You are welcome to be present during your pet’s final moments. If you prefer not to be, our team will stay with your pet and provide comfort on your behalf. A sedative is given first to help your pet relax and feel comfortable. Once they are peaceful, the final medication allows them to pass gently, without fear or pain.
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Aftercare options Following the procedure, you can choose the aftercare option that feels right for you and your family. Options include;
  • At home burial  (Home burial may depend on factors such as your pet’s size, condition of the grounds, and regulations where you live. Our team can help you determine if this is an appropriate option)
  • Private cremation with ashes returned
  • Communal cremation with no ashes returned
  • Group burial

Our hospital offers complimentary paw prints, fur clippings, and pet loss support resources. Paw prints will be mailed to you or provided with your pet’s ashes. If cremation is selected, ashes are typically returned within 1–2 weeks.

​Grief is a personal journey with ups and downs and takes time. There is no right or wrong way to say goodbye or mourn the loss of a beloved pet. 

​If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment to discuss your pet’s quality of life with the doctor, please contact our office 

Quality of Life Assesment

Unsure if it's time to consider euthanasia for your pet? 
Visit this quality of life assessment  
If you would like more information about Rush's pet cemetery and creamatory services, have questions about the aftercare process, or wish to learn about additional options, please call Rush directly.  
​​rushinterpetcemetery.com/

At Home Euthanasia Services


​If you prefer to say goodbye in the comfort of your own home,
the following at-home euthanasia options may be available

www.lapoflove.com/

Stillwater Veterinary Care In-home Euthanasia 

​stillwatersvetcare.com/pet-euthanasia-services.php

Love and Loss In-home Euthanasia through York Animal Hospital

​yorkanimalhospital.com/services/love-and-loss.php

​Churchville Veterinary Hospital P.C is not affiliated with the veterinary clinics listed on this website. These are provided as a courtesy to our clients.
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