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pet loss & grief support
From playful puppy visits to quiet evenings curled up together, you've shared a lifetime of love with your pet. Our team is honored to be a part of their journey, and we want to offer comfort and support as you navigate their loss. Explore these resources on our pet loss support page for grieving pet owners.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
Anatole France
Questions and Answers
If you have questions beyond this FAQ, you can call us directly at (913)768-6688 or email at bradfordpet@gmail.com. Our staff is committed to providing you with support and finding you the information and resources you need to make informed decisions regarding your pet's health.
Euthanasia is a peaceful and humane procedure performed by a veterinarian to alleviate an animal's suffering when their quality of life has significantly declined due to illness, injury, or age-related complications.
This is a deeply personal decision, but some signs that your pet's quality of life may be suffering include:
- Loss of appetite or inability to eat comfortably
- Difficulty breathing or constant fatigue
- Inability to stand or walk without assistance
- Loss of interest in their surroundings or favorite activities
- Uncontrollable pain despite medication
View and download our pet Quality of Life Scale at the bottom of this page to help assess your pet's condition.
Upon Arrival: Our caring staff will guide you to a private room prepared for your pet's comfort. We'll take a moment to review your pet's cremation preference together. We will also collect payment at this time, unless you've already opted to pre-pay. Our goal is for you to leave without any additional burden.
The Procedure: Before the procedure, a technician or doctor will explain each step to you. Throughout this process, our staff will be respectful and focus on your pet's well-being and your comfort. We're here to answer any questions you may have and listen attentively to your needs. The veterinarian will administer medication that will gently and painlessly induce a deep sleep, followed by a peaceful passing.
After: We will handle your pet with the utmost respect and dignity. There is no rush. Please take all the time you need to say goodbye to your beloved companion.
We offer cremation options to help you honor your pet's memory in a way that feels right for you. Here are the three options we offer:
- Private cremation (ashes returned to you in a container)
- Communal cremation (ashes not returned)
- Taking your pet home (or to a pet cemetery for burial)
Absolutely, pre-paying can ease the burden on you during this difficult time.
Remembering Your Pet
Cremation Services
Cremation Services
Cremation Services
We partner with Rolling Acres Pet Cremation Services to offer respectful cremation arrangements tailored to your wishes. You can choose to: (1) Keep your pet's privately cremated remains in an urn of your choosing for a lasting tribute, or (2) Offer your pet a peaceful goodbye with communal cremation. While remains aren't returned with communal cremation, they also offer other memorial options, such as a nose print or paw print. Visit their website at the link below to explore their selection.
Burial Services
Cremation Services
Cremation Services
For a private farewell, you can choose to take your pet home. Our partner, Rolling Acres Pet Cremation Services, also has a peaceful and beautifully maintained final resting place for pets. Through their personalized memorials and services, you can create a special remembrance that reflects the unique bond you shared with your pet.
Online memorials
Cremation Services
Online memorials
You can honor your beloved pet with a free personalized page at Rolling Acres online memorials. Share memories, photos, and messages of love.
Coping with Grief
The Tortoise & The Hare
The classic tale of the tortoise and the hare teaches us a valuable lesson about grief. Just like in the story, people grieve at different paces.
Some pet owners seem to move quickly through their emotions, while others take longer to process their feelings and find healing. It's important to remember there's no right or wrong way to grieve.
We understand that grief is a personal journey. We respect your pace and are here to support you in any way we can, regardless of how quickly or slowly you move through this difficult time.
The Fast and the Slow:
- The Hare: Some pet owners may seem to "bounce back" quickly. They may focus on practicalities or throw themselves into activities.
- The Tortoise: Others may need more time to process their emotions. They may experience deep sadness, withdrawal, or a range of other feelings.
Both approaches are valid. Just like the tortoise and the hare, both paths lead to healing, even if they take different lengths of time.
Respecting Your Pace:
- We encourage you to be kind to yourself and allow yourself to grieve in the way that feels right for you.
- Don't compare your journey to others.
- Seek support from loved ones or consider grief counseling if needed.
- If you need additional support, click here.
Over time, the intensity of your grief will lessen, and you'll begin to accept the loss and find ways to remember your pet with love. Acceptance doesn't mean forgetting your pet, it means finding a way to live with the loss and cherish the bond you shared.
Seeking additional help
Virtual Support Groups
Pet Loss Virtual Support Group hosted by Lap of Love
Connect & Share Your Pet Loss Story Facebook Group hosted by Association Pet Loss & Bereavement
Virtual Pet Loss Support Group hosted by Pet Loss Partners
24/7 Hotline
The Pet Compassion Careline has dedicated grief counselors available 24/7 to offer support and guidance whenever you need it most. Their team consists of highly trained professionals with extensive experience in helping people cope with animal bereavement.
Forms & Resources
In addition to the resources below, remember that our compassionate staff is here for you, too.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support during this difficult time.
We understand the pain of losing a pet and want to help you through this journey.
Bradford Pet Hospital
12770 S Pflumm Rd, Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 768-6688
Copyright © 2019 Bradford Pet Hospital - All Rights Reserved.
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