End of Life Care
Making the Difficult Decision to Say Goodbye to Your Beloved Pet
We understand how difficult the decision to euthanize a beloved pet can be. Once you have made the decision with your veterinarian that it is time, we find that there are often questions that may be too difficult to discuss in person or over the phone. We offer the following guide to help answer common questions from the privacy of your home.
Scheduling Your Appointment
When the decision has been made, call Blue Cross Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Upon arriving at Blue Cross, please call us from the parking lot or before leaving home, so we can be prepared to greet you. You will be met in a quiet room by either your doctor or an assistant.
We are here to honor your needs during this time. If you’d like, you are welcome to spend as much time with your pet before and after euthanasia. Whether you choose to stay with your pet throughout the process or to leave, we fully respect and support your decision.
Cremation and Memorial Options
There are two options regarding your pet’s remains. If you wish to receive your pet’s ashes, individual cremation is available. In this case, your pet’s ashes will be returned in a velvet bag within a cardboard box, with other special urns available upon request. Ashes will be ready for pick-up at Blue Cross within one to two weeks, and we will call you as soon as they arrive. If you do not wish to receive ashes, a respectful cremation will still be performed through our trusted partner, the Veterinary Hospital Association (VHA).
If you need time to decide which option feels best, you may take as much time as needed. We also offer an imprint of your pet’s paw in a piece of clay, which can be baked at home as a lasting keepsake.
Cost and Payment
The cost of euthanasia varies depending on the choice of cremation and urn options. We can provide a detailed estimate based on your decision. We arrange for payment at the time of service, in a private setting.
If you have any questions, please call Blue Cross Animal Hospital at 612-822-2149.
Additional Services
For clients who prefer at-home euthanasia services, please see the options listed below. For those who seek attended cremation, Pets Remembered offers this service and can also arrange to pick up your pet from home if needed.
Loss and Euthanasia Resources and Hotlines
- MNPets (Minnesota Pets)
- Phone: (612) 354-8500
- Email: [email protected]
- Lap of Love: Veterinary Hospice and In-home Euthanasia
- Phone: (612) 314-3003
- Email: [email protected]
- Blue Skies Pet Euthanasia and Hospice services LLC
- Phone: (651) 332-4763
- Email: [email protected]
We understand that losing your pet can be overwhelming and challenging. We’d like to let you know that Blue Cross Animal Hospital is here for you.
Include is a list of resources to help offer support during this difficult time.
- The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement
- Lap of Love Pet Loss and Bereavement Hotline: 855-352-5683
- Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline: 508-839-7966
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
