End-of-Life Services at Tufts VETS

End-of-Life Services at Tufts VETS

At Tufts VETS, we understand the deep love you have for your pet and how incredibly difficult it is to say goodbye. Humane euthanasia is a vital part of our commitment to honoring that bond with compassion and dignity. Whether you're just beginning to consider the decision or you're seeking support after a loss, we are here for you—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We want to empower you with the knowledge, resources, and support to help you advocate for your pet's comfort, make informed choices, and navigate the grieving process. You're not alone—we’re your partner every step of the way.

Making the Difficult Choice: Is It Time?

Deciding when to say goodbye is never easy. It’s a personal and often complex decision influenced by medical, emotional, and spiritual factors. At Tufts VETS, we are always available to provide guidance regarding end-of-life decisions or to offer a second opinion when needed. Our role is to support you and to advocate for your pet—always with empathy, respect, and honesty.

We encourage thoughtful, collaborative conversations with families. Important considerations we will discuss with you include:

  • Do you believe your pet is in pain?
  • Are they eating and drinking normally?
  • Are they still interacting and engaging with you and the rest of the family?
  • Are their daily experiences still bringing them comfort or joy?

These discussions can help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life and determine what path will offer the most peace and dignity. You don’t have to make this decision alone—we’re here to help every step of the way.

Download this helpful guide from The Ohio State University: DOWNLOAD NOW

What to Expect During a Euthanasia Visit

Our goal is to provide a peaceful and gentle passing for your pet, in an environment that respects the deep love and grief involved in this moment.

Our Euthanasia Room Includes:

  • Comfortable seating and cushions should you want to sit on the floor with your pet
  • Dimmable lighting and soft music
  • Treats to help your pet feel safe and loved

The Process:

  1. Preparation and Paperwork: Our front desk team will review your wishes for aftercare and complete any necessary forms.
  2. Sedation: Your pet will be gently sedated first, allowing them to relax fully.
  3. Euthanasia Injection: Administered through an intravenous catheter, this final step is painless and peaceful.
  4. Saying Goodbye: You are welcome to stay with your pet before, during, and after. There is no rush—you have as much time as you need.

You may notice natural reflexes such as final breaths or small movements—these are normal physiological responses.

Aftercare:

We partner with Final Gift Pet Memorial Center to handle cremation and burial services with care and professionalism. If you need to make changes to your arrangements, you can contact Final Gift directly at 1-800-477-5044.

Home Euthanasia Services

Euthanasia is a deeply personal experience. For some families, saying goodbye in the comfort of home may feel more peaceful—for both the pet and the people who love them. Whether due to mobility issues, anxiety, or personal preference, we understand and support this choice.

Below is a list of local veterinarians and services who provide in-home euthanasia with professionalism and compassion. Please contact providers directly to learn more about their availability and service areas.

Grieving and Remembering Your Pet

Grief after the loss of a pet can be profound. Whether you're coping with anticipatory grief or mourning after euthanasia, we want to help you process and heal. Your love for your pet is powerful and enduring, and we are honored to support you during this time.

We offer access to pet loss support hotlines, virtual grief counseling, and memorial resources to help you and your family find comfort and connection.

Support Hotlines & Services

  • Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
    Phone: 508-839-7966 | Hours: Mon–Fri, 6–9pm EST
    vet.tufts.edu/pet-loss-support-helpline
  • Lap of Love Support Groups
    Phone: 855-352-LOVE | Hours: Mon–Fri, 10am–9pm EST
    lapoflove.com
  • MSPCA Pet Loss Hotline
    Phone: 877-GRIEF-10 | Hours: Available 24/7
  • Pet Compassion Careline
    Phone: 855-245-8214 | Hours: Available 24/7
  • Veterinary Chaplaincy Services
    Phone: 833-483-8247 | Hours: Calls/texts returned within 24 hrs
    veterinarychaplaincy.com/services
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    Phone: 800-273-8255 | Hours: Available 24/7
    suicidepreventionlifeline.org
  • Riverside Community Care (Norwood)
    Phone: 781-769-8674
    riversidecc.org
  • Samaritans Preventing Suicide, Providing Hope
    Phone: 877-870-HOPE | Hours: 24/7 Call or Text
    samaritanshope.org
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    Phone: 988 | Hours: Call or text 24/7
    988lifeline.org

Recommended Books

Books for Adults

  • Goodbye, Friend by Gary Kowalski
  • And I Love You Still by Dr. Julianne Corbin
  • It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan DeVine
  • Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief by Claire Bidwell Smith
  • Griffin’s Heart: Mourning Your Pet with No Apologies by Reagan J. Pasternak
  • When Your Pet Dies by Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt

Books for Children

  • Sammy in the Sky by Barbara Walsh
  • The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst
  • The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
  • Jasper’s Day by Marjorie Blain Parker
  • Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas
  • When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
  • The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
  • Kate, The Ghost Dog by W. Wilson
  • A Special Place for Charlie by D. Morehead
  • When You Have to Say Goodbye by M. Mansfield
  • I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm

Pet Loss Podcasts

  • Pet Peeves Podcast (Season 2 Episode 1 – Pet Loss, Grief and Recovery) – Player FM App
  • Unapologetically Sensitive – When Your Fur Person Dies – unapologeticallysensitive.com/episode-78
  • The Pet Loss Companion – Spotify

Pet Loss Websites


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