End-of-life care
BayVETS is an evening and weekend emergency vet in Collingwood. Call us at 289-985-0855 during our hours. Outside our hours, call the 24/7 teletriage line at 647-695-5411 or go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.
Saying good-bye to a cherished pet is hard. We provide compassionate and dignified end-of-life care, with gentle, caring hands, and we offer memorial options, including private cremation and a choice of keepsakes.
When a family considers euthanasia
Euthanasia means ending a pet's life in a humane way, peacefully and painlessly, typically when a pet suffers from an incurable illness, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck says that the veterinarian should explain what happens before, during and after the procedure, and discuss the options.
It is important to understand all the options before you decide. The vet can talk with you about your pet's condition, comfort and the choices you have.
Questions that can help
Merck describes a quality-of-life scale that many families and vets use, called "HHHHHMM". It asks about:
Hurt: Does your pet seem to be in pain, or have difficulty breathing?
Hunger: Can your pet eat on its own?
Hydration: Is your pet drinking enough?
Hygiene: Can your pet stay clean, and control urine and stool?
Happiness: Can your pet enjoy life and interact with the family?
Mobility: Can your pet move around on its own?
More good days than bad: Does your pet have too many bad days?
The scale helps a conversation. It does not make the decision for you.
Memorial options
We offer memorial options, including private cremation and a choice of keepsakes to honour your companion. Ask the team about them when you call or arrive.
Grief
When a pet becomes ill or dies, family members often feel stress, sadness and grief, Merck notes, and owners can feel responsible, especially after euthanasia. Grief can take a long time. Friends, family and pet loss support groups can help.
Questions
Can I be with my pet?
Ask the team. We will talk with you about what you would like.
Can my family vet be told?
Yes. We send a detailed medical report to your family veterinarian.
Do I need to decide about cremation right away?
Ask the team about the memorial options and the time you have to decide.
Call us
Call us at 289-985-0855 during our hours, or walk in. We are open Monday to Friday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends and statutory holidays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Outside our hours, call the 24/7 teletriage line at 647-695-5411 or go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.