Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine

Comfort Rooms

Checklist for Euthanasia Procedure

Explaining the
Euthanasia Procedure

Preparing for Large Animal Euthanasia

Explaining Body Care Options

Five Minutes of Grief Education

Assessing Children's Needs

Tips for Supporting Grieving Pet Owners

Helping Clients with Decision Making

Copyright Information

Printing Instructions

condolence card photo

Condolences

Offering condolences to your clients after their pets have died can take various forms. Cards specifically addressing pet loss are available from many companies. These can be purchased in large quantities and kept on hand for your use. Whenever possible, condolences should be made in person. When this is not possible, at least hand sign your name to a card or typed letter, adding a brief note in your own handwriting.

Letters, telephone calls, and flowers are also appropriate ways to express your sympathy. Some veterinary professionals even make donations to animal organizations or special service groups in the names of their clients' pets.

If you send written condolences to your clients or if you speak to them after the death of their pet, the following points can be emphasized:

Use the pet's name and be certain you refer to the pet with the correct gender.
Reassure your clients that they did everything they could do for their pet and, in the end, made timely decisions.
Recall something special about the pet.
Offer a referral to a human service professional if appropriate.
Invite the client to contact you if they have questions or concerns.

Here is an example of an effective condolence letter:

Dear (Client's name),

I would like to offer my sincere condolences for your recent loss of Pepper. She was a gentle, loving dog and will be missed by us all here at the Pet Clinic. Pepper's cancer was advanced and her quality of life was deteriorating rapidly. You did everything you could for her and your decision to euthanize her last Friday was a timely and humane one.

Pepper always cheered me when she came through the door with her precious tennis ball in her mouth. I'll remember her fondly.

As I told you last Friday, I work with human service professionals who understand pet loss. They would offer you a great deal of support during your grief should you ever want to talk to them. If I can be of further help to you or your family, please don't hesitate to call.

Thinking of you,

Your name

Condolence Card Resources

The Harbor Works, Inc., PO Box 1088, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, 1-800-772-3703

Barx Brothers, Inc., PO Box 7057, Athens, GA 30604-7057, www.barxbros.com, 1-800-344-6004

Paws to Remember, PO Box 595, Excelsior, MN 55331, www.pawstoremember.com, 1-888-945-PAWS

Sole Source, PO Box 5487, Bend, OR 97708-5487,
www.vets.sole-source.com, 1-800-285-1657

Eldorado Arts, PO Box 19904, Boulder, CO 80308-2904, www.eldoradoartscards.com, 1-800-248-2820