HANDOUTS
How to bury a pet
BURYING A PET: Although in many regions we are not permitted to bury animals (except on farms in some instances) some pet owner decide to do it anyways. Thus, this document is useful to inform them on how to do it properly. The Farewell Pet website can help you know more about the laws in your state, although we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information.
The AVMA 2020 Euthanasia Guidelines are very clear on the veterinarian's liability:
"Serious repercussions may occur when veterinary health professionals who should be well informed about the necessity for proper disposal of animal remains, fail to provide it, or fail to inform their clients how to provide it. Cases of suspected wildlife death from animal remains containing pentobarbital are investigated by the regional US Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement office. Animal remains containing pentobarbital are potentially poisonous for scavenging wildlife, including birds of prey, carnivorous mammals, and domestic dogs. Federal laws protecting many of these species apply to secondary poisoning from animal remains containing pentobarbital and may carry civil and criminal penalties, with fines up to $500,000 and incarceration for up to 2 years."
Pain scales
BEAP pain scale - To help pet owners detect and understand how pain shows in their animal. Nicely illustrated, from Dr Shea Cox from Pethospice.com.
The Feline Grimace Scale pdf and free app available
Poems
Beautiful poem by Christine Davis, click on the image to download.
IF IT SHOULD BE: We've highlighted this poem, as it was wonderfully designed to help clients and the veterinary team deal with any guilt they may be experiencing. It can also be given before euthanasia to help clients with their grief or to help them make the right decision at the right time. [Click here to download.]
WHEN TO EUTHANIZE A PET: a nice tool for families to assess when to choose the moment, by Andy Roark, DVM.
Children and grief
Children and pet loss. A handout by Euthabag to help families navigate through this new challenge.
Helping Children Cope with the Serious Illness or Death of a Companion Animal: a handout for families by the Honoring the bond program from University of Ohio.
Coloring pages: you can download the following coloring pages and offer them to the children to color beforehand or during the explanation of the procedure:
Quality of life questionnaires
Something to bring home for families to help evaluate the families quality of life of the pet AND his family:
HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS TIME- A great tool for families so they can talk about it with their family. From University of Ohio state
FAMILY’S CONCERN AND Pet’s quality of life scale- By Dr. Dani McVety, simple and taking the family and the pet in account
The FAMILIES QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT- By Dr. Mary Gardner
PET’S QUALITY OF LIFE SCALE AND DAILY DIARY- By Dr. Mary Gardner, very simple and easy to understand
The Quality of Life Question we all should be asking: An article by Dr. Buisson on the questions to ask ourselves when we have to take the decision.
A guide to end of life pet care : What to consider when making end-of-life decisions for your pet.
FAQs & other
EUTHABAG USER TRAINING GUIDE
Learn everything about our bags and how to use them
EUTHANASIA CONSENT FORM
Euthanasia Consent Form to download and complete with your clinic’s information.
End-of-life Care For Pets FAQ’s
A thorough explanation to clients on what they can expect and the options they have to choose from, after their pet has passed.
The Quality of Life Question we all should be asking. An article by Dr. Buisson on the questions to ask ourselves when we have to take the decision.