End-of-Life Care

Compassionate End-of-Life Care for Beloved Pets

Saying goodbye to a cherished companion is one of the most difficult moments in a pet owner’s journey. At Big Creek Animal Hospital, we understand the profound bond you share with your furry family members and the importance of ensuring their comfort and dignity in their final moments.

When it’s time to say goodbye to your furry friend, our focus is on kindness, understanding, and giving comfort to both your pet and your family. We’re here to create a caring space where you and your pet can find peace during this tough moment. Our team, who truly cares, will help you through it all with gentleness and support.

We prioritize your pet’s comfort, allowing them to pass peacefully and free from pain. You’ll have the opportunity to cherish those final moments, surrounded by the love and warmth you’ve shared throughout your pet’s life.

For those struggling with the decision, we provide compassionate guidance and support, helping you navigate this emotional journey with empathy and care.

Aging pet considerations and resources

We recommend nose-to-tail exams at least every 6 months as dogs and cats get older, known as senior wellness exams. Generally starting around 8-10 years of age for cats and 6-8 years of age for dogs.

We recommend baseline metabolic screening and often annual or biannual testing for our pets as they age. Sometimes more frequent if we already have underlying disease conditions.

Why is this recommended? 

• Acknowledges and enhances the human-animal bond
• Promotes early detection of abnormalities
• Promotes optimal and individualized medical care that may enhance the quality of life and promote longevity
• Helps assess and address: weight, orthopedic, behavioral and metabolic changes

Resources on senior pets, quality of life, and pet grief:

• Quality of Life Scale – A guide for the aging and chronically ill pet
• Senior Cat Symptom Checklist
• Senior Dog Symptom Checklist
• AVMA senior pet FAQ – American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Helping Your ‘Good Old Dog’ Navigate Aging – NPR Interview
• Loving Care for Older Cats – Cornell Feline Health Center
• “How will I know it’s time?” – Lap of Love
• Pet Quality of Life – Lap of Love
• At-home hospice and euthanasia services – Lap of Love
• Grey Muzzel App – Lap of Love

Aftercare options, including communal or private cremation, are available to honor your pet’s memory and provide closure.

Throughout this challenging time, we are here to offer our unwavering support and understanding. Your pet’s legacy of love will forever remain in our hearts, and we’re honored to have been a part of their journey.

For more information, please contact us directly at 470-839-9700.

What Our Clients Are Saying

I want to start off by saying my beloved dog Snickers was never seen alive by this hospital. We took her to Banfield the entirety of her 14 years of existence. In her last weeks of life, she began treatment for a severe heart murmur which caused syncope. On 1/13/23 our vet wanted us to watch her to see if the heart medication would start to work. However, the next day she went into cardiac arrest. Stunned and panicked, we searched for the closest pet hospital and discovered Big Creek. Unfortunately, she passed before we reached the hospital. As I approached the hospital doors, I could see staff running towards me. They immediately grabbed her and prepared a room for us to say our final goodbyes. I have no words for the compassion shown to myself and my family. They didn’t know us or my baby but immediately treated us like family. I can not thank your team enough for being there for us in our time of need. If we ever decide to adopt again, Big Creek will definitely be our vet.

C. R.