FAQS

The loss of a pet is often a child’s first experience with death. It is important to have open communication and be honest with children who are old enough to take part in the conversation. It is also an opportunity to teach them about your beliefs in the afterlife. We typically recommend asking your child if they would prefer to be present or not at the appointment. It can also be helpful to include your child in making memorial items, such as paw prints, or participate in bucket list activities. For very young children who cannot understand death yet, they may be concerned about the family’s emotions/reactions and may take the family’s focus away from your pet. You ultimately know your child best and can determine what is appropriate for them. Dr. Shantelle is very patient and kind when helping children understand the euthanasia process.

Most pets do seem to understand when their housemate is ill and nearing death. They may distance themselves or may cling to their housemate. They also seem to understand that a pet is gone once they have passed away. If the housemate is rowdy, it may be appropriate for them to be outside or in another room during the appointment to provide your pet a calm atmosphere. We always recommend bringing them out afterwards to see their housemate’s body. Some pets may not want to approach the body at all, and some pets will sniff it and then walk away. Pets do grieve but seem to have a healthier relationship with death than we do. They require lots of love and attention if they are grieving. If the grieving is extreme, it may be necessary to speak with their regular veterinarian about temporary treatments that may help.

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In Missouri, animals must be buried within 24 hours of death. Burial sites shall not be in an area prone to flooding and the hole should be no more than 6 feet deep. The animals should be covered with a minimum of thirty inches (2.5 feet) of soil. The burial site should be at least 50 feet from the property line, at least 300 feet from the neighbor’s residence, and more than 300 feet from any body of water such as a stream, lake, pond, well, etc. We live in an area with major groundwater contamination potential. If you choose burial for your aftercare, it is important to follow these regulations.