Gateway offers a variety of services and options that some people might be interested in. I encourage those interested to look at their website prior to the visit gatewaypetmemorial.com . In addition to cremation services, they offer a viewing service and number of related products, such as specialty urns and other memorials or keepsakes. They also provide information that may help those grieving the loss of pets on their website.

When a reasonable quality of life cannot be managed, euthanasia is an appropriate consideration to avoid ongoing distress and discomfort. It is a difficult decision to make, but we believe it to be a very reasonable choice.

As pets approach the end of their lives, they often have many of the same infirmities that people have. Palliative and hospice care is appropriate for some pets when they have health issues that affect their day to day living. They are often associated with age but not necessarily so. Families may call us during this time to help prepare for the euthanasia.

In palliative care, the goal is not to cure but to support the pet and family to help maintain an acceptable quality of life. There may be a number of options that can be offered in palliative care. Some problems are treated easily and some require more support over time to maintain comfort. Comfort is very important. Diagnostic testing is still available as needed, but we can be more selective about how we choose to pursue testing in that it needs to have a reasonable chance of creating a positive benefit for the pet. Palliative care can be rather simple for some pets and more complicated for others. There may be a number of options on how we can support your friend. Regular ongoing visits are a necessary part of palliation to help maintain a good QOL (quality of life) and to adjust care over time. Optimal care may still require some visits with a veterinarian.

Important information to have in an emergency includes having a list of all medications, the dosages and times. A list of food and medication allergies is also advised for all pet owners.

Dogs with a persistent respiratory rates over 40 breaths per minute with increased effort to breathe is not safely sustainable if it persists. Note that a dog’s panting is a normal thing for them. However, panting with marked anxiety may also suggest distress. When you are in doubt, it is important to check it out.

Cats breathing with a rate over 30-40 breaths per minute is also elevated. As in dogs, an important feature is whether they are also breathing with increased effort. They will often adopt a crouching posture with their head out straight and their elbows out somewhat when they are working harder to breathe. They may breathe with an open mouth and they may also flare nostrils when they inhale. They will often fight if they are restrained and can bite or scratch.

Respiratory distress in cats and dogs can be life threatening and needs immediate assistance at an Emergency Clinic; it is not typically a disorder easily treated at home.

Whenever there are significant breathing difficulty issues present, have your pet seen at an emergency hospital as soon as possible.

Home euthanasia is appropriate for many pets but when a dog or cat is in respiratory distress, the option of a “calm home euthanasia” may be very unlikely to impossible. Take your pet to your regular veterinarian or to an emergency hospital as soon as possible. Take great care with handling for their safety as well as yourselves.

Physical wounds or fractures: These injuries require immediate assistance as well. I am not equipped or staffed for these types of injuries and for the care they will need.

Whenever you are in any doubt about whether you need to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, it is time to see the veterinarian.

Travel and After-hour Fees: Travel costs include transport to the pet crematorium,  Gateway Pet Memorial Service,  located in North Surrey. Travel to home visits in outlying areas such as Langley , Mission, Abbotsford areas may have an additional travel fee.

Quality of Life Consultation:  We no longer offer Quality of Life assessments. Many family veterinarians will provide assessments, support and treatment needed though the palliation/hospice phase of a pet’s disease. We rely on the family veterinarian’s medical records along with telephone consultations with the families during the time  prior to the euthanasia.  This includes a review of past medical records, preferably before the home visit. We also offer resources such as quality of life guides and pain scales for at home use.

Euthanasia fees:  These fees are dependent on size . GST is additional. Please contact us for further details.

After care: After the euthanasia is completed, we will transfer your pet to Gateway Pet Memorial located at 9346 193 St Surrey, BC.  Families wishing return of their pet’s ashes receive a private cremation. Communal cremations are for families that do not wish return of their pet’s ashes. GST is added to all fees.

Some families may be interested in memorial keepsakes or services. Visit gatewaypetmemorial.com website for information on what they offer.

GST and PST will be charged on all services as appropriate.