Euthanasia is the hardest decision you’ll have to take for your pet. At Bellerive, we understand that it is not easy to call us to discuss the steps related to this event. This is why we have decided to offer you a new funeral prearrangement service.

Funeral prearrangement service

We are rarely ready to talk about death. However, death is part of our lives, as well as the lives of our furry companions. Other than with a sudden incident or acute disease, we know the dreaded moment is coming, especially with chronic illnesses or a severe deterioration in your pet’s health.

Why offer a funeral prearrangement service?

Everything that accompanies the mourning of a loved one, human or animal, are moments rich in emotions. We offer you the possibility to settle all the administrative details before living this moment. This way, you can devote your full attention to your friend when the time comes for them to leave you. In addition, discussing the choices to be made regarding the disposition of your animal’s body will allow you to plan the desired memories and the costs incurred, as well as the course of the procedures. This preliminary discussion gives you peace of mind and helps you in your grieving process.

How does it work?

You can simply call the receptionist and ask to speak with one of our funeral prearrangement consultants. If one of these people is available, they will take the call, if not, they will call you back. During this telephone meeting, she will talk to you about the different options available to you. She can discuss the grieving process with you and send you useful documentation and links to consult according to your needs. We also know of excellent external resources that are specialized in animal bereavement, we can refer you to them if necessary. All the information and desires collected during this meeting are kept in your file and briefly revalidated with you at the appropriate time.

What if I change my mind when the time comes?

As you do not pay for any product or service until the time comes, if you change your mind or want something else as commemorative souvenirs, it is always possible to modify and make the desired changes. You are not committed to anything. Consulting our funeral prearrangement team means having peace of mind and being fully present when your companion leaves. Do not hesitate to contact us, it is a completely free service from your veterinary team.

Euthanasia process

Not everyone will want or be able to organize the departure of their companion in advance. This is why we have made available all the information relating to the euthanasia process, in order to minimize the stress related to this decision. Euthanasia is reserved for an animal that is suffering and no longer has a quality of life. It is always best to call us to make an appointment .

Before the departure day

This decision will be made conjointly with you and the veterinarian during a consultation or a phone call. For some of our known patients, you may also discuss this with one of our technicians, depending on your animal’s file. We will prescribe different medications to give your pet the day before and the day of the procedure. These medications will help reduce your pet’s stress. You can pick up these medications at your convenience, you can discuss them with the person from our team who will take care of making the appointment.

The day of departure

A technician will meet you. We can administer a sedative to your animal in order to relax it. The technician will then explain the next steps to you. She will have you sign an authorization sheet for euthanasia. At this point, you will have to decide with the technician the type of incineration.

• There is regular cremation where your pet’s ashes are not returned to you
• For individual cremation, your pet is cremated separately from others and the ashes are returned to you either in a velvet bag or in an included urn.
• It is also possible to attend the cremation of your animal at our partner Crémanimo.

Finally, you can choose in advance another type of urn or any other commemorative item on the Crémanimo website. It is also possible to choose another crematorium who can take care of your animal’s cremation. Alternatively, if you do not want the ashes, but you want a keepsake of your pet, a paw print can be made for you.  You will also be asked to settle the bill in order to avoid having to return to reception. Thus, you will leave immediately after the passing of your animal so you can mourn surrounded by your loved ones.

Following the sedation which will have made your animal calmer, the technician will install an intravenous catheter to gain access to a vein during the procedure. You will be able to spend time with your pet during these moments. We understand and empathize with your pain, so take the time you need to say goodbye to your pet. You can be there for the final moments, but some prefer not to be there for the final stage. We respect your choice.

When you are ready, the vet will administer 2 injections; the first will allow your pet to become unconscious, as in a general anesthesia and the second will allow your pet to pass peacefully. These steps happen gently and painlessly. Once your animal passes, you can stay with them as long as you need. You will be able to signal to the team when you are ready for the final step in the euthanasia, disposing respectfully of your pet’s body.

We understand and are wholeheartedly with you during these difficult times. We will do everything in our power to make this experience as smooth as possible for you and your companion. Feel free to call us for any other questions you may have.