Pet loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What to Expect & Ways to maintain closeness with your pet (and vet)
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly everyone in some way and we all have been forced to adapt to a new way of life. Safety is paramount for everyone. Many businesses have closed temporarily but thankfully in many states veterinarian are considered an “essential” service, and veterinarians have been able to continue to care for pets. Government guidelines have caused veterinarians to make changes, in nearly every facet of care including how euthanasia is handled, from a veterinarian not being able to offer a simple hug or handshake, to aspects of how your pet is handled. Afterlife care of your beloved pet is another component of the euthanasia process that may be affected during this pandemic.
Common precautions you may notice when making an appointment with your veterinarian in the clinic:
The receptionist may screen you or family members for signs of illness
Many clinics are doing curbside check in, taking your pet in for care but not allowing pet parents into the clinic
The veterinarian and staff may have gloves, a mask and gown on
There will likely be no skin to skin contact between pet parents and the veterinarian or staff
Non essential services may be delayed until a safer time
Consents and payment may be discussed over the phone
Telehealth appointments are increasingly being offered
Additional changes you may notice with Housecall / mobile veterinarian care:
Limited number of family members allowed to present for services
Social distancing between you and the veterinarian and staff
The veterinarian may not allow you to help hold your pet for services
Services may be preformed outside or in a well ventilated area, such as a screen porch or open garage
Streamlining services so to decrease time together and therefore decrease risk of viral transmission
These changes will impact the how close you can be with your pet and vet, which will be felt by all. How can you maintain closeness with your pet and vet during such a sensitive time as this?
Ways to maintain closeness with your pet and vet:
Remember that your veterinarian wants the bond you have with your pet to be honored during pet loss and euthanasia, and that these times are difficult for your veterinarian & their staff too. Most veterinarians thrive on making a connection with pets and families, especially during times of pet loss and social distancing is difficult for them too. As essential workers, veterinarians are working in the front lines during uncertain times, so they can continue to help your pet and you. Appreciate them, be patient, and be mindful of safety precautions as everyone navigates these tough times together.
Be deliberate about spending more time with your pet. With social distancing and safer-at- home recommendations, many working from home, furlowed or layed off, most of have had more time at home. Although this extra time is unexpected and may come with mixed emotions, be deliberate about spending more time with your pet before you have to say goodbye. You will never regret time spent with a loved pet!
If you have questions or need to talk, communicate with your veterinarian about your concerns. Since most of us are home more, you may have noticed changes in your pet’s quality of life or changes in pet’s behavior. Make a list of questions you have and take time to understand how the process of pet loss may have changed during this time. Your veterinarian want to take the best care of your pet and family.
Make a bucket list for your pet. Think about all those things he/ she loved to do. Make any needed adaptations to help your pet safely enjoy those that special list. Spending time with is likely number one on their list! Spend as much time as you can with your pet before the actual euthanasia. Honor this special time.
Prepare comfort items for your pet in advance of the euthanasia. Items such as a shirt, family blankie, or special toy will be a welcome comfort to have surrounding your pet throughout the process. Offer your pet that special food that they loved.
It may not be possible to hold your pet for the process of euthanasia and maintain social distancing rules. If holding your pet is important to you, there may be time during the euthanasia process for you to intermittently hold your pet, such as if your veterinarian gives a pain reliever and sedative prior to the actual euthanasia, this may a good time to hold your pet. You could also inquire if your veterinarian has supplies such long IV line to administer the euthanasia medication in order to achieve social distance.
If your veterinarian will not allow you to be present for the euthanasia, discuss with your clinic if there is a way you can watch from a window and your pet facing you.
Some veterinarians have a special training in pet hospice and end of life care. Many hospice and palliative care veterinarians offer house calls so you can be with your loved pet.
If you are only able to attend your loved ones euthanasia from a distance, you can consider taking your loved ones body home. This would give you the opportunity to have a memorial service, grieving time for other pets and cuddles for the final time. This option should be discussed with your veterinarian. With proper preparation you will have additional precious time with your beloved furry family member.
If you’d like to have multiple family members or friends present consult your veterinarian about whether video chat may be an option. In respecting government guidelines, the number of people that can present is restricted. Remember that time together leads to increased risk for you and the veterinarian and that the process is streamlined for everyone’s safety.
If you choose cremation or afterlife care for your pet, contact your veterinarian for guidance as to what is now allowed at the Pet Loss Centers. Where it was once an option to witness your loved ones cremation and wait at the Pet Loss Center for their cremains, those options may not exist at this time. It is also important to decide if you want a private or a communal cremation, what items may you want cremated with your loved one, what vessel you will want your loved ones cremains in if you are choosing a private cremation.
Share special memories with your family, friends and veterinarian. Set up a memory table at home with pictures and a candle to remember your pet. Remember its ok to leave out pet dishes and blankets until you feel ready to put them away. Share memories with your veterinarian electronically or with a card. It will not only help you relive a special time, but it also helps your veterinarian connect with you and your pet. This can be done before or after you lose your pet.
Memorialize your pet. Pet memorials can have be as big or little as you want and can be made what you want them to be. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an in person memorial may not be practical unless limited to your immediate family. However you can plan for an in person memorial after the pandemic passes, or better yet plan a memorial on social media or a hold a service via video chat. Many veterinarians will offer to post a memorial to honor your pet and the bond you shared. In these times Pet Loss gatherings have been halted, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t on line resources to help, books to purchase on line, inspirational social media sites where you can gather strength and encouragement from fellow pet lovers in your time of personal grief. Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love and Grief is wonderful book on how to celebrate the special bond you and your pet shared; Author Coleen Ellis also has a helpful video full of ideas for loving pet parents on how they can still make their final days or hours with a cherished pet memorable and peaceful.
Inquire if your Veterinarian plans to have a tribute to pets lost during the pandemic. Some veterinarians are planning to host an in person time to pay tribute to beloved passed pets after the pandemic is over.
Honor your grief. Your pet had a lasting impact on your life and the lives of many. Your pet was and always will be family. Take time to journal, reflect and remember.
Above all else, remember that even if the euthanasia is not what you envisioned, its the time and love you shared together with your pet that matters most. The bond you shared with your pet will not be changed by COVID and social isolation.
If you need help navigating pet loss and euthanasia, contact an experienced, compassionate hospice and palliative care veterinarian, they will help you and your pet during this difficult time.