End of Life Care
Gentle, compassionate end-of-life care for dogs and cats in Minnetonka, MN. Hospice, euthanasia, and grief support from Gehrman Animal Hospital.
End-of-Life Pet Care in Minnetonka, MN
Parting with a cherished pet is an incredibly emotional experience. It’s a moment filled with love, uncertainty, and a deep wish to ensure your companion’s comfort and dignity. This is why so many families turn to Gehrman Animal Hospital—a place that has walked with them through their pets’ every life stage, from first vaccinations to final goodbyes.
We provide end-of-life care that reflects the same values we bring to every service: compassion, connectedness, and a heartfelt commitment to supporting pets and families with dignity and respect.
Honoring the Human-Animal Bond
Pets are more than animals—they’re companions and members of the family. When health begins to decline and quality of life becomes a concern, it’s natural to feel uncertain. Our hospital’s team is here to support you with experienced guidance, warmth, and honesty.
Many pets in their care have been coming to our clinic since they were puppies or kittens. These lifelong bonds are honored with special care during the final chapter of a pet’s life, always keeping the comfort of the pet and emotional well-being of the family in focus.
Services That Support You and Your Pet
End-of-life care is deeply personal. Some families need help determining whether it’s the right time, while others seek ways to keep their pet comfortable during the last weeks or days. Our team at Gehrman Animal Hospital offers a full range of services to meet each family where they are:
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- Hospice Care Consultations: Guidance on managing chronic illness, pain relief, and emotional preparation. Whether you’re looking at days or months, they help you create a care plan focused on comfort and connection.
- Quality of Life Assessments: Our veterinarians provide honest, compassionate evaluations to help you understand your pet’s condition and progression. These appointments can be important in preparing emotionally and practically.
- Euthanasia Services: When the time comes, we provide a peaceful, respectful environment. The procedure is handled with utmost gentleness, allowing pets to pass with dignity while surrounded by loved ones.
- Cremation and Burial Options: Our team can help coordinate private or communal cremation, as well as burial arrangements. Keepsake items and urns are available to help you memorialize your companion.
- Grief and Loss Support Resources: Losing a pet affects every family member differently. Staff can refer you to support groups, counseling resources, and reading materials that help with healing.
A Comfort Room Designed for Peace
During euthanasia appointments, families are welcomed into a private comfort room designed to be calm and soothing. The space feels less clinical and offers a quiet, gentle setting for your last moments together.
This room gives families the time and space they need—whether that’s sitting in silence, sharing memories, or simply holding their pet close. Everything is done at your pace, and every detail is handled with care.
Recognizing When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
Knowing when to say goodbye to a beloved pet is often one of the hardest decisions a family will face. While there’s no single answer that fits every situation, there are signs that can help guide the decision. These may include chronic pain that no longer responds to medication, labored breathing, difficulty walking, loss of appetite, incontinence, confusion, or withdrawal from family life. These changes can appear gradually or progress quickly, making it even more important to seek experienced guidance.
You don’t have to face this decision alone. Our veterinary team offers both clinical insight and compassionate support to help you understand your pet’s condition and what their behavior may be telling you. By discussing your observations and asking questions, you can gain clarity about your pet’s quality of life.
The goal is not just to evaluate physical health, but also to support your emotional journey through this process. Every step is taken with patience, transparency, and respect. If the time comes when continued care no longer brings comfort, our team will help you make a peaceful, loving choice—ensuring your pet’s final moments are calm and dignified, surrounded by the people who love them most.
Grief Support That Continues Beyond the Visit
Losing a pet leaves a deep emotional mark, especially when that pet has been a cherished part of your daily life. Gehrman Animal Hospital understands that grief doesn’t end with the final visit—and they remain a source of support in the days, weeks, and months that follow.
Emotional Support for Families
Grieving is different for everyone. Whether you’re feeling sadness, guilt, confusion, or even relief, those emotions are normal. The care team offers access to:
- Pet loss counselors and support groups (local and virtual)
- Reading materials and online resources
They help guide you through the process in ways that are respectful of your family’s emotional needs and pace.
Helping Children and Surviving Pets
Children often need help processing the loss of a pet, especially if it’s their first experience with death. Our team provides thoughtful advice on how to talk with kids in ways they can understand. Other pets may grieve too and show signs like withdrawal or changes in appetite. If that happens, our veterinary team can offer support and reassurance.
Memorial Options That Bring Comfort
Creating a tribute to your pet can help bring peace. Our hospital offers:
- Cremation arrangements (private or communal)
- Keepsakes like paw prints or personalized urns
- Recommendations for memorial services or at-home tributes
These thoughtful gestures can help keep your pet’s memory alive and provide a sense of closure. No matter how or when you choose to grieve, you won’t be alone. The support you’ve come to trust during your pet’s life is still here after their passing.
A Trusted Partner in the Hardest Moments
Families across the west metro area and beyond return to this clinic not just for medical care, but for reassurance and connection. As a privately owned practice, Gehrman Animal Hospital offers something increasingly rare—continuity of care from a familiar team that knows your pet’s history and your family’s values.
Our staff members work together as a true care team, communicating openly and providing consistent, thoughtful advice. This team-based model means you’re never alone in making hard decisions. They listen to, support, and walk beside you every step of the way.
Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind
Although it’s difficult to think about, planning in advance can ease stress during emotional times. Whether you’re facing an aging pet or just want to understand your options, our hospital welcomes conversations about future care needs.
Early consultations can include:
- Understanding the stages of terminal illness
- Identifying what quality of life looks like for your pet
- Discussing hospice care or palliative treatments
- Pre-planning for euthanasia and memorials
By having these conversations ahead of time, families often feel more confident, comforted, and prepared when the moment arrives.
Comfort and Guidance for You and Your Pet, One Call Away
Whether you’re starting to notice changes in your pet’s health or you’re ready to discuss end-of-life care, support is just a phone call away. Our team at Gehrman Animal Hospital is here to answer your questions, offer guidance, and help you make thoughtful decisions. To schedule a consultation or speak with a compassionate team member, call (952) 545-9161.
Do you still have questions?
Call us at (952) 545-9161 or email us at reception@gehrman-animal.com.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About End-of-Life Pet Care
How do I know when it’s time to consider euthanasia?
Veterinarians use both clinical signs and emotional context to help assess your pet’s comfort. Appetite loss, pain, breathing issues, and social withdrawal are common indicators. Our clinic offers quality of life consultations to support this decision.
What happens during a euthanasia appointment?
Your family will be brought into the comfort room, where the veterinary technician assistant will explain each step. A sedative is given first to relax your pet. The final injection is peaceful and painless, and you’re welcome to remain with your pet throughout.
Can I stay with my pet during the procedure?
Yes. Families are encouraged to remain with their pet if they choose to. The comfort room provides a quiet, private space where you can sit with your companion in their final moments.
What memorial options do you offer?
You may choose private or communal cremation, and keepsake items such as urns or paw prints. Our team can assist in coordinating memorial services and selecting meaningful mementos.
Do you offer grief counseling or support?
While the hospital doesn’t offer in-house counseling, they maintain a list of recommended grief counselors and pet loss support groups, including options for children and families.
