Cat & Dog Euthanasia in Wilton, NY

Letting go of a beloved companion is the hardest decision you will ever make as a pet owner, but you don’t have to make that decision alone. At Saratoga Veterinary Hospital, we take pride in helping you care for your pet during the course of their lifetime. We also consider it a privilege to help you and your pet navigate their end-of-life care. Our team provides humane cat and dog euthanasia to ensure your four-legged family member is able to pass on peacefully, and with dignity.

We are always here for you if you have questions and want to discuss your pet’s end-of-life options. Call (518) 587-3832 today.

gray cat with toys
older dog with ball

Knowing When It’s Time

Giving your pet the best life possible also means knowing when it is time to say goodbye. It is natural to feel reservations about letting go, and feeling guilt about making such a choice. We are here to help guide you in making the most compassionate decision on your pet’s behalf—doing what’s right for them so they do not have to suffer.

To help inform your decision-making, we ask that you consider these quality-of-life indicators to determine your pet’s prognosis. Please get in touch with us so we can discuss their quality of life further.

  • Is your pet avoiding/ignoring their food?
  • Are they unable to keep food down?
  • Are they sleeping all the time?
  • Do they seem to be in pain (shaking, crying, not moving)?
  • Does your pet avoid socializing with your family?
  • Is your pet frequently having accidents in the house/outside the litter box?
  • Is your pet unable to stand or walk?

We recommend cat and dog euthanasia as the most humane method for ending animal suffering. This is not a decision to be made lightly, but it can be made with certainty if you fully understand your pet’s situation. Our Wilton, NY, veterinarians can clarify things for you and help you feel better about your decision.

person holding paw

What to Expect from the Euthanasia Process

Letting go of your pet is one of the hardest things you can do, but we can walk you through the process so you know what to expect.

  • First, we place an IV catheter so we can easily access your pet’s blood stream to administer medication
  • Second, we will administer sedation to your pet to minimize any anxiety they might experience and send them into a deep, restful sleep
  • Next, once you are ready and give the vet permission, they will inject the euthanasia solution that stops the heart

We strive to make euthanasia a low-stress, pain-free experience for every pet. We also want to make the procedure as stress-free as possible for you. You can choose to stay for the entire process, or you can choose not to be present for the very end. Our team will accommodate you regardless of your decision.

Pet Cremation and Keepsake Options

The entire cremation process takes place on our hospital’s grounds, under the supervision of our designated cremation care team. You can be assured that your pet’s remains will be lovingly cared for.

There are several ways you can choose to handle your pet’s remains:

  • Group cremation (choosing not to keep your pet’s ashes)
  • Individual cremation (keeping your pet’s ashes)
  • Burial at home (with local burial laws in mind)
  • Burial in the Saratoga Pet Cemetery located next door to our hospital

To learn more about burial at the Saratoga Pet Cemetery,
call 518-587-2662.

We also have urn options in different colors and materials, including our premium urns, which are made of a thicker material. You can also choose to receive a foam impression of your pet’s paw, made with love by one of our team members.

Grief Support

It is normal to grieve the loss of a beloved pet. Use the links below to access trusted resources for accepting and handling your grief. You are not alone, and there are many tools and steps you can take to come to terms with your loss.

Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline and Additional Resources

Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline

Please get in touch by calling (518) 583-2731 if you have questions or would like to discuss your options. We are here to help when you need us.

a dog being hugged by a person