Welcome to Lewis & Clark Animal Hospital Pet Services

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Pet hospice, also known as palliative care, is when your pet is in the final days of a terminally ill disease. The veterinarian will go over pain control and possible dietary strategies. Your veterinarian can prescribe pain medications to help limit your pet's pain. The most important is to continue loving them. 

The quality of life exam with your veterinarian will be one of the best places to start, especially if this is your first pet. The veterinarian can advise if palliative care would benefit your pet.

Areas to consider:

• Is your pet eating and drinking less/more?
• Difficulty moving?
• Incontinence or bowel control difficulties. 
• Does your canine still perk up for walks? 
• Does your feline still perk up when you play with their favorite toy or string?

We understand that the first-time owner has more questions and wants explanations.

Euthanasia is one of the hardest decisions pet owners have to make.

However, the first time is arguably the most difficult.

• Is it the right time? But my pet still has good days?
• Is it too early? 
• Am I putting them through unneeded pain?  

Is this your first time? 

Let the receptionist, technicians, and/or veterinarian know this is your first.

Let us know. We'll better prepare our team to ensure we have your answers.

We do our best to ensure the utmost compassion for our patients and their owners.

Please let us know if it is your first time. 

Companion Pets are welcome. Our furry friends grieve just like us. They do it a little differently than us, but they still grieve. This is a great example of how our pets deal with death when left out. Click on the link Creature Comfort Clinic below. 

You are welcome to bring a blanket and/or toy to soothe your pet. 

Important:

• We ask you take the blanket or toy with you when you leave.

Our entire staff at Lewis & Clark Animal Hospital has been in your shoes at least once. We know your heartache, we know how heavy your heart is. 

Call the clinic to let us know when you are in the parking lot. We will open the south west side door where one of our staff will open the door for you. The receptionist/technician will ask you to fill out a quick form. Most of it will be filled out already (pet's name, and address). 

We need to know if you want 

• Private Burial - Your pet goes home with you.
• Private Cremation - (Most Used) You can pick up your pet's ashes here at the clinic. 

                   Summerfield Funeral Home

                   Dakota Pet Crematory

The clinic will call to let you know when the ashes are returned from Summerfield or Dakota Pet. 

• Communal Cremation - Ashes are spread on a hillside outside of Bismarck.

If you need a few more minutes to say goodbye-let us know.

The technician and/or veterinarian will go over everything with you before anything begins.