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. The doctor may also  prescribe pain medications to help limit your pet's pain. 

The quality of life exam with your veterinarian will be the first step. 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 we as pet owners make.

However, the first time is arguably the most difficult, albeit they are all 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.

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. 

Does your pet have house mates? If so bring them with, house mates also grieve. Bringing them with can limit them looking for their house mate, their playmate, and their sleeping mate. Our furry friends grieve too, perhaps a little different put nonetheless they still feel the lose. 

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

No pet should say goodbye without first having couple pieces chocolate. 

Important:

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

The link below has an eye opening article for households with more than one pet. 

Our entire staff at Lewis & Clark Animal Hospital has been in your shoes at least once. We know your heartache. 

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 ready to be picked up from Summerfield Funeral Home or Dakota Pet Crematory

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

There is a door bell in the room to let us know when you have finished. There is no hurry. 

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