End-of-Life Care for Pets in Burnaby, BC

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. At Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby, we approach end-of-life care with compassion, dignity, and deep respect for the bond between you and your pet. We are here to support you through this process with clear information, unhurried time, and gentle care for your pet. Call (604) 563-6170 to speak with our team or to schedule a quality-of-life consultation.

In-Clinic End-of-Life Care

In-clinic end-of-life appointments take place in a private, quiet room at our Burnaby location, away from the general clinic. We take all the time you need. Your pet is made comfortable and kept calm before and throughout the appointment. Family members are welcome to be present and to say goodbye in their own way. We discuss the process with you before it begins and ensure you have no unanswered questions. We are honored to be trusted with this deeply personal moment and handle it with the full care and respect it deserves.

In-Home End-of-Life Care

In-home end-of-life care allows your pet to pass peacefully in familiar surroundings, on their favorite spot or beside the people they love most. Being at home removes the stress of travel for pets who find clinic visits anxiety-provoking and allows your family to be together in a private, comfortable space. Our team brings all necessary supplies and provides the same gentle, compassionate care as our in-clinic appointments. We confirm availability and discuss what to expect when you call to arrange an in-home appointment.

Communal Cremation

Communal cremation is a dignified and respectful aftercare option in which your pet is cremated alongside other animals. Ashes are not returned individually but are scattered with care in a peaceful setting. This option allows families to focus on saying a meaningful goodbye without the responsibility of receiving or managing remains afterward. We coordinate all arrangements with our trusted cremation partner on your behalf, and our team is with you throughout the end-of-life appointment itself.

Private Cremation

Private cremation ensures that your pet is cremated individually and that their ashes are returned to you. Ashes are returned in a respectful container, typically within one to two weeks of the appointment. Private cremation provides families with a tangible connection to their pet and the option to keep, scatter, or memorialize remains in a way that feels meaningful to them. We use a trusted cremation service and provide a cremation certificate confirming individual care. Ask us about available urn options.

Memorial Products and Family Support

We offer a range of memorial keepsakes to help families honor and remember their pet, including paw print impressions, fur clippings, personalized urns, and sympathy cards. These tangible reminders of your pet's life provide comfort during the grieving process and can be meaningful for children and other family members going through loss. Our team is also able to provide information on pet loss support resources for families who would benefit from additional support after saying goodbye.

Explore More Services

Contact our team to schedule an end-of-life appointment

Learn about our medical services for senior and seriously ill pets

Learn about senior pet wellness care at Deer Lake

FAQs

How do I know when it is the right time to consider end-of-life care for my pet?

This is one of the most difficult questions pet owners face, and there is no single answer that fits every situation. Quality-of-life assessments consider factors including your pet’s ability to eat, drink, move, and engage with their environment, as well as the ratio of good days to difficult ones. We are happy to have a quality-of-life conversation with you at any point, with no pressure and no judgment. Call (604) 563-6170 to speak with our team.

Can family members be present during the end-of-life appointment?

Yes. Family members of all ages are welcome to be present if that feels right for your family. We take whatever time you need before, during, and after the appointment. There is no rush. We encourage you to bring anything that brings your pet comfort, such as a familiar blanket or toy. If you are unsure whether a child should be present, we are happy to discuss how to approach that decision thoughtfully.

What is the difference between communal and private cremation?

In communal cremation, your pet is cremated with other animals and ashes are not returned individually. In private cremation, your pet is cremated alone and the ashes are returned to you, typically within one to two weeks. Private cremation is the option for families who want to keep, scatter, or memorialize their pet’s remains. Both are handled with full care and respect. We can discuss both options with you when you call to arrange the appointment.

When you are ready to have this conversation, we are here. Call Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby at (604) 563-6170 to speak with our team about end-of-life care options for your pet. We are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..