Florida Community Volunteers
(352)392-4700 Dial 1 and 4080
(352)392-4700 X4744 (Joy Diaz)
Monday-Friday 7 pm to 9 pm (ET)

Michigan State University Veterinary Students
(517)432-2696 Tuesday to Thursday 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (ET)

Chicago VMA Veterinarians and Staffs
(630)325-1600 Leave Voicemail Message
Calls will be returned 7 PM to 9 PM (CT)

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
(540)231-8038 Tuesday, Thursday, 6 PM to 9 PM (ET)

Ohio State University Veterinary Students
(614)292-1823 Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (ET)
Voicemail messages will be returned, collect, during operating hours.

Tufts University Veterinary Students
(508)839-7966 Monday-Friday, 6 PM to 9 PM (ET)
Voicemail messages will be returned daily, collect outside Massachusetts
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss/

Pet Loss Support Hotline hosted by the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
(888)ISU-PLSH (888-478-7574) Operational seven days a week, 6 PM to 9 PM (CST) from Sept-April; Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:00-9:00 PM (CST) from May-August

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline
(607)253-3932 Tuesday-Thursday 6-9 PM (ET)
Voicemail messages will be returned

University of Illinois Veterinary Students
(217)244-2273 or toll-free (877)394-2273(CARE)
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7-9 PM (CT)
http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE/

Pet Loss Hotline, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
(509) 335-5704 Staffed during the semester on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Saturday 1:00-3:00 PM (PT)

The post Help & Support appeared first on Tails - Veterinary Clinic.

How Do I Make The Decision?

Your relationship with your pet is special, and you are responsible for its care and welfare. Eventually, many owners are faced with making life or death decisions for their pets. Such a decision may become necessary for the welfare of the animal and for you and your family. A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make regarding your pet. Your decision is a personal one, but it need not be a solitary one. Your veterinarian and your family and friends can assist and support you. Consider not only what is best for your pet, but also what is best for you and your family. Quality of life is important for pets and people alike.

How Will I Know When It’s Time?

If your pet can no longer do with you and your family the things he or she once enjoyed, if your pet cannot respond to you in the usual ways, or if there is more pain than pleasure in his or her life, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option.

Your veterinarian understands attachment to pets, and can examine and evaluate your pet’s condition, estimate your pet’s chances for recovery, and discuss potential disabilities and long-term problems. He or she can explain the medical options and possible outcomes. Because your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for you, it is important that you fully understand your pet’s condition. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the implications for your pet’s future that you don’t understand, ask to have it explained again. Rarely will the situation require an immediate decision. Usually, you will have time to review the facts before making your decision.

As you make your decision, you may wish to discuss the care of the remains of your pet’s body with your family and veterinarian. You have several options, and your veterinarian can provide information about burial, cremation, or other alternatives.

What If the Animal is Healthy?

Euthanasia might be necessary if a pet has become vicious, dangerous, or unmanageable. However, some undesirable and abnormal behavior can be changed. Economic, emotional, and space limitations or changes in lifestyle also may force an owner to consider euthanasia of a pet, but it is better to find another solution or an alternative home for these pets. Euthanasia should be considered only when another alternative is not available.

The post The Decision appeared first on Tails - Veterinary Clinic.