End of Life Services
Euthanasia
As pet lovers, Women's Animal Center understands that coming to terms with the impending loss of a sick or elderly companion animal is one of the most difficult experiences one can face. Our compassion for pets and the people who love them cannot be separated. Women's Animal Center is dedicated to working with our families to make the final days or weeks of their pet's life as comfortable as possible, and to minimize any pain or distress an animal may be feeling. When the time comes, we believe that euthanasia is the most compassionate option available, providing a peaceful, painless end for an animal suffering terminally. Our veterinarians and medical team are here for both you and your beloved pet at this most difficult of times.
There are various options available to pet parents who wish to memorialize the life of their four-legged family member. Following euthanasia, many owners leave their pet's remains with us for the arrangement of a traditional cremation. Owners can choose whether or not they would like their pet's ashes returned to them to keep as a remembrance.
Aquamation and Burial
Women's Animal Center has partnered with The Laurels Pet Center to offer our clients a contemporary, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation through a gentle process known as Aquamation. It is considered to be the closest process to nature now available, and is rapidly gaining as the method of choice in both the human and pet aftercare industries. This process also allows pet parents to retain the ashes of their companion.
Some pet parents may instead choose a traditional cemetery burial for their pet, or for their pet's ashes. In this case, our partners at The Laurels offer a meticulously designed, serene pet cemetery and scattering garden.
The Laurels Pet Center and Cemetery are located on the beautiful grounds of West Laurel Hill Cemetery & Funeral Home which, like Women's Animal Center, have been faithfully serving the families of Greater Philadelphia since 1869. They are also passionate pet lovers, dedicated to helping animals in need in our shelter and throughout the region. Learn more through the video below.
Grief and Aftercare
So many of us share an intense bond and unconditional love with our pets, and their passing can therefore result in overwhelming feelings of sadness. Everyone mourns the death of their pet differently. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. But there are various ways to cope with one's loss, to practice self-care, and to ultimately begin the process of healing.
The Laurels Pet Center offers a variety of valuable Resources intended to help comfort and guide pet parents through this difficult time of bereavement.
Through our Tribute Fund, Women's Animal Center also provides a way for owners to remember their beloved pet, while at the same time making a difference in the lives of our homeless animals. And, if and when the time is right, we believe that the very best way to honor the memory of one's companion is to open their heart and their home to another through the lifesaving gift of Adoption.