Our GOAL
As we navigate end of life considerations together with you and your pet our overarching goal is, as much as possible, to abide by the following which is an excerpt from the AAHA end of life care guidelines. Maximize patient comfort and minimize suffering while providing a collaborative and supportive partnership to you, the caregiver client.71 For many of you, as your senior pet develops chronic progressive disease or a terminal illness, the events and veterinary care surrounding your pet’s final life stage are significant. We are always here to help in any way we can.
Assessing quality of life
It is never an easy or straight forward task to evaluate quality of life in any given circumstance and every pet and circumstance is different. It is also so very difficult to be at all objective when you are faced with evaluating this in your loved one. The difficulty is further complicated by the fact that multiple family members may have vastly different perceptions on how your beloved pet is doing.
Tools to help you determine how your pet is doing in regards to quality of life.
There are a few standard assessments that are available below. If you are struggling to know if it “is time”, we would encourage multiple family members to independently fill out one (or both) of these forms, or you can talk about them collaboratively. Generally you score each criteria and add the total at the end- if the total is above a certain level there quality of life may be still good, if below they may be experiencing a poor quality of life. Both of the assessments below are useful, the lap of love assessment is a bit more detailed.
Link to lapoflove assessment.
Lap of Love Quality of Life AssessmentOhio State University has a good reference entitled “How will I know?” which discusses everything from quality of life, to making difficult decisions for your pet, and dealing with grief. There is also a slightly different quality of life assessment in this article.
Ohio State University - How Will I Know?EUTHANASIA
You have decided it is time to say goodbye to your beloved pet. The following can help guide you through that process and provide some procedures and options available to you and your pet. Euthanasia in ancient Greek literally means “good death”, and that is what we strive to provide as a veterinary profession. All of us would prefer our pets die at home peacefully, surrounded by all of us. The reality, unfortunately, is that pets that pass “naturally” at home often do so alone, and in a great deal of discomfort and needless suffering.
In home or in-hospital Euthanasia?
Home
Home- there are several services available-
Advantages
- Familiar and comfortable environment for you and your pet
- No necessary transportation, or having to move your loved one- especially if mobility and size are an issue.
Disadvantages
- Scheduling may be more difficult
- Working with unfamiliar staff/veterinarian- though we rarely have any clients report a negative experience with services in our area.
- Some people may not want to have those negative experiences or memories in their home where they may be more readily reminded of the loss.
Options
In-Hospital
Here at EVH our procedure varies somewhat from patient to patient and often is somewhat tailored to the individual patient but generally involves the following:
- Medications to give your pet prior to bringing them to our facility.
- Private entrance and exit to our comfort room for your family and pet.
- Relaxing, calming environment, complete with treats, and a comfy bed for your pet as you help them through this last part of their journey.
- A sedative to help relax and calm your pet
- An iv catheter to help ensure a smooth procedure
What about afterwards?
What about afterwards? There are a few options when considering what to do with your loved ones remains.
At EVH we will make pawprints, and our wonderful staff will make a little keepsake for you (multiple available on request). You also have the option of a keepsake of a locket of hair in a small vial (also available on request)
Cremation
Cremation- at EVH we use Animal Care Services and have been working with this trusted family owned, local business for many, many years.
Considerations
Getting your loved ones ashes back
If you choose to get your pet’s remains back- they will come back to us in a sealed bag, within a plain white box, in a nice mesh bag.
Some owners choose to get something of their own to transfer them into afterwards.
Some choose to bury or sprinkle the ashes
Our cremation service also has some different urn options that you can look at on the link below.
Animal Care Services Urns CatalogCremation only
Your pet will be cremated in a group cremation with other pets.
Home Burial
Considerations
In Missouri, backyard pet burial is generally legal on your own private property, but you must follow state guidelines and local municipal rules. [1, 2]
State Distance and Depth Rules
Setbacks: The state guidelines recommend keeping the burial site at least 50 feet from property lines, 300 feet from neighboring residences, and 300 feet from wells, sinkholes, springs, or surface water sources. [1]
Depth: You should bury the pet within 24 hours of death, using at least 6 inches of immediate cover and an overall depth that provides roughly 30 inches to 3 to 4 feet of final soil cover to prevent scavenging and exposure. [1, 2]
Environmental and Health Factors
Euthanasia Medications: If your pet was euthanized, the sedative drugs (such as pentobarbital) remain in the body tissues and can persist in the soil or pose a fatal risk to scavenging wildlife that dig up the remains. [1, 2]
Groundwater and Utilities: Avoid areas near underground utility lines, tree roots, or high water tables that could risk contaminating local water supplies. Check other local options like Missouri Pet Cremation Guide if backyard rules are too restrictive. [1, 2, 3]
Preparation and Materials
Biodegradable Wrapping: Wrap your pet in natural fibers like cotton, wool, or a simple wooden or cardboard box, avoiding plastics or synthetic materials that do not break down. [1]
Securing the Site: Cover the final mound with heavy stones or gravel to deter local wildlife from disturbing the grave. Make sure to check with your specific city or county government, as local ordinances can override state floors. [1, 2]
St. Louis County, Missouri
In St. Louis County, Missouri, burying a pet in your backyard is technically legal but practically very difficult due to strict property size and setback rules. Because St. Louis County deferentially relies on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and state statute RSMo Section 269.020, your property must meet rigid space requirements: [1, 2, 3]
The 300-Foot Rule: The burial site must be at least 300 feet away from any neighboring residence. If you live in a standard suburban subdivision or neighborhood in St. Louis County, your yard is likely not large enough to meet this distance from your neighbors' homes. [1]
Property Lines and Water: The site must also be at least 50 feet from your own property lines and 300 feet from any wells, springs, streams, or sinkholes. [1, 2]
Critical Local Considerations
Incorporated vs. Unincorporated Areas: St. Louis County is a patchwork of nearly 90 municipalities (like Chesterfield, Kirkwood, or Florissant). If you live within specific city limits rather than unincorporated county territory, local city ordinances may ban home burial entirely or have stricter zoning codes. You should call your local city hall or municipal clerk to check local codes. [1, 2]
HOA Restrictions: Even if state and county laws permit it, Homeowners Association (HOA) bylaws in many St. Louis County subdivisions explicitly prohibit backyard pet burials.
Pet Cemeteries
Taking Care of Yourself After Loss
Taking care of yourself after loss- there are great resources out there if you are having any difficulty as you mourn your loved one. Lap of Love has a lot of resources and links to other resources available on the following link.
Lap of Love Pet Loss Resources