Euthanasia & End of Life Services

Euthanasia

If your pet has reached this point in life, we’re so very sorry for your loss. It is a very difficult decision to have to make on your pet's behalf. Old Dog Sanctuary offers a comforting article about how to know it's the right time to relieve your pet's suffering, as well as an article on grieving.

The Vanderburgh Humane Society is not able to offer humane euthanasia for the public. We recommend contacting your full-service veterinarian for euthanasia so that you can be with your pet to comfort them in their last moments. Being with their person will make the process much less stressful and more peaceful for your pet.

Evansville Animal Care & Control also offers humane euthanasia for $5. But you cannot be present during the procedure, nor can you take home their remains. Contact their shelter at (812) 435-6015 for information.

Cremation

Afterwards, there are local options to have your pet cremated so that you can keep their ashes. Please contact the following businesses for pricing & service information. (VHS is not affiliated with, nor endorses, any of the following businesses. It is a directory listing only.)

Best Friend Pet Bereavement Services through Titzer Funeral Homes
100 E Columbia Street
Evansville, IN 47711
(812) 422-0030

Ziemer Pet Memorial Center
6300 N First Avenue
Evansville, IN 47710
(812) 431-7035

Loyal Companions Pet Services
20822 N County Road 600 E
Dale, IN 47523
812-686-5179

Honoring Your Pet

Please click here if you would like to make a donation to the VHS in memory of your beloved pet, or someone else's. Be sure to check the box "Dedicate this gift to someone" as shown.

Grieving

"The Rainbow Bridge" Poem
"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together."

- Author Unknown

Pet Loss Grief Hotlines:
ASPCA: (877) GRIEF-10. Available 24/7.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: (607) 253-3932, available Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00- 9:00 pm Eastern Time.

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Pet Loss Helpline & Support Group: (630) 325-1600