Palliative Care

A difficult decision.

At Polk Street Animal Hospital, we believe in maintaining the quality of life for our patients over all else. The concept of veterinary palliative medicine is a philosophy of care in which a decision has been made to decline or withdraw curative therapy for a life-limiting illness to ensure that a patient does not suffer unjustifiably. Therapy becomes more targeted toward keeping our patients comfortable. Palliative medicine is, by definition, care that is delivered as a dog or cat approaches their end of life. The most common circumstances that lead up to the decision to initiate palliative care include:

The diagnosis or progression of a life-limiting illness
The decision not to pursue curative therapy
The progression of disease symptoms so that they interfere with the activities of daily living

Euthanasia

Making the decision to humanely euthanize a pet is never easy. Our veterinarians will help guide your decision-making so that when the time comes, you make a well-informed, comfortable choice. Polk Street Animal Hospital provides a quiet room for you to say your 'goodbyes' & allows you and your family to be present with your pets throughout the process if you choose to be. Our Veterinarians will place an IV catheter and typically administer a small sedative to our patients to ensure they are calm and relaxed prior to putting them to sleep.

Private Cremation

Private cremation is provided through Bubbling Well and is billed directly by their business. This service includes a Certificate of Private Cremation and one of several urn options. All arranged through Bubbling Well’s website.

Communal Cremation

For those who do not wish to keep the remains of their pet, we provide communal cremation services through Bubbling Well. This is billed directly to you from their business.

At Home Burial

Some owners may choose to take their pet home and bury them. Though Polk Street Animal Hospital can release your pet's body to you, please keep in mind that there are some legal restrictions regarding pet burial pertaining to land ownership, burial depth, and proximity to residences, depending on your jurisdiction and the circumstances of your pet's death. Alternative burial options can be arranged through Bubbling Well.

We strongly recommend contacting your local public health official for more information prior to burying your pet.

Finally, we understand that some people may choose to euthanize their pets at home. Unfortunately, Polk Street Animal Hospital does not offer At-Home Euthanasia services, but recommends the following mobile veterinarians who can provide this service.

Please reach out to us at (415) 877-1555 if there’s anything we can do for you.