Anticipatory grief is grief that occurs before actually losing your pet. This process can occur anytime, from the time of receiving the diagnosis of terminal illness. These emotions include fear, guilt, anxiety, and frustration. To help prevent these emotions from getting the best of you, and taking away from quality time with your pet, preparing and planning for your pet’s passing can be helpful. It will also help you avoid having to make these important decisions in a rush.

    • Are there any “bucket list” items you want to experience with your pet (some examples include: Family photoshoot, going to the beach, going camping, cuddling in bed…)?
    • What does the last day with your pet look like (some examples include: Spending the day cuddling in bed, watching the sunrise together…)?

Think about what you want the final moments with your pet to look like:

    • Where will it take place (vet clinic, at home, favorite place)? Who should be present (friends, family, other people like your dog walker, other pets…)? When should it take place (before a possible crisis, is there a significant time of day, when loved ones can attend..?)
    • Is there anything you don’t want to happen?
    • How do I feel about euthanasia?
    • Are there questions you want to ask your vet? Do you have concerns?
    • What if your pet passes at home? Will you bring your pet to your vet clinic, will you call a mobile veterinarian to arrange aftercare wishes? Will you bury your pet (special arrangements to be made in the winter)?

Think about aftercare wishes:

  • What kind of aftercare would I like (cremation, aquamation, home burial)?
  • Is there anything you would want your pet to travel with?
  • Is there anything you would want your pet to be cremated with?
  • Are there memorial items you would like (paw prints, fur clippings, nose or paw ink print, a viewing and visitation…)?
  • If you choose to have your pet’s ashes back, will you keep them in an urn? Or scatter them?