End Of Life Arrangements

Here at Amesbury Animal Hospital, we understand end of life and aftercare decisions for our pets can be difficult and overwhelming. Our veterinarians and staff would like to offer our support and guidance during this difficult process. We hope to provide you with information and resources to help you and your family.

Final Care Service

Private Cremation

If you have chosen Private Cremation (You do wish to have your pet’s ashes returned to you) Each pet is individually cremated, and ashes are returned to your vet in an urn of your choice with a name plate.

If you have chosen Communal Cremation (you do not wish to have your pet’s ashes returned to you), no further action will be needed on your part. Your pets’ ashes will be scattered in a private field in New Hampshire.

If you would like to bring your pet home for Private Burial, we will place your pet in a cardboard casket (sizing limited). Please check with your city’s town hall for your town’s guidelines. A different pet funeral service may pick up your pet’s remains if you prefer. Please make this type of arrangement with our client services to ensure pick-up is smoothly facilitated.

We offer hand-made glass pendants or pocket keepsakes that contain a portion of your pets’ ashes*. Each keep sake is hand crafted by owner Erica and is a unique and lasting memorial.

*Private cremation required for all glass keepsakes. Please see Client Service Representative for an order form.

Gerif Resources

National Support Hotlines and Resources

Online Grief and Loss Support Resources

Mental Health
Article

Horse Loss
Support

Additional Support Materials

Books for Children:

  • Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
  • Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
  • I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm, Crown Pub
  • A Special Place for Charlee: A Child’s Companion Through Pet Loss by Debra Morehead
  • A Gift from Rex by Jim Kramer, DVM
  • Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert and Chuck DeKlyen
  • The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
  • Annie Loses Her Leg but Finds Her Way by Sandra J. Philipson
  • Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids by Alan Wolfelt, PhD
  • Goodbye Mousie by Robie Harris
  • Tough Boris by Mem Fox, Harcourt

Books for Adults:

  • Goodbye My Friend by Herb and Mary Montgomery
  • A Final Act of Caring by Herb and Mary Montgomery
  • Journey Through Pet Loss by Deborah Antinori
  • Grieving the Death of a Pet by Betty J. Carmack
  • How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies by Therese Rando
  • The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman
  • Healing Your Grieving Heart by Alan Wolfelt, PhD

Our clients can count on 24-hour emergency care for all species.
Please call our pet hospital at (978) 388-3636 if you need our emergency veterinary services.