Saying goodbye is one of the most difficult decisions we face as pet parents, and at Cypress View, we’re here to help make those final moments as peaceful, gentle, and meaningful as possible — for both you and your beloved companion.
You may choose to say goodbye in the comfort and familiarity of your home, or in our specially designed comfort room at the clinic. A veterinarian and technician can come to your home to provide a peaceful passing, allowing your pet to be surrounded by the people, smells, and spaces they know best. If you prefer to come to us, our comfort room offers a quiet, serene environment, along with a private entrance for privacy during this deeply personal time.
No matter where you choose to say goodbye, we do everything we can to reduce stress and ensure a gentle experience. We begin by giving a small amount of sedation to help your pet relax, followed by the placement of an IV catheter to allow the process to proceed calmly. You are encouraged to take all the time you need to say goodbye — there is no rush, only care and support.
We understand that the grief of losing a pet can be just as profound as losing a human family member. You’re not alone. Grieving is a natural, personal process, and we’re here to support you however we can. Below, you’ll find some helpful resources — and please know that our team is always here if you need someone to talk to or guidance during this difficult time.
Aftercare
We currently work with two amazing aftercare companies. Gateway Pet Memorial operates out of Calgary and offers so many options and support to our clients. Pet Heaven is a local cremation services provider that has served this community for decades. We can help you decide who is right for your aftercare arrangements. You may also choose to take your pet with you after the euthanasia procedure if you have made your own aftercare arrangements.
Gateway Pet Memorial
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is usually a time of great emotion. As we cherish the memories of our pet, making decisions regarding pet aftercare can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming.
In 1995, facing similar questions and choices regarding the loss of a family pet, Scott Hunter could find no satisfactory answers. The pet aftercare industry seemed to offer very little regulation; most companies providing pet aftercare services did so with minimal licensing and inferior standards.
A year later, in 1996, Scott founded Gateway, Canada’s first accredited pet aftercare provider. Since that time, Gateway has continued to set the industry standard for excellence in ethical pet aftercare across North America.
As a member of the IAOPCC (The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories), Gateway completed a rigorous two-year accreditation program, which guarantees a high level of integrity and regulation for pet aftercare providers. Scott served as President of the IAOPCC for three years and currently sits on its Advisory Council.
From the innovative and comprehensive online tracking system, “Paws-e-Track,” to Certified Crematory Operators and Registered Pet Funeral Directors, Gateway is committed to achieving the highest level of accuracy and accountability for pet aftercare.
Gateway offers pet owners a sense of comfort and peace of mind, ensuring your pet’s aftercare will be handled in a way that is respectful, dignified and compassionate. At every step along the way, we promise to care for your pet as if it were our own.
With twice weekly pick up, your pet is returned usually within 4 days. Services offered:
- Common Cremation – your pet will be respectfully cremated with other pets, the ashes are then given to farmers around Camrose to be returned to the soil to nurture new life.
- Private Cremation – your pet will be cremated privately and returned to you in one of these 5 included urns.
Additional Urns and Keepsakes:
Gateway Pet Memorial has hundreds of urns, keepsakes, jewelry, and clay paw prints to choose from. Check out their website HERE.
Please let us know at the time of euthanasia if you would like any additional items. You can also order most items after cremation as well.
Pet Heaven
This company is owned and operated by a local community member and has serviced Medicine Hat and area for decades. They offer pet cremation and cemetery burial services. Billing for this company is done through us, usually at the time of the euthanasia appointment. We take care of all of the arrangements after the euthanasia to get your pet to Pet Heaven and returned to us (if requested) within about 10 days time. Services offered:
- Common Cremation – your pet will be respectfully cremated with other pets, the ashes will then be respectfully returned to the earth
- Cemetery Burial – these services will need to be arranged with Pet Heaven prior to the euthanasia appointment by calling 403 526-0747
Scatter Box
Your pet will be cremated privately and returned to our clinic in an openable box. You may then choose to scatter the remains or move them into a custom ordered urn.
Oak Urn
Your pet will be cremated privately and returned to our clinic in an oak urn with a name plate.
Chrome or Black Urn:
Another beautiful option where your pet’s ashes are placed inside. There is either a chrome urn that is silver in color, or the black urn which has gold detailing.
Additional Keepsakes
To keep your pets in lasting memory throughout the years, there are different options that can be chosen from if you would like your pet’s remains returned to you. We have provided pictures as well as descriptions, so that you can make a choice if you prefer before the appointment.
Beautiful Urns
Shop our web store for a beautiful selection of urns. Shopping is easy. Just register to shop and they will ship it to our clinic.
Picture Frame Hand-Made Urn
These are made by Don from Maple Creek. A wooden urn hand made that has a picture frame to place your favorite picture of your beloved pet. This urn can be personalized with your pet’s name as well.
Paw Print:
Our team can place your pet’s paw print on paper for you to either frame, or keep in a safe place for you to have in memory.
Metal Foil Paw Print
One of our technicians is able to transform your ink paw print into a beautiful keepsake. These special works of art are beautiful on a wall or desk. They have a way of catching your eye and sparking a favorite memory of your beloved pet. These are available in silver, gold or rose gold and can include any information you’d like at the bottom. Framing is also available. Check out her work on Facebook or Instagram @missmoodiy (Miss Moo DIY).
Clay Pawprints: Gateway or Spawts
Our Team can transform your pet’s paw print into a beautiful piece of artwork using Gateway Pet Memorial or Spawts Impressions. There is a wide selection of colors and patterns that can be chosen from in the links below.
Cremains Jewelry
With several beautiful styles to choose from, we can order, and even fill these pieces for you. Please email for our price list or check them out on our online store HERE.
Grieving
The loss of a pet has been found to be comparable to the loss of a human loved on. If you are finding it hard to cope with the loss of your beloved pet, please check out these resources.
Keys to Hope Counselling Services
Counsellors at the clinic can help with grief & loss, including pet bereavement.
Melisha Franks, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Deena West, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Kyle Graham, Registered Psychologist
Minota Kennell, MSW, BSW, Counsellor
Keys to Hope Counselling Services
# 104 -1865 Dunmore RD SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z8
403 487 1607
Keys to Hope Counselling Services – Keys to Hope Counselling Services
Websites and Helplines
If you choose Gateway Pet Memorial to handle your aftercare, you also get access to the Pet Compassion Careline. You will be offered 3 free, 45 minute phone calls that are available 24/7 and are staffed by PhD and Master’s level clinicians with over 5 years’ experience. Available in English, Spanish and French. They are confidential, professional and experienced counselors available any time of day. If you need further care, they can help get you set up locally for local support.
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Centre
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
403-502-8617
403-504-8026
Psynergy Centre Health & Wellness
403-527-5911
1-877-303-2642
988
1-833-456-4566 or text 45645