Pet End-of-Life Care in Prior Lake, MN

Compassionate guidance and support when it matters most.

Caring Support for You and Your Pet’s Final Journey

At River Valley Veterinary Service, we understand that saying goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the hardest decisions a pet parent will ever face. Our end-of-life care services are designed to provide comfort, dignity, and compassion for both pets and their families during this emotional time.

Whether you’re seeking guidance on your pet’s quality of life, preparing for a peaceful goodbye, or arranging respectful aftercare, our veterinary team is here to support you with empathy, honesty, and understanding.

Quality of Life Consultations

When pets begin to show signs of aging, illness, or chronic discomfort, it can be difficult to know how they truly feel. Our quality of life consultations provide compassionate, professional guidance to help you assess your pet’s well-being and determine when additional care or humane euthanasia may be appropriate.

During these consultations, our veterinarians evaluate your pet’s:

  • Mobility and pain level

  • Appetite and hydration

  • Breathing and energy level

  • Response to medication or treatment

  • Daily comfort and enjoyment of life

We take the time to discuss your pet’s medical condition, review options for pain management or palliative care, and help you make choices that prioritize your pet’s comfort and dignity. You’ll never have to make these decisions alone our team is here to offer clear information and emotional support every step of the way.

A lit candle sits next to a wooden plaque with a poem about saying goodbye to a pet. The plaque features a heart with a paw print inside.

Pet Euthanasia: A Peaceful, Gentle Goodbye

When it’s time to say goodbye, our euthanasia services provide a calm and compassionate experience designed to minimize stress for both you and your pet. Our veterinarians perform the procedure gently and respectfully, ensuring your companion feels loved and comforted throughout.

You’ll have the opportunity to choose where and how your pet’s final moments unfold, and our team will carefully explain each step beforehand so there are no surprises. The process is quick, peaceful, and pain-free, allowing your pet to rest surrounded by familiar, caring hands.

We understand how important this moment is and strive to make it as comforting and meaningful as possible—for you, your family, and your beloved pet.

A golden retriever dog swims in dark water holding a stick in its mouth, with a blurred person in the foreground.

Cremation Services

Following euthanasia, many families choose cremation as a way to honor and remember their pet. At River Valley Veterinary Service, we partner with trusted local providers who share our commitment to dignity and compassion in aftercare.

We offer several cremation options to accommodate personal preferences:

  • Private cremation: Your pet is cremated individually, and their ashes are returned to you in a keepsake urn.
  • Communal cremation: Your pet is cremated alongside others, with no ashes returned.

Our team can help guide you through the process and discuss memorial keepsakes, urns, or paw prints to celebrate your pet’s memory in a meaningful way.

Compassion, Dignity, and Support When It Matters Most

At River Valley Veterinary Service, we recognize that saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of loving a pet. Our compassionate veterinarians provide thoughtful guidance and gentle care throughout every stage of your pet’s end-of-life journey from quality of life consultations to peaceful euthanasia and respectful cremation services. With empathy and experience, we help families across the greater Prior Lake area navigate this emotional time with understanding, dignity, and the assurance that their beloved companions are treated with the deepest respect.

Comprehensive Services

Puppy & Kitten Care

Wellness Care

Senior Pet Care

Urgent Pet Care

Dentistry

Diagnostics

Regenerative Therapy

Surgery

Boarding

Grooming

Daycare

End-Of-Life Care