Resources
Re-Fur a Friend
Refer a friend to Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital and receive a $25 dollar credit towards your account when that friend comes in for their first appointment. The referred friend will also receive a promotional $1.00 exam. The Re-fur a Friend card must be presented.
Learn more about our referral program.
CareCredit
The CareCredit credit card can be used for routine veterinary appointments, and emergency care, your pet may need. Giving you the ability to care for your pets needs both big and small. Care credit gives pet parents a way to pay for the care up front while giving them time to pay it off over time with no interest, if paid by the designated date.
Note: We accept CareCredit for bills of $100 and up only.
Traveling with a Pet
Consider using Pet Relocation to help with all your pet travel documentation needs. Visit Pet Relocation's website for more information on services they provide.
Needing a health certificate to travel with your pet? To ensure you have the proper documentation for traveling with your pet, visit the APHIS website.
Online Store
Pharmacy
Scan or click the QR code below to visit our new online pharmacy.
PetPage App
The PetPage app is a way to access your pet's vaccination records and request refills of medications at the touch of your own fingertips.
Emergency and Urgent Care Clinics
- Animal Emergency and Referral Center
- Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Hospital
- University of Minnesota -Small Animal Urgent Care and Emergency Clinic
- After Hours Veterinary Care
- Access Veterinary -Urgent Care-
- Southview Animal Hospital -Urgent Care-
Pet Poison
Pet Insurance
Our pets are like a part of the family. We would be willing to pay any price to keep them healthy. Unfortunately, we can't predict the medical problems that our pets will have, and we can't guarantee that we will be able to afford them when they do arise. That's why pet insurance can be so beneficial!
Make sure when choosing a pet insurance, that you are looking at what is covered in your plan.
- Does it cover emergencies more likely to happen to your pet?
- What about genetic conditions or diseases your pet may be predisposed to?
- When will the insurance plan become effective?
These are important factors to consider when choosing your pet insurance.
Here is are links to help evaluate some of the options:
Humane Societies/Rescues
- Animal Humane Society
- Northwoods
- Safe Hands Rescue
- Second Hand Hounds
- Coco's Heart
- Saint Francis Animal Rescue
There are many other great local rescues out there, these are just a few that we work with. If you would like more information please call the clinic and we try and assist you.
Cremation
Deciding when it is the right time to euthanize a pet can be a difficult one. Use this survey to determine your pets current quality of life. How do I know when it's time?
View our urn options in the catalog.
At times owners need euthanasia services outside of our hours of operation or they would prefer to say goodbye to their furry friend within the comforts of their own home where their pet is not only more comfortable, but familiar with the sounds and smells. If you are looking for resources that offer at home euthanasia services, below are several options.
Pet Loss Resouces
Support Groups
- Grief Healing – Discussion Group
- Chances Spot – Support forums, and helpful information about pet loss.
- Rainbow Bridge – Support forum and chatroom.
Workbooks
- A Peaceful Path: A Supportive Guide through Pet Loss – Self-paced workbook which allows you to validate your pain, explores why you feel this loss and helps you navigate through the grief in a healthy direction
- I Miss My Pet - A workbook for children about pet loss.
Articles & Books
- Should my child be present for our pet's euthanasia?
- When Your Pet Dies by Alan Wolfelt
- Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson Allen
- Goodbye Friend by Gary Kowalski
- The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife
- Children and Pet Loss by Marty Tousley
- Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas
- The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise by Adrian Raeside
- I'll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
Audio & Video
- Heal Your Heart: Coping with the Loss of a Pet – A tremendously soothing experience. The affirmations provide a powerful tool to help you understand the importance of your loss and take steps to resolve the pain of your feelings
- Talking to Children about Pet Loss - The Parmenter foundation
Pet Loss & Grief Counseling
- Lawrence Kaufman, LMFT - (855) PET-LOSS
- Cara DeLaRosa-Harrison, CPLP - (707) 331-4841
- Kelly Fusco, CVT - (407) 739-6199
Supporting Your Children
Finding creative ways to help children grieve the loss of a pet can help enormously during the grieving process. Here are 21 ideas that can help children of all ages cope with the loss of a pet.
Creative Art Projects
- Draw a picture. Encourage your child to draw a picture of your pet and display it in their chosen room. This activity allows them to express their feelings and create a lasting memory.
- Decorate a photo frame. Get out the paints, glitter and stickers to decorate a photo frame, and place a favourite photo of your pet inside. Older children might prefer to decorate their photo frame with mosaics or beads.
- Sculpt with clay. Use clay (or coloured play dough for younger children) to make a sculpture of your pet. This hands-on activity can be very therapeutic.
- Decorate a plant pot. Use craft supplies and paint to decorate a plant pot, and plant a special plant or flower to grow in it.
- Create a comic strip or storyboard. Have your child create a comic strip or storyboard that recalls a fun adventure or favourite memory with your pet.
Writing and Storytelling
- Write a poem. Help your child write a poem about their pet– it can be funny, rhyming or more thoughtful and serious in style.
- Write a life story. Get your children to write your pet's life story from the pet's point of view. This is a lovely way to remember their life and emphasise how important the family was to them.
- Write a song. If your family has musical talent, write a special song about your pet. Singing the song together can be a meaningful way to process your loss.
- Write an 'acrostic' about your pet. Write the letters of their name down one side of a piece of paper, then write one word or sentence that describes them starting with each letter.
Memory Keepsakes
- Frame a photo. Frame a photo of your child (or children) and the pet. They might want to keep it by their bed, or in the living room – somewhere they can look at it and remember the good times they shared.
- Create a photo album. Make a photo album, or a collage or photos to hang on the wall. Looking through the album can be a comforting activity that brings back happy memories.
- Create a memory box. Your children can decorate a box and fill it with mementos such as photos, a lock of fur, your pet's brush, and their favourite toy. This will create a collection of memories and a source of comfort.
- Make a scrapbook. Fill it with photos, drawings and anything else that makes you remember your pet to create a wonderful keepsake.
- Sew a stuffed toy. Use your pet's favourite blanket to make a stuffed toy for your child. Depending on their age they can get involved in the process of making it.
- Wear memorial jewelry. Purchase a piece of jewelry that you can personalise with your pet's name or engrave with a few special words. Wearing it will keep the memory of your pet close.
- Name a star. Name a star after your pet to remember them by. You'll receive a certificate confirming your star, which your child can frame and hang in their room.
Special Events and Acts of Kindness
- Donate in their name. Donate money or supplies in your pet's name to your favourite animal rescue organisation. This act of kindness can provide a sense of purpose and honour your pet's memory.
- Hold a memorial service. Organise a small memorial service in your garden to celebrate your pet's life. You could plant a flowering tree, choose a memorial stone to put in the garden, or light a candle. Have each family member say a few words about your pet. Create a space where the family can sit, relax and remember your pet whenever they want.
- Create a tribute video. Compile video footage and photos of your pet into a tribute video. Let your child help with selecting the content and adding music or captions.
- Tree of remembrance. Create a tree of remembrance on a wall or poster board. Have your child add leaves to the tree with memories of your pet.
- Pet themed activities. Keep the memories alive with a pet-themed event such as a family movie night watching your favourite pet movie and recalling happy times.