Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic. Click Here for More Information

NBC news story released on Aug. 31, 2025- CDC surveillance shows outbreaks of rabies rising across the U.S.

How does this affect us in Fargo-Moorhead?
Our area has had reported cases of rabies. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention critical. People exposed to a suspected rabid animal undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of injections required to help the body fight off a possible rabies infection.
It’s the law! Within the Fargo–Moorhead-West Fargo city limits, all dogs and cats are legally required to be up to date on their rabies vaccination. Veterinary professionals are at a three-times higher exposure risk to a rabid animal than the public. For the health, safety, and protection of our team members and the community,

Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic.

Common questions:
What if I am bit by a dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact the local police department, and contact your medical provider.

What if my pet is bit by another dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact your veterinary office, and determine if the local police department needs to get involved.

What if my pet is bit by wildlife?
This could be a public health concern. Contact your veterinarian. The only way to confirm a rabies infection is by testing non-frozen brain material. If the wild animal needs to be tested, safety precautions must be used when handling the wild animal.

Do I need to vaccinate my pet if I live in an apartment?
Yes, all dogs and cats within local city limits and surrounding areas are legally required to be kept up to date on their rabies vaccination.

For more information on the human rabies vaccine series, visit the ND Gov website: Rabies Vaccine Information | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Pet End-of-Life Care at Southgate Veterinary Hospital in Fargo, ND

Southgate Veterinary Hospital in Fargo, ND offers compassionate end-of-life and hospice care tailored to your pet’s needs.

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Pet End-of-Life Care in Fargo, ND

Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy. At Southgate Veterinary Hospital in Fargo, ND, our team offers gentle, respectful pet end-of-life care designed to provide support, comfort, and guidance. Whether your pet is nearing the end due to age, illness, or injury, we are here to help you make thoughtful, compassionate decisions.

Compassionate Care for Pets and Their Families

Our end-of-life services prioritize your pet’s comfort and dignity. We take the time to talk through available options and provide support for families navigating this emotional process. Our goal is to ease both physical pain and emotional strain as you say goodbye.

When to Consider Pet Euthanasia

One of the hardest questions pet owners face is knowing when it’s time. Signs that a pet may be nearing the end of life can include:

Loss of appetite or interest in food
Difficulty walking or standing
Persistent pain or discomfort
Incontinence or loss of house training
Withdrawing from family interactions
Uncontrolled chronic illness despite treatment

If your pet’s quality of life is declining, we can assess their condition and help you determine whether pet euthanasia may be the most humane choice.

Pet Euthanasia Services

Our pet euthanasia services are provided with care, privacy, and respect. Euthanasia is performed by a licensed veterinarian using medications that allow your pet to pass peacefully and without pain. You’ll have the option to be present during the procedure or say goodbye beforehand, based on your preferences and comfort.

We can also offer support for children or other family members who may be present, and we’re available to answer any questions throughout the process.

Pet Cremation and Memorial Options

Following euthanasia, we provide pet cremation services. You may choose between private or communal cremation:

Private cremation ensures your pet is cremated individually. Ashes are returned in a respectful urn or container.
Communal cremation is a shared process where ashes are not returned. This option is suitable for families who prefer a simpler memorial.

If you choose to keep your pet’s ashes, we can guide you through urn or keepsake options. For those seeking a quiet moment of remembrance, we also offer time and space within the clinic to honor your pet after the procedure.

Key End-of-Life Services Offered

Hospice consultations for palliative care planning
Pain management for terminal illness or age-related conditions
Compassionate pet euthanasia
Private and communal pet cremation
Emotional support and guidance throughout the process
Memorial options including urns and keepsakes
Time and space to say goodbye privately

Honoring Your Pet’s Life

End-of-life care is not only about making decisions—it’s about honoring the bond you’ve built. Our team is committed to providing reassurance, medical insight, and emotional support during this difficult time. We treat every pet and family with the same compassion we would want for our own.

If you’re uncertain about your pet’s comfort or quality of life, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can create a plan that supports both your pet’s needs and your family’s wishes.

To learn more about our pet euthanasia or pet cremation services in Fargo, ND, please contact Southgate Veterinary Hospital. We are here to help you navigate this important moment with clarity, compassion, and care.