Compassionate end of life care for pets
About Rainbow Bridge
How Rainbow Bridge Began
Many years ago, euthanasia was considered to be primarily a medical procedure to be performed in the veterinary hospital. When we discovered how much more peaceful and gentle the end of life transition could be when the process was allowed to happen at home, we knew that there had to be a better way. So, in early 2000, Dr. Anthony Smith founded Rainbow Bridge Veterinary Services, one of the first veterinary practices anywhere, dedicated solely to in-home end of life care for pets. His approach was to completely rethink the process, approaching every aspect of end of life care in a way that would ensure the family and pet’s comfort. Since then, Rainbow Bridge has been able to help thousands of people with hospice or euthanasia for their pets in the privacy of their own homes where they are able to plan ceremonies, say goodbye, or grieve in any manner they wish.
Info
Email: rainbowbridgevet@gmail.com
Tel: 510-381-3389 - this number can receive text messages
(texts answered during normal business hours)
Business Hours M-F : 8am - 6pm; Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Appointments: By advance arrangement only
The Name “Rainbow Bridge”…
We originally chose the name, Rainbow Bridge Vet Services, in homage to the popular story about what happens with our pets’ spirits when they pass on (see below for the story/poem). Since then, the “rainbow” has come to represent much more. In addition to its breathtaking beauty in nature, the rainbow has become a symbol adopted by many groups pursuing equality and representation. It reminds us to embrace our own differences and the beauty of diversity around us. For us, it also symbolizes the compassion, respect, and judgement-free care we provide for every pet and family with whom we work.
Dr. Anthony J. Smith
Although he has practiced in a variety of areas of veterinary medicine, including many years spent leading zoos and teaching veterinary technicians, Dr. Smith found his passion in helping families and their pets at the end of their lives together. He is a co-founder and past president of the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Nikki Hospice Foundation. He is also one of the very first veterinarians certified in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care.
Dr. Smith grew up here in the Bay Area, and received his Bachelor's Degree from Stanford University, his Master's in Business Administration from California State East Bay, and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis. He is a pioneer and much sought after speaker on topics related to pet end of life care, and regularly lectures and helps teach classes in the Veterinary School at UC Davis. His highest honor, though, is being allowed to help people with their pets' transition at this most intimate time in their lives together.
When not busy helping pets and their families, he enjoys rock climbing, playing guitar, and spending time with his canine companion, Hope, in the beautiful East Bay Parks, or meeting other dogs (and their humans) at Point Isabel Dog Park.
About Hope
Hope began life in the Guide Dogs for the Blind program, where she was slated to become a service dog for the visually impaired. It soon became clear that Hope was better suited to another life, and as a “Career-Change” dog, she came to live with Dr. Smith.
Her current job is to provide emotional support and grounding for Rainbow Bridge staff, so that we can continue to help families during their time of grief. Hope's favorite thing (other than food) is meeting new people and sharing her joy and love for life with them.
The Rainbow Bridge Story
In many cultures and traditions, there is a story that helps to explain what happens when a pet passes. This story has inspired our journey and passion for pet end of life care.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Bright eyes are intent; eager body quivers. Suddenly your friend begins to run from the group, flying over the green. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...
.-Edna Clyne-Rekhy