Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences any pet owner can face. For veterinary professionals, the decision of when to say goodbye is often the most difficult yet essential conversation we have with families. It requires deep empathy, compassion, and a gentle approach, as we understand the weight of the decision and the emotional toll it can take. We consider it a true privilege to guide families through this difficult time, providing comfort and support as they make the final arrangements for their beloved pets.
The word “euthanasia” means “good death,” and as the only medical professionals authorized to provide this service, we take great pride in offering not just the technical expertise, but also the emotional care needed to ensure a peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience for your pet.
Our In-Home Pet Euthanasia Services Include:
Personal Consultation
A compassionate conversation to address your thoughts, concerns, and any questions you may have about the process of in-home euthanasia. We’re here to guide you through every step with care and clarity.
Sedation for Comfort
We understand that this moment is deeply emotional, and we want your final memory of your pet to be one of calm and comfort. A sedative will be administered to help ease your pet into a peaceful sleep, allowing them to rest peacefully before the final medication is given. This sedation also allows for owners who may not wish to be present for the final step to leave after their pet has fallen asleep, ensuring a painless and gentle transition for your pet.
Sedation Assessment
We will ensure your pet is deeply relaxed and no longer responsive to any stimuli, ensuring they are calm and comfortable for the next phase of the process.
Euthanasia
This is the final, loving gift we offer. We will proceed with the euthanasia in a way that ensures your pet’s passing is gentle, quiet, and as peaceful as possible.
Memorial Keepsakes
To help you cherish your pet’s memory, we offer keepsakes such as a clay paw print (created at home) and a lock of fur, should you desire them.
Transportation for Cremation
We provide a caring, dignified transportation service to the crematory, ensuring your pet is treated with the utmost respect.
Veterinary Notification
As a courtesy, we will notify your family veterinarian of your pet’s passing so they can update their records.
Scheduling and Appointment Information:
While we typically cannot accommodate same-day appointments, we do strive to provide in-home euthanasia services within a week, depending on availability. We understand that this is an emotional time, and we aim to make this process as smooth as possible.
For peace of mind, we recommend becoming an established patient with us. Established patients are placed on priority scheduling, which can help ensure that we are able to see you as promptly as possible during this challenging time.
What to Expect During the Appointment:
When we arrive, we will take the time to explain the procedure in detail, adjusting to your level of comfort and interest. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have during the process, and rest assured, everything will happen at a pace that you and your pet dictate.
Your pet will receive a gentle sedation injection prior to the euthanasia medication. This allows them to relax fully and enter a peaceful sleep before the final steps are taken, this takes around 10 minutes. This sedation also gives owners the option to say goodbye and leave once their pet has drifted off to sleep, if they prefer not to witness the final step.
After the sedation, you will have the opportunity to spend as much time with your pet as you need. When you feel ready, we will create a paw print and, if desired, clip a lock of fur for you to keep as a memento.
If we are handling the transportation for cremation, the veterinarian will step away briefly to give you private time. Once you are ready, your pet will be carefully placed in a soft blanket, small basket, or flat stretcher, and transported with the utmost dignity and respect.
We can also provide detailed information about when your pet’s ashes will be ready and how to handle them. Should you choose cremation, we will discuss options, including whether the crematory offers communal ashes or if you wish to explore other options for memorializing your pet, such as burial.
At every step, we are here to support you and ensure that you and your pet are treated with the utmost compassion, respect, and care during this difficult time.
