What will happen at the appointment ?

• As this is already a difficult time for you and your family, knowing what to expect can help ease the stress and anxiety.

• The Veterinarian will arrive at the scheduled time of the appointment. Any paperwork signing and payment will be addressed first so as to not interfere with your alone time with your pet. 

• You pet will first receive an injection under the skin that will offer pain control and heavy sedation. This will take around 5-15 minutes before your pet is sedated.

• Once you and your pet are ready, the veterinarian will administer the euthanasia medication which is an overdose of an anesthetic medication via a vein on a leg or a large vessel in the belly that will slow, then stop the heart. 

• Your pet will pass away peacefully within minutes. The veterinarian will confirm that the heart has stopped and you can take as much time as you need with your pet.

• Once you are ready and have said your goodbyes, the veterinarian will gently prepare your pet’s body for transport. 

• The appointment will likely last anywhere from 20-60 minutes.

When is it time to say goodbye ?

This is a difficult question to answer. You know your pet more than anybody else. We recommend watching for signs that signal your pet is not happy anymore or might be in pain. We recommend referring to the resources page of this website and use the quality of life scale we have posted. 

Should other pets be there ?

That decision is completely up to you. If they are not disruptive, they can absolutely be present.  It is not possible to tell your pet that their friend has passed away. They really need to discover it for themselves, and being present during the death is the best way. If you choose for them to be absent, we do recommend you give them a chance to see the body afterwards. 

Should I allow my kids to be present ?
This is a personal choice depending on age of your children and their understanding of death. Kids often grow up with the beloved pet and do not know life without them. We recommend being open and honest about your pet’s illness and death and involve them in the decision making process as much as possible.

If children choose to not be present, perhaps they could share pictures or stories of the pet beforehand, or they may wish to see the pet’s body afterwards for closure and a final goodbye.

How long will everything take ?

We generally allow one hour per appointment. But the entire process can take as little as 20 minutes or so. We’ll make arrangements to be there as long as you need. You just let us know what you need and we can schedule our time accordingly. 

Do I need to be present for the entire appointment?

This is a personal choice. Most people want to witness the entire process and be there for their pet. Some choose to say goodbye after the sedation has taken effect and leave the room before the final euthanasia solution has been administered. And, occasionally some people do not want to witness any of it and say goodbye to their pet before the sedation. In this instance. Feel free to communicate your comfort level with the veterinarian and we will accommodate you. We understand what a difficult time this is for families, and our goal is to make this process as peaceful as possible for you and your beloved pet.

What is the difference between in-home euthanasia and euthanasia performed at a veterinary clinic ?

In home euthanasia removes the stress of transporting your sick/painful pet into a stressful clinic and have their last moments might be met with anxiety. It also allows your pet to be surrounded by family in their natural environment. It lets you grieve the way you want to with a level of privacy that isn’t possible in a veterinary hospital. 

Can my pet eat before the euthanasia procedure ?

Yes, they can eat before the procedure as well as eat some treats when we arrive at the appointment. We would recommend not feeding a very large meal right before we arrive. They may become nauseous once the sedative starts to kick in. If you want to feed a larger than usual meal we would recommend doing it at least 2 hours before the procedure or the night before.

Does pet euthanasia hurt ?

Not at all. After receiving the initial sedative your pet will be under anesthesia. They will be sleeping peacefully, unaware of their surroundings and free of any pain. Most pet owners comment that they haven’t seen their pet this comfortable in months or years.

Will pet insurance cover in-home euthanasia?

This is based on the company that insures your pet. You should contact them before the appointment to understand what they cover. We provide an itemized invoice that you should submit to them after an appointment if you are looking to file a claim.

How is payment made ?

An invoice will be texted to you before the appointment. However, you can submit the payment after the appointment. Preferred payment method is zelle, however we do accept credit cards as well. Financing or payment plans are available through scratchpay.