in-home euthanasia
In-Home Euthanasia -Gentle, Dignified Goodbyes
One of the greatest responsibilities of having a pet is ensuring that your pet does not suffer needlessly. When your dog or cat has a painful condition that cannot be treated, a terminal illness that has reached the end stages, or has become too old and disabled to enjoy life, you may choose to help your pet pass peacefully from this world. We know this can be a very difficult decision. Follow this link to get more information on how to know when it's the right time.
How Will I Know When It's Time to Euthanize My Pet?
When the time does come for your pet to cross the “Rainbow Bridge,” Dr. Erin and her staff will professionally and compassionately guide you through the difficult process of pet euthanasia.
Many questions arise when a pet parent considers euthanizing a beloved dog or cat friend. We have addressed some of these questions on this page, and we can answer all of your questions and concerns by text, phone, or email.
When is it time?
Deciding when to say goodbye is never easy. The signs below can help you recognize when your pet’s quality of life is declining, and it may be time to consider euthanasia as a compassionate option.
- Difficulty breathing
- Showing signs of pain
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat/drink
- Severe mobility issues or inability to stand/walk
- Incontinence or inability to stay clean
- Sudden or chronic weight loss
- Loss of interest in family or favorite activities
- No longer enjoying life, with more bad days than good
If you’re unsure about your pet’s condition, feel free to reach out by text, phone call, or email for guidance. We also offer Quality of Life assessments, where Dr. Erin will come to your home and evaluate your pet’s comfort, mobility, appetite, and overall well-being. During the visit, Dr. Erin will discuss your concerns, review care options, and help you make a compassionate, informed decision that’s right for both you and your pet.
Services Included in a Euthanasia Appointment
- Travel to your home.
- Consultation with Dr. Erin, ensuring all your questions have been answered.
- Explanation of the entire process, so you feel at peace with proceeding.
- Gentle sedation of your pet and confirmation that your pet is asleep & comfortable.
- Placement of an intravenous (i.v.) catheter, when this is the best option for your pet.
- Time for you to be with your pet and say your goodbyes.
- Calm, gentle euthanasia when you and your pet are ready for this final act of love.
- Transportation of your deceased pet to the pet cremation facility.
After Care
You have options when caring for your pet's remains. We can arrange transportation of your pet's body to a local, family-owned pet cremation service. They offer communal cremation with other pets or individual cremation with return of your pet's cremains in an urn of your choosing. There are also many options for memorializing your pet, including paw prints, fur clippings, pendants, blown glass, and other artwork.
If you'd like to bury your pet at home, please check your local laws, ordinances, and HOA covenants.
Pricing
- Pre-visit consultation: $0. Dr. Erin and veterinary nurse Leanne are available to address your questions and concerns by text, email, or phone, at no charge.
- Quality of Life consultation: $350
- In-home euthanasia: prices range from $299 to $399, depending on your location (a travel fee may be added for long distances - please text us your address for a precise cost estimate)
- Communal cremation with other pets (no cremains returned): $175
- Private cremation with return of your pet's cremains in an urn, a paw print, and a fur clipping: $250 - $350, depending upon chosen package.
Click here to see cremation package options.
The Last Battle - author unknown
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years;
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Bring to me those who to my needs will tend,
Only, stay with me till the end,
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.