Our Mission: Bringing Peace
In-home euthanasia
Focused on a peaceful passing.
There is no doubt about it. The decision to tell your beloved pet goodbye is one of the most gut-wrenchingly difficult ones you will ever make in your life. I know. I have helped hundreds of families navigate this journey in my more than 20 years as a veterinarian. I have traveled this road myself, as a grieving pet parent. There is just nothing easy about it. In my years of experience, though, I have found that some paths are easier than others.
Peace can be hard to feel in our hearts as we set about this journey. Whether we are unsure of our decision, experiencing anticipatory grief, worried about what the process of euthanasia is like and what your pet’s experience might be- or all of the above and then some- I am focused on helping your pet and your family find just a bit more peace through the process.
First and foremost, coming to your home to provide euthanasia for your pet allows them to remain in a place that they are most at peace. No scary or uncomfortable last car rides. No walking into a vet’s office full of anxiety producing sounds, smells and memories. There will be no last heft up onto a cold metal table. This isn’t the environment I would choose for my pets. I wouldn’t choose a hospital environment for my own passing. There is a reason that more humans are choosing to spend the end of their lives at home. It is where we- just like our pets- are most comfortable and the least afraid. We can relax into our passing with loved ones around us, in a familiar place, in comfort and privacy. Our pet’s can and do experience this also.
Additionally, the home environment is where you are most comfortable. You are not bombarded by the noises and people of a busy vet clinic. There is no need to duck out quickly so as to not show tears to the happy family with a new puppy waiting for vaccines. I do not have to rush. A technician will never knock on the door and call me away for an emergency. I will always have time to answer your questions about anything you need to ask. I will always be able to focus on your pet and your family, with undivided attention. In this important moment, I am your vet, and your vet only. This is what you and your baby deserve. I sincerely see it as an honor to be a part of this intimate moment, and work my hardest to bring the dignity that the occasion demands.
The focus will always be on a peaceful passing for your pet, and in that way, I hope to bring just a little more peace to you, too.
The process
Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety.
When I arrive for our appointment, I will take time to introduce myself, see if you have any questions about anything (from the process, to your decision, to anything else you might think of about this difficult situation). I will go ahead and get the consent form completed, any forms for the crematorium, if you choose this option, and take payment. From that point on, we can be totally focused on your baby.
I am always glad to go wherever your pet feels most comfortable, and where you are most comfortable. I have even been in master closets and under kitchen tables for pets that were most content to rest in these places.
The only part of the procedure that my patients have any awareness of at all is the shot of sedative the receive, usually in their hip, which is similar to a rabies vaccine. This may sting a little, but I always do my best to minimize that, keep them distracted during the shot, and have it over with as quickly as possible. After this, I will back away so that the family can hold or pet their baby and provide them comfort as they get gradually sleepier and sleepier over about 10-15 minutes. Once the sedative has fully taken effect, they will not feel any pain or discomfort or anxiety. They will be asleep enough that they could have a minor surgery. Only once they have reached this point will I prepare and place a small IV catheter which will allow me to give the medication that helps them pass. This is usually very quick, and most pets will have passed by the time I finish the giving the medicine, or within just a few minutes afterwards. I always take my time listening to their chest carefully so I can let you know that everything is quiet and that they have passed.
I am always happy to make a hand painted custom clay paw print for your pet, and no additional charge. I take these with me at the end of our visit, so that I can add their name and the year, in any color you like. Because I work on these in my limited free time, it is usually about a 12-week turnaround on these. I will either hand deliver or overnight it to you, depending on my schedule when it is ready. I will text or email to let you know which way to be looking for it when the time comes.
If you require help with aftercare (i.e., cremation), I will prepare your pet for travel on a stretcher with soft blankets, when you are prepared for me to do so.
