FAQs

Answers to commonly asked questions

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Why In Home Euthanasia?

By opting for in home euthanasia, you have the flexibility to schedule your pet’s appointment at a time convenient for everyone. Your pet will be most comfortable in their own surroundings, making them more relaxed and less anxious, with family and familiar smells.

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How do we know when it is "time"?

The discussion of when to say “good by” is the most difficult, but most important conversation you can have with your veterinarian. It is our privilege to walk this path with you and offer some thoughts for you to consider when it is time.

 Has your pet begun to lose interest in playing, in favorite foods and treats or has your pet become withdrawn or seem uncomfortable?  Is your pet is generally experiencing more bad times than good times, then it might be the right time to consider euthanasia. 

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What are pre-medications and why are they necessary?

Premedications are used to reduce anxiety, make the patient more relaxed, and reduce awareness prior to euthanasia. In some cases, premedication may begin with oral medications administered before we arrive, but in most cases, we administer them by injection as part of the visit.

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How should we prepare for the visit?

Feed and medicate your pet as usual several hours or more before the house call. Favorite treats are permitted right up until and during the visit. Before we arrive, give your pet a chance to relieve themselves. 

It is a good idea to include other family pets, as it will reduce healing time for them. Most families prefer to arrange a fluffy blanket or similar soft place on the floor in the family room, where they can gather around their pet during the procedure.

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What can we expect when the veterinarian arrives?

Dr. Dan and Sandy do most house calls together. We will arrive, meet your pet, your family, and discuss your pet’s medical history. We will explain the entire process and take care of any paperwork. The entire process should take between 30-45 minutes, but we will allow more time if you need it. 

When you are ready, we will first sedate and relax your pet with a combination of premedications. Whether in your lap, in your arms, or surrounded by family, this is the time when your pet will drift out of consciousness in a warm, comfortable manner. After this, when you are ready, we will administer a final injection, which take about 30 – 60 seconds to take effect.  The process will ensure that your pet’s last moments are peaceful and pain free offering a peaceful, end of life experience for your pet.

After the procedure is complete, spend as much time as needed with your pet. When you are ready, we can clip some fur, make a clay paw print, and/or transport your pet for cremation.  It is best for your family to make these decisions prior to the veterinarian’s arrival.

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Should children be present during my pet’s euthanasia?

Children should always have the opportunity to say goodbye, rather than coming home to an empty house. In our experience, children over 5 or 6 years old are amazingly resilient, and we are impressed by the heavenly comments they make. Of course, you alone are the best person to make this decision. Some parents choose to have their children at home, but in a different room for the sedation and/or actual procedure. This ensures the children are insulated from the parent's emotions, which are typically more difficult for a child to deal with than the actual loss. After the euthanasia, the children are able to say goodbye before the pet is taken away. Feedback from parents indicates this is much easier on the children and parents. Children younger than 5 or 6 years old seem unsure about what is going on, and are often more upset by their parent's emotions than the loss of their pet. Still, honesty is usually the best policy, including at this age.  This information regarding children was provided courtesy of Lap of Love: www.lapoflove.com.

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If Dr. Dan is not available, who can we call?

If we cannot get to you in a timely manner, then you can call your pet’s regular veterinarian, your closest veterinary emergency clinic, or another house call veterinarian. We've provided a list of area vets below.