FAQ

This is a general resource page to help those considering home pet euthanasia, your provider will clarify any questions you have and may have slightly different preferences, feel free to ask them when you schedule:

What can I do to help prepare for the doctors arrival?

Great question! Please make sure that the doctor can reach your home! For example, enclosed yards with guard dogs will delay the appointment. Also consider leaving space for the doctor to park their car in your driveway or right in front of your home if possible. Regarding your pet, its always helpful to choose ahead of time where in the home or yard that you would like the procedure to take place. Sometimes the pet will make that decision and we can do it where they are most comfortable. If we are in the home, please close any doors to bedrooms and bathrooms or block off access to stairs if you can.

For dogs, its helpful to have a poofy large comforter on hand for the doctor to use. For cats, a large towel or thick blanket can be helpful. Know that once the pet is sedated, often they really relax and can release their urine and feces onto the floor, so having a towel or potty pad underneath them, or being on non-absorbent flooring is helpful but not required. Also! Prior to our arrival, you can give your pet treats, but please refrain from over-filling the pet with food. Sometimes food distraction during the appointment is helpful, and we want them still a bit hungry when we arrive!

Having good lighting with lights on is helpful, opening curtains or shades, as often the doctor needs to find a vein for the final injection for your pet.

Once I have scheduled an appointment, what can I expect during the appointment?* This may vary between providers*

When you schedule, there will often be an arrival window. When scheduling, please let the team know of any behavior concerns/aggression or specific areas to avoid that are painful for your pet. Once the doctor is on their way, please consider if you have other pets who are aggressive in the household, that is the time to place them in a separate room. For small dogs or cats, please have a thick towel or small blanket available; for medium or large dogs please have a comforter or large thick blanket available and set aside for the doctor to use. This will be in addition to any blankets your pet is already laying on.

Once we arrive, we will explain the procedure to everyone present. We then fully sedate the pet. This releases discomfort and really allows them to relax over the next 5 - 30 minutes. Often they will be more comfortable than they have been in many months. While rare, some pets as they are sedating can nip someone as they may not be fully aware of what they are doing, so at this point we ask that you refrain from placing your face or hands near the pets’ mouth. Once sedated, their eyes do often remain open, which is normal with this medication. They can also release urine and feces starting at this time, so having a potty pad or towel underneath them is helpful. Then we give the euthanasia, and pets pass within 1-30 minutes, depending on the pet, their type of illness, and blood circulation. We will offer you time if you want to be alone with your pet after the procedure and before they are transported for cremation. Once you agree the timing is okay for you, we will then transport your pet for cremation.

What are the body aftercare options?

We will transport your pet to the crematory. Your pet can be cremated by itself with cremains placed in an urn for you, and available within 7-21 days, depending on provider. Alternatively, your pet can be cremated along with a group of other pets with no ashes returned.

Can I bury my pet?

Possibly. We are not involved in the process of transporting or preparing the body for home burial. In the case of home burial, it will be your responsibility entirely, so here are some guidelines to help: research local and county ordinances for restrictions and call your local utilities to mark your yard as there may be gas or water lines buried underground. There may be other requirements not outlined here and it will be your responsibility to find and follow them. An adequate burial depth is generally three to five feet, but when in doubt go deeper, as the euthanasia solution is deadly to other animals. In general at least three feet of soil should cover the body. This is not a guarantee the pet will not be dug back up, so use your best judgement with your knowledge of the pets and predators that are in your area.

Should children be present?

This will be completely up to you and what you are comfortable with. Some parents prefer having a separate caregiver so that the parent is able to fully be present with their pet without distraction. Other parents want the children involved, which really can add to the specialness as you remember all of the very best times together. Whatever you choose is perfect for your family. We just ask that children be supervised, stay away from the doctors bag, and be kept out of reach during the time of injections. Additionally, while rare, some pets as they are sedating can nip someone as they may not be fully aware of what they are doing. So its best to keep your children away from the pets mouth. Consider ahead of time answers to the questions about pets and dying, heaven, “what is happening?” and “where is my pet going?” and we will follow your lead on whatever answers you provide. We try not to use the term “putting the pet to sleep” as it can then make the child afraid to go to sleep….

Can other pets be present?

Absolutely! They are part of the family. As long as the other pets allow the doctor to proceed without interfering, they are welcome to be present. This is one of the beautiful, connecting moments for the other pets and it allows them to also say goodbye. Rambuctious, aggressive or protective pets may need to be kept in a separate area during the procedure and are welcome to come back out to say goodbye once the doctor has completed the procedure and has stepped outside to allow you some alone time.

Can I feed my pet?

Yes! People often give McDonalds, and many other types of junk food prior to our arrival as a final gift to their pet. If they are hungry, you can feed them, but try to leave some room in their stomach in case we need to distract with a further meal while receiving their sedation injection. Be aware if you give these items too early prior to the appointment, the pet may develop diarrhea.

Can we have Prayer, or a Spiritual Ceremony while you are here?

Yes, practitioners honor all compassionate religious and Spiritual practices. When the doctor arrives, just let them know how they can best help.