FAQ Home Euthanasia

Why choose in-home euthanasia? 
More and more people are learning about the beautiful option of in-home euthanasia for their pets. No one ever says they want to spend their final moments in a hospital. The comfort of home is what it’s all about. The many benefits of in-home euthanasia: 
>The presence of family and friends
>Allowing your pet to rest at home / no upsetting car ride 
>The presence of other pets 
>Grieving in private  
>The ability to set a calming atmosphere i.e. candles, music, pictures, etc  
>Location selection if very personalized / inside or outside 
>Religious freedoms 
>Home burial convenience 
>Privacy afterwards, on your terms
In-home pet euthanasia opens up many wonderful possibilities for you, your family, and your beloved pet. Together, you can decide when the time is right.


How will I know it's the right time? 

Knowing when the time may be right for euthanasia is very personal.  Your pet may go through slower age changes as they approach the natural end of their life or experience faster physical and mental changes.  What’s important is to understand what is normal and abnormal for your pet. Determining the quality of life for your pet is very individual and best determined by you and your family. There are Quality of Life worksheets that your veterinarian may be able to provide you. However, no worksheet is completely accurate and perfectly suited to every pet. The doctors listed in this directory can talk with you about the changes you see in your pet and help you determine if euthanasia is the best choice.

> Remember how your pet looked and behaved prior to the illness. Sometimes changes are gradual, and therefore hard to recognize. Look at photos or videos of your pet from before the illness.
> Mark good and bad days on a calendar. (Some may choose to distinguish morning from evening.) This could be as simple as a happy or sad face for good or bad. If the bad days start to outweigh the good, it may be time to discuss euthanasia.
> Maintain a concrete list of three to five things your pet likes to do. When your pet is no longer able to enjoy these things, it may be time to discuss euthanasia


What sorts of preparations need to be made beforehand?
Once you have made the decision to euthanize, you can then reflect on the following options:   

When should it take place?      
   …..best decided by your family and you can consult with us as well      

Who should be there?    
     …..family, friends, other pets   

Where should we gather?    
     …..inside, outside, in a favorite place, wherever the pet is comfortable 

How should it take place?    
      …..personalized ceremony, quiet setting, etc.

We will be able to help guide you in some of these decisions. For our part, we will help decide what is best for your pet given their physical condition and comfort. Ensuring your pet passes peacefully is of the utmost importance and will be considered in all decision making.


What to Expect — the procedure
The Euthanasia process begins with the veterinarian carefully assessing your pet’s condition and tailoring the procedure to meet you and your pet’s unique needs and requests.
> A medication called a sedative is first administered using a small needle under the skin. Most pets do not detect the needle but very rarely, some very sensitive pets may feel a slight sting. This sedative helps with any anxiety and discomfort your pet may feel. Gradually your pet will begin to welcome the deep sleep over the course of 5–20 minutes depending on your pet’s condition
> Once your pet is in a deep sleep the final injection will be given either in a vein in the back leg or under a towel in the belly. This second injection results in a peaceful and irreversible unconsciousness followed by loss of respiration (breathing) and ultimately stoppage of the heart. If this final injection occurs in the vein (most patients), this step can take a few seconds to several minutes. If this injection is given in the belly it can take considerably longer. The resulting transition from life to death is painless. Your veterinarian will confirm that your pet has passed using a stethoscope and listening to the heart.
> After the euthanasia, you may take as much time as you need with your pet after they have passed. You’ll have the opportunity to be with your dog or cat throughout this entire process to help him or her to be calm and comforted. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you and your pet through this very difficult time.
> We will then take care of all aftercare arrangements for you per your request which may include the option of Burial or Cremation. This allows you to focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones after you say goodbye.

Your pet’s remains will then be handled in accordance with your request. If at any point throughout the procedure you would like additional time or have any special requests we will do our best to help and give you the time you need. Our goal is to help your pet’s passing be as dignified and peaceful as possible


What kinds of animals are helped?
We provide euthanasia primarily for domestic pets such as dogs, cats, and exotics. It’s good to call and schedule an appointment.

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