Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know when it's time?

As pet owners, we carry the responsibility of making crucial—often tough—decisions for our pets' well-being. Euthanasia may be necessary when pets face severe, untreatable pain, have difficulty with basic functions like eating or resting comfortably, lose interest in their favorite activities, or exhibit behavioral changes that suggest a decline in their quality of life. Here are some tools that may assist you in navigating this challenging decision:

Identify the top five activities your pet loved throughout their life. Write them down and, when your pet can no longer enjoy three or more of these activities, it may indicate a significant decline in quality of life, prompting many veterinarians to recommend euthanasia.

Good Days vs. Bad Days: Pets often experience a mix of good and bad days, making it hard to gauge their overall condition. Keeping track of your pet's days can provide clarity. Mark good days with a check and bad days with an X on your calendar. This simple method can help you recognize when your pet is having more difficult days than joyful ones.

Use a quality of life scale, such as:

Ohio State's "How Will I know When It's Time" worksheet

How do I prepare for the appointment?

Appointments can be scheduled by phone (call or text to get started). You can also schedule online, where our booking form will tell us more about your family's specific needs. Payment is typically collected at the time of scheduling or at the start of your visit. We request payment in advance so you can then focus your attention entirely on your pet. We accept cash or card.

In the days leading up to your appointment, spend some quality time with your pet, incorporating their favorite activities—whether it’s special treats, outdoor adventures, or extra snuggles.

It is helpful to plan for the other pets in your home. You may want to keep them in a separate room to focus fully on your pet. However, if another pet is calm and provides comfort to you or to your pet, they can stay in the room during the procedure.

When discussing this with children, be honest about what’s happening while considering their age and maturity. Reflect on whether their presence would bring comfort or become a distraction for you during this important time.

For more guidance on including your child and supporting them through the grieving process, please visit our Pet Loss Support section.

What happens during the appointment?

What happens during my in home euthanasia appointment?

Once the doctor arrives, a gentle assessment of your pet will be performed to make sure that they are comfortable and calm. After this, you will sign a consent form and payment will be collected, if not already settled. Payment is collected before the procedure to allow you to focus on your pet during the process without any financial concerns afterward.

The procedure itself can take place wherever you and your pet feel most comfortable, whether on a favorite bed in the living room or outside in a beloved spot. After confirming your wishes for aftercare, your pet will likely receive a series of sedative injections to help them relax and gently transition into sleep. These medications typically take 15 minutes or less to take effect. Once your pet is peacefully asleep, an additional medication will be administered to gently stop their heart and breathing. Depending on the route of administration, the time for this process will vary. We strive to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible, but adjustments or additional medication may occasionally be needed.

After the procedure, you will be offered some time to say your final goodbyes. We will then prepare your pet's body for transport to the cremation facility or assist you with preparations for burial, whichever you prefer. If Premium Private Cremation is chosen, your pet's ashes will be returned to you, often within a few days.

Click here to see services, prices and how to schedule your appointment.