Mobile Vet Euthanasia
When you are ready, one of our empathetic veterinary doctors will have an open, honest, and compassionate discussion about your pet’s quality of life. We consider these conversations to be among the most challenging and significant aspects of our profession. Our seasoned veterinary care teams can help you navigate in-home pet euthanasia services for your beloved pet.
Reasons for At-Home Pet Euthanasia
If you have an elderly or ailing pet, you may conclude that a humane euthanasia solution is in your pet’s best interest. Our sympathetic in-home pet euthanasia procedure will help your dog or cat cross the rainbow bridge with dignity, surrounded by their loved ones. We strive to make this emotional and challenging time as personalised and comfortable as possible, within the privacy of your home. Euthanizing your pet at home allows them to be in their favourite location, eliminates the need for travel, and enables your entire family to be present when appropriate. Humane euthanasia is a difficult subject, and your family’s process will be unique to you. We are here to help and feel privileged to assist in your pet’s peaceful passing.
Our Humane Euthanasia Process - What to Expect
Our compassionate veterinarians, along with an assistant, will come to your home to ensure you and your pet can stay together in a tranquil, comfortable, and private environment. All your love and focus can be directed towards your furry family member during this emotional time. The entire appointment typically lasts 20-45 minutes, allowing us to proceed at your pace without hurrying through any part of the process.
Your veterinarian will start the appointment by explaining the in-home pet euthanasia procedure, allowing time for you to discuss any questions or concerns. The entire process is tailored to your preferences and comfort level. We can carry out the procedure in the area of your home where you and your pet are most at ease, be it on the living room floor, a family room couch, or even outdoors in suitable weather conditions (above 50 degrees and not raining).
When you are ready for us to start the home euthanasia procedure, your pet will receive an injection containing a pain reliever mixed with a heavy sedative to help them stay calm and comfortable. As the sedative takes effect, usually within 5-15 minutes, you’ll notice your pet’s pain decrease as they continue to relax. You and your family can be right by their side the entire time, holding them, talking to them, and touching them throughout the entire appointment.
Once your pet is asleep or completely relaxed, we place a pad underneath them to protect your floor/furniture, as some pets may release urine or stool as they cross the rainbow bridge. You’ll have another opportunity to share one last memory before your veterinarian places an IV catheter for the final injection. The entire at-home pet euthanasia procedure is a painless and peaceful process for your pet, much like falling into a deep sleep.
Pet Aftercare and Cremation
After your pet has transitioned over the rainbow bridge, we will give you time and space to spend a few more moments together. If cremation is chosen, we will wrap your pet in a blanket and gently place them on our stretcher or basket before transporting them out of your home and to the crematorium. For larger dogs, we may ask for your help carrying them out on our stretcher or have a representative from the pet crematorium assist us with the transportation.
Quality-of-Life Assessment for Dogs and Cats
If you are grappling with decisions about your pet’s end-of-life care, a Quality-of-Life Consultation is often a good starting point. This appointment includes a thorough discussion with one of our veterinarians and a comprehensive review of your pet’s health history. We will provide feedback on your pet’s functioning and comfort level, and together we can devise a plan that best suits your pet’s interest. We aim to grant you peace of mind about how to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
The euthanasia process is virtually painless. The first step is a sedative to ease your pet into a calm and pain-free state. The remainder of the process is akin to your pet falling into a deep and peaceful sleep.
Each pet is different, but generally, if your pet is unable to move freely, is having difficulty breathing, or seems to be in chronic pain or distress, it might be time to consider humane euthanasia. If you are unsure what the best care plan is for your pet, this would be a good time to schedule a Quality of Life Consultation with one of our veterinarians.
In-home euthanasia allows your pet to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their home, surrounded by family and other pets. When our compassionate veterinary team comes to you, there is no stress associated with driving to the vet clinic, either for you or your pet. In-home pet euthanasia allows you to take your time saying goodbye to your pet in a private setting, and the process can be tailored according to your wishes and comfort level.
The choice is yours if you want to keep your pet with you after the procedure. If you opt for cremation, we will bring your pet with us and take care of the arrangements. If you choose a communal cremation, your pet’s ashes will not be returned to you. If you prefer private cremation, you can arrange to pick up your pet’s ashes or have them delivered to you. Please refer to our other Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about our services and the benefits of in-home veterinary care.
We encourage you and other family members to stay with your pet during the in-home euthanasia process. Your veterinarian will explain what to expect during the entire procedure and ensure you feel comfortable moving forward with each step.
The ideal place to perform in-home euthanasia is a familiar environment where your pet feels the most comfortable. This could be one of your pet’s favourite spots – their bed, on the couch, or even outside if temperatures are above 50 and it’s not raining. Humane euthanasia at home allows you to make this decision for your pet.
The in-home euthanasia process takes approximately 30-45 minutes, but your veterinarian will be more than happy to take as long as you need. First, your veterinarian will administer a sedative to relax your pet, which takes about 5-15 minutes to take effect. When your pet is in a calm and sleepy state, you can spend more time with your pet before the final injection, which usually takes 30-60 seconds. Your veterinarian will be there to support and comfort you and your pet during this peaceful transition.
A veterinarian will visit your home and administer medication to peacefully euthanize your pet. The process involves sedation to ensure comfort.
