You will have an appointment window at your home that will be scheduled with in advance. You can either make your appointment online or via communication with Dr. Sarah directly. Prior to or when you make your appointment you may ask questions about when is the right time to let your pet pass if you are not sure. (See When Is the Right Time? section)

It is not uncommon for animals with long term disease processes to decompensate rapidly towards the end of their lives. If this happens it can make having an in-home euthanasia for your pet more difficult to achieve if he or she is in an emergency situation.

A euthanasia should be considered an emergency if your pet is having trouble breathing, is in an unbearable amount of pain, is persistently seizuring, or is suddenly collapsed.

Dr. Sarah will arrive during the scheduled window. She will text or call ahead with an ETA. She appreciates having the opportunity to meet your pet at his or her own home. Dr. Sarah enjoys learning some of the things that make your pet unique or hearing any special stories you want to share. She will also take time to answer any questions you may have at this time.

Dr. Sarah will discuss the process and what to expect. She will also discuss what area of the home or yard you wish to be for the euthanasia. She will then ask you to sign a consent form which gives us permission to proceed forward with the euthanasia. The consent form also asks you to verify that your pet has not bitten anyone in the past 10 days which is a state law requirement.

We prefer to do the payment before the visit via an emailed invoice which most pet owners prefer as it makes it easier for them to focus on their pet during the euthanasia and will give them the opportunity to grieve privately and peacefully afterwards. However, we can also take care of payment at the visit if you prefer, especially for checks or cash.

Before the euthanasia is performed Dr. Sarah will sedate your pet. Sedation is the process of giving medications which will make your pet extremely sleepy and relaxed. This sedated period will allow you to have a transition period with your pet where you can sit with him or her in a state where they are calm, comfortable, and sleeping deeply.

Sedation is typically given as an injection with a small needle under the skin. In some small dogs we may start with oral sedation prior to the injection of sedation. In cats we may also discuss giving the sedation either as an injection or orally. The sedation does not hurt any more than a tiny needle poke (almost like getting a vaccine) which is over quickly and once that is done they will fall asleep comfortably as the sedation takes effect. The sedation time may vary between 5-15 minutes typically. If we break it into two stages then it may take slightly longer. During the process of sedation we may see deeper breaths, some small muscle twitches, and many pets do not close their eyes all the way. These are completely normal effects from the sedation.

The euthanasia solution is administered once the pet is no longer conscious or aware (anesthetized) and you are ready. We will communicate with you along the way to make sure you know what is coming next.

The euthanasia solution is most often given intravenously in most dogs and cats. If getting access to a vein in your pet may be difficult (such as with pets that are small, very dehydrated, severe swelling of limbs, etc.) then we may opt to give the euthanasia drug as an injection into the abdomen. If this is the case, you can rest assured that your pet will not feel this injection. With this process the euthanasia may take longer, a few to several minutes rather than just a couple but will be a relaxed and calm euthanasia process. Many pet owners appreciate this time to hold their pet and say their final goodbyes.

When your pet passes you will first notice your pet's breathing cease. In a few minutes, the heart will follow. Sometimes there will be post-life breathing motions or muscle twitching. These are normal reflex motions that occur after your pet is deceased. Dr. Sarah will confirm your pet's death with a stethoscope.

The majority of the time death will occur gently and peacefully with the injectable sedatives and euthanasia medications that we use. These drugs have been developed just for this purpose. On rare occasions there can be some adverse reactions.

If you have any concerns, please feel free to discuss them with Dr. Sarah before or during your appointment.

If you do not wish Dr. Sarah to take your pet then she will leave you and your family with your pet to celebrate his or her life and to mourn his or her passing. We recognize how huge this day is to your family and the impact that your pet's death will have on your lives. We want you to be able to grieve comfortably and privately.

If we are taking your pet for cremation purposes Dr. Sarah will step outside to give you time to grieve alone as a family. When she returns she will respectfully carry your pet outside to her vehicle. Dr. Sarah will arrange to have your pet brought to the crematorium.

Dr. Sarah has a stretcher to help move larger pets. For dogs over 40 pounds she requires that you have someone who can help her lift your pet into her vehicle or for an additional charge and with advance notice she can have an or can arrange for the crematory to pick up directly from you.

If you requested to have your pet's ashes returned there are several options. Typically Dr. Sarah will have the crematory call you when the ashes are ready and you can arrange to pick them up at the crematorium directly. If this is not something you wish to do we can also arrange for the ashes to be mailed to you. Dr. Sarah promises to treat your pet's remains carefully and with dignity and respect.

Please refer to the Cremation Services Page for more information about the cremation process.