FAQ
Q: Why choose at home euthanasia?
A: Making the decision to say goodbye to your beloved pet is never easy, and choosing the right setting for the euthanasia procedure can be just as important as the decision to euthanize itself. Many pet owners choose at-home euthanasia because it offers several unique benefits that traditional clinic-based euthanasia may not.
Comfort and Peace: Your pet will be in a familiar, comfortable environment, surrounded by loved ones, and without the anxiety that can sometimes be present during a visit to a clinic.
Minimal Stress: The experience of transporting a sick or elderly pet to a veterinary clinic can be very stressful and traumatic for both you and your pet. At-home euthanasia eliminates this stress, providing a peaceful and private experience that allows you to focus on saying goodbye to your pet.
Personalized Service: At-home euthanasia allows you to personalize the experience. You can create a peaceful and loving environment for your pet's final moments, with familiar scents and sounds, favorite toys and blankets, music, and other meaningful items.
At ComPAWssionate Care, we are happy to accommodate special requests such as location or allowing time for ceremonies.
Choosing at-home euthanasia means that you and your family can be present with your pet throughout the entire process. We are committed to providing compassionate care and support throughout the process, answering any questions and helping to guide you through the grieving process.
Q: How is the process of at home euthanasia carried out?
A: When we arrive to your home, we will take some time to get to know your pet, you and your family. We will explain to you the process in detail. You will have time to ask any questions you might have.
A sedative will be injected to allow your pet to fall asleep very peacefully.
Once your beloved pet is fully sedated, an injection that will end your pet's life will be administered. Your pet will not experience any pain or discomfort as he/she will be fully sedated.
Q: Will the injection be painful for my beloved pet?
A: The first injection, the sedative, will be delivered under the skin to minimize as much as possible any discomfort. However, it is an injection and some pets might react. This will not be more uncomfortable than a vaccine and the discomfort will subside very quickly.
The injection that will help end your pet's life is not painful as your pet will be fully sedated at this point.
Q: Are there any possible undesired side effects during the procedure?
A: While the vast majority of euthanasia procedures are very peaceful, some pets can have some reactions to the medications. This can include changes in breathing patterns, panting, excitement, vocalizing, in very rare cases seizures. Again these reactions are rare, but can happen. In most cases of adverse effects, your pet is under the influence of drugs and they are not conscious of the situation.
We use a very powerful cocktail of drugs to minimize to the best of our abilities any adverse effects.
Q: How do I prepare for at-home euthanasia?
A: It's important to prepare for at-home euthanasia by creating a quiet, peaceful environment for your pet's final moments. You may want to gather any items that are comforting to your pet, such as blankets, toys, or treats. We will be happy to discuss with you any special requests.
Q: Can I do a home burial?
A: In some areas, it is legal to bury your own pet on your own property. However, it's important to check with your local authorities to ensure that there are no restrictions or specific requirements in your area.
It is the owner's responsibility to ensure local guidelines are followed.
Q: Are there any risks associated with home burial?
A: There is a small risk of groundwater contamination or other environmental issues. To minimize these risks, it's important to follow local regulations and bury your pet in a location that is well-drained and not near any water sources.
Q: Why is at-home euthanasia more expensive than at my veterinary clinic?
A: At-home euthanasia comes with several unique benefits that contribute to its higher cost compared to in-clinic euthanasia. The convenience of having the procedure done at your home, the personalized attention, the difference in medications used for sedation and the additional time are all factors that affect pricing. Additionally, at-home euthanasia requires the veterinarian's time and travel expenses, which can impact the overall cost.
Q: Is the higher cost worth it?
A: Many pet owners find the personalized and compassionate nature of at-home euthanasia to be incredibly valuable during this emotional time. Being able to say goodbye to your pet in the comfort of your own home can provide solace and peace. While the cost is higher, the level of care and support we offer is an essential part of the service we provide.
Q. I really want to say goodbye to my pet at home, but I cannot afford the service. What can I do?
A: Please reach out to us and let us know about your situation, we try our best to find a way to help owners say goodbye to their pets at home.
Q: How do I cope with the loss of my pet?
A: Coping with the loss of a pet can be difficult. It can be helpful to seek support from friends, family, or a support group, as well as taking time to grieve and remember your pet in a meaningful way. Please visit our Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Pet page for more information.
Q: What happens to my pet's body after the euthanasia process?
A: We will take your beloved pet's body with us and arrange for cremation. You will have the opportunity to choose communal or private cremation prior to the appointment.
Transporting your beloved pet with love, dignity and safety is our first priority. We believe that your beloved pet deserves a compassionate and kind last ride. Additionally, we will place your pet's body gently in a body bag as opposed to using a plastic bag.