FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Listed below are frequently asked questions about our services. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

DO YOU TREAT EXOTIC OR LARGE ANIMALS?

Our Hospice/Palliative service is predominantly focused on companion dogs and cats. In home euthanasia services are available for other small species (Ferrets, Rabbits, Rodents) on a case by case basis, but unfortunately we cannot offer services to most large animals (Horses, Cows, Pigs). Please contact us to discuss if you have questions about your pet.

DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?

We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards but unfortunately we are not able to offer payment plans at this time.

DO YOU OFFER PET INSURANCE?

We do not provide pet insurance but we encourage clients to purchase insurance for their pets. Pawlicy Advisor is a website that can be used to research various insurance plans. Unfortunately, most of our services will not be covered by a new policy if your pet was not enrolled prior to becoming ill.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE?

Hospice is basically end of life care, focusing predominantly on comfort and quality of life for as long as possible along with caregiver education and support. Palliative Care is more like supportive care, predominantly focusing on supporting the pet and caregiver through a recoverable illness or long-term chronic disease - typically done in association with continued diagnostics and treatment through the primary care veterinarian.

WHO IS ALLOWED TO BE PRESENT FOR AN IN HOME EUTHANASIA APPOINTMENT?

All caretakers, family, children, friends and other pets that wish to be present are welcome to attend. Keep in mind, when deciding who will attend, this can be a very emotional experience and should be as calm peaceful as possible for the pet and everyone involved.

WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR CHILDREN AND/OR OTHER PETS DURING AND AFTER A EUTHANASIA?

Whether to allow children or other pets to attend an In Home Euthanasia is a very personal decision and depends greatly on the age, temperament, and emotional state of the children or other pets. Please see the Resources section of the website or contact us for further information.

THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HAVING A PET EUTHANIZED, CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT I SHOULD EXPECT?

The goal of any Euthanasia, especially in home, is to provide a dignified peaceful passing for the pet. We start by giving a sedative injection under the skin. In some cases the pet will become dysphoric from the sedation - which is typically exhibited as trying to stand or wobbly walking, lifting their head and looking around, and licking their lips or yawning, but this usually passes quickly. Then the pet will lay down and slowly relax until they are not responsive to any stimulation. This typically takes 10-20 minutes. Then the pet will be given another injection that is an overdose of a sedative, causing their breathing and heart to stop. The pet typically passes peacefully and after they are gone everything in the body relaxes, often their eyes will remain open and they may lose control of their bowels. This can be scary for many people to anticipate, but most often it is relieving to see the pet finally peaceful and at rest. After the pet has passed private time will be provided to visit and collect any memorial items that are wanted.

WHAT ARE COMMON MEMORIAL ITEMS?

Common pet memorial items are clay paw prints, ink paw and/or nose prints, fur clippings, paintings, memorial photo shoot, memorial jewelry or art with incorporated cremated remains, urns, garden stones, head stones, replica stuffed animals, pet picture blankets, etc. Please refer to the Resources section of this website or the McAlister-Smith website for further information.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY PET AFTER THEY PASS?

Most often caretakers choose to have their pet cremated. We work with McAlister-Smith Pet Cremation Service, who offer Private Cremation, Separate Cremation, and Communal Cremation (options will be discussed further at the visit or you can review their website - listed on the home page of this website). If you prefer to use another cremation service that can be arranged. If you prefer to bury your pet please check the local ordinances for any rules or regulations on this. If you prefer to have time with your pet after they pass please notify us before your visit and we can make recommendations for viewing options.