Euthanasia and Cremation

Facing the euthanasia of a beloved family pet can be excruciatingly painful. It is something that is very difficult for me when it's one of my own pets, so I know how hard it is to make that decision.

If a pet is no longer enjoying life because of disease or age-related problems, it is up to a responsible and caring human family member to make the toughest decision we ever have to make for our pets. I truly believe that our pets depend on us to make that choice for them when the time is right.

I believe it is a final gift I can give an animal, and I feel very fortunate to have people look to me for guidance and support at such a difficult time. I hope to make such a sad and painful time as easy and comforting for the pet and the family as possible.

No at-home euthanasias; suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. (I therefore offer at-home euthanasia, because I believe everyone is more comfortable, especially the pet. The clients are able to grieve in the privacy of their own home, and I don't have to worry about anyone trying to drive home afterwards.)

I always give a sedative to the pet first; they are usually asleep before I make the injection of an overdose of a strong anesthetic. I discuss the procedure with the family first, so everyone feels as prepared as possible.

If a client asks me to care for the pet's body, I have the body cremated. The client has a choice of a communal cremation (no ashes returned) or, for a higher fee, an individual cremation with the pet's ashes returned to my clinic in a small container. Many clients choose to scatter the ashes in a favorite spot that they and the pet loved; others find very attractive containers (I've been told that Hobby Lobby is a great place to look) to keep the pet's ashes in at home.

Please contact me to ask any questions you'd like answered. A website you may find helpful is The Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement.