About In Home Pet Euthanasia
Owners elect in-home euthanasia for a number of reasons. Euthanizing a pet at home is generally less stressful for both the pet and the family. The setting of home is usually more comforting for the pet, travel for some pets can by physically painful or psychologically stressful for them, often a home euthanasia appointment allows additional family members to be present. If desired by the family members, children and other pets may be present during a home euthanasia appointment. If children are present during the appointment, we will make every effort to explain the process to them in age appropriate, non-religious based terms. Children may choose to be present for the entire appointment or they are welcome to excuse themselves at any time during the process if they feel uncomfortable. We try our best to make death kind and gentle and as un-scarey as possible for all family members, especially little ones. Here is a reading list for books for kids about pet loss. Visit Reading List.
The decision of when to euthanize a pet if a very personal decision for every owner. Some owners contact us knowing they would like to have a pet euthanized, some owners contact us for guidance in making this difficult decision. If you are seeking guidance, we will try to give you an objective assessment of your pet’s quality of life, and options for ongoing care. There are several ways in which a pet’s quality of life may be assessed. We like Journey’s Quality of life scale written by Katie Hilst and recommend it for owners. This quality of life scale can be done by owners in their home without our assistance.
