Frequently Asked Questions

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The cost of the in home euthanasia visit is $380 on weekdays, and $450 on weekends or holidays.  This price includes the home visit, consultation with the veterinarian, injectable anesthetic, and euthanasia itself. 

Aftercare depends on your preference.  Communal cremation (cremation without askes returned) is $175.  Private cremation, which includes a choice of one of four urns, and a keepsake pawprint in clay is $350.  

Vancouver, Washington, and the surrounding areas.  If you have questions as to your area, please contact us.

The best resource for this question is you and your pet's regular veterinarian.  You both know your pet well and can work together to determine if your pet is in pain.  There are often subtle changes that can indicate that your pet is nearing the end of life, such as:

• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty walking, standing
• Decreased interaction with loved ones
• Lack of interest in things they usually enjoy
• Incontinence, fecal or urinary
• Attitude changes, aggression, confusion
• Increased panting, difficulty breathing
• Lack of grooming, especially in cats

I often tell clients to mark a calendar with good and bad days.  Once the bad days outnumber the good days, it is time to decide to let them go peacefully.  This can be difficult because we often get caught up in the "good days' and cannot let them go.  This is a normal feeling.  But when you have an objective measurement of their enjoyment of life, it is easier and relieves a lot of guilt when you make the decision for euthanasia.  Some charts allow you to "score" the quality of life for your pet.  Using these with your judgment, your veterinarian's care, and a calendar indicate your pet's readiness to say goodbye.

This is a tricky question, and there is no straightforward answer.  You know your child best.  I believe a child should have the right to say goodbye to their pet and that parents should be transparent about what is happening.  Whether or not to be present for the procedure depends on the child's maturity and emotional development.  The process itself is very peaceful, but as with anything in life, there can be minor hiccups that may be scary for a young child.  Strong emotions from the parent can also be overwhelming for children, so sometimes in young age groups, it is best to let them say goodbye before and after the procedure has been performed.  However, this decision is very personal, and I am here to support you and make it as easy as possible for everyone involved.

Being at home preserves your pet in a familiar and comfortable environment while giving you the time, room, and privacy to say goodbye in your own way.  

Pets are less stressed at home, and you can be free to experience your grief in a private environment.  

You can also allow other pets in the household to witness the event, helping the transition for all of your loved ones.