Home Euthanasia for Dog and Cats

We know that deciding if and when to euthanize is one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make regarding your pet's well-being. Please know that you’re not alone and that we want to make sure you feel supported and prepared when making these serious choices about pet euthanasia. *

Please note that in-home euthanasia services are not available at all Thrive Pet Healthcare locations. We encourage you to contact your local clinic to confirm availability and learn about the end-of-life care options available for your pet.

Initial Consultation

Pet euthanasia is a personal decision. Our veterinarians are here to guide you and help prevent further suffering for your beloved animal. Animals live in the present and do not deserve to live with chronic pain or discomfort. Euthanasia is a way to relieve our beloved pet’s extreme suffering in the most humane way possible when other options have been exhausted.  If appropriate, we offer the opportunity to give your pet a gentle, loving, and respectful transition in the comfort and peace of their favorite place: home.

Benefits of Pet Euthanasia at Home

An at-home procedure can offer your pet the most comfort because they are in the place that they are most familiar with. This can also make you and your loved ones feel more comfortable knowing that your beloved pet feels at peace. Being at home helps surround your pet with compassion and love.

Preparing for the Procedure

Some people want to be with their pet when they pass, others prefer to say goodbye beforehand. This is a personal choice; there is no wrong way. You are also the best person to decide if your children should be present. Other things to think about: 

Plan when and how everyone wants to say goodbye 
Consider having a family gathering with your pet to celebrate their life 
Plan who will be present during the procedure

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The Euthanasia Procedure

Feel free to ask any questions you have. Our team is here to support you. The actual procedure is simple, peaceful, and done at a pace that will provide your pet the highest level of comfort.

Your veterinarian will give your pet a sedative to keep them relaxed and comfortable.

Then they will administer a final euthanasia injection. It’s quick and peaceful.

Your pet’s muscles may involuntarily contract, or they may breathe deeply. This is a normal part of the process.

Your veterinarian will confirm that your pet has passed on by assuring the heart has stopped beating.

You will then be able to spend time alone with your pet to say your final goodbyes. Let your veterinarian know if you want some of your pet's fur to save or a paw print.

Aftercare Services

Giving yourself and your family permission, space, and time to grieve after losing a pet is important. It is okay and recommended to reach out for support as well. There are pet loss support resources waiting to help like the Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline. In addition, seeking connection with loved ones who know you the best will help bring comfort during this time. 

After the Procedure, You Can Choose:

Home Burial: If it is supported by your local, county or state ordinances, you may bring your pet home for burial. Please note this is illegal in some cities, so research is key.

Private Cremation: A private cremation means only your pet is cremated. Your pet will be identified with a stainless-steel ID tag; the cremains will be returned to you. 

Communal Cremation: A communal cremation means multiple pets are cremated together. Your pet cremains will not be returned but you can choose to have a clay paw print to memorialize your pet. 

Have a Memorial for Your Pet: Celebrating the life of your pet after they pass is a good way to help you and your family process grief, mark the moment, and begin to heal. You could: 

Hold a formal or informal funeral service for friends and family.
Bury your pet’s body or spread ashes in a special location. 
Place your pet’s ashes in an urn and put it in a special place at home with a photo.

Disclaimer
*Home euthanasia is intended for the specific situation when a pet passing away, unnecessary suffering, painful symptoms are certain. You are free to seek a second opinion before proceeding with any euthanasia procedure.