FAQ's About In-Home Cat Euthanasia

Eventually the time comes to say goodbye to a beloved Cat. This difficult time can prompt many questions and concerns. We dedicate this section to answering some of those commonly asked questions, and to hopefully provide you with some peace of mind. Please contact us if you have additional questions. 

01 - How is the euthanasia done?

• It is our commitment to make euthanasia as stress-free and painless as possible.  A potent sedative and pain medication is administered in a single injection.  Within 5-10 minutes, the medication takes effect and the cat is relaxed and comfortable; most cats will be completely sedated and non-responsive at that point.  When the cat and their family are ready, a concentrated euthanasia solution is administered in a completely painless intravenous injection.  Within a minute or two after the euthanasia solution is given, your cat will peacefully and quietly pass away.  Most home euthanasias will range from 30-60 minutes from our entry into the home until our exit.
  
  Please note that we feel it is important to give cats and their owners as much time as they need during this very emotional and difficult time.  While occasionally we sense and respect that some owners' preference is to complete the procedure expeditiously, we carefully evaluate the family's comfort level at each step of this process, and are prepared to take as much time as is needed so that no one ever feels that they are rushed to say goodbye.
  
  All euthanasia procedures are done by a veterinarian.  In-home euthanasia may only be performed by a licensed veterinarian with a current DEA license. 

02 - What happens after the euthanasia process is done?

• We can transport your cat back to the clinic where we will arrange a private cremation with Immediate Animal Services where your cat's ashes are returned to you personally in 24 to 48 hours. We can also have your cat mass-cremated. You may also keep it for burial if your county allows it.

03 - I am having a hard time making the decision. Can you come to evaluate my cat and help me decide if this is the right time?

• Yes. Dr. Rowell is a veterinarian with over 25 years of experience. She has treated many elderly and terminally ill cats. She will visit you in your home, meet your cat, and provide you with a professional opinion on the right timing for euthanasia. The cost for this consultation is $125.00.

04 - I have another cat in the house. Should my other cat be present during the euthanasia?

• While this decision is up to you and your family, we definitely allow other cats to be present at the time. Other cats will usually be more interested in us and our equipment. Once the excitement of our arrival wears down, most cats will settle down nearby but not necessarily right next to the patient. After we have performed euthanasia on the patient, we do allow other cats to approach the body and sniff around. Some cats will, and some won't. And that is okay.

05 - Will you come to perform euthanasia only, without aftercare?

• Yes. We do offer the service of euthanasia only without any aftercare.

06 - I wish to bury my cat.

• Individuals must check with their individual county to make sure burials of pets are allowed.

07 - How much notice do you need when scheduling an appointment?

• Twenty-four to forty-eight hours' notice is greatly appreciated as it helps us serve you and your pet closer to the time you desire. We do get booked ahead of time and, occasionally, may be booked on a particular day/time. However, we will make every effort to accommodate you and your schedule.

08 - Do you work on weekends and holidays?

• Yes, we work when you need us, even during all major holidays and on weekends.

09 - Do you work after hours?

• Yes.  Evening appointments are available. We do charge an after hours/emergency fee of $100 for appointments needed after 8 p.m.

10 - My pet passed away at home. Will you pick up the body?

• Yes, we do offer this service. We can also arrange private cremation and you can have the ashes delivered back to you.  We can discuss the pick-up fee with you.

11 - How do we know when is the right time?

• Choosing the time to say good-bye to a pet can be a heart-breaking experience, often accompanied by feelings of guilt.  There is no formula or precise calculation that can determine exactly when this should be done; the best way to make this decision is to consult with your regular veterinarian who will evaluate your pet's medical history, physical condition and prognosis.  Most pet owners know their pets so intuitively that they develop an uncanny sense to know when it is the right time for themselves, and especially for their pets.  Please feel free to contact us if you require some guidance about making this important decision.
  
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  Usually the decision to euthanize has been made because of medical evaluations and tests done by your family veterinarian.  He or she will inform you of the common symptoms that appear in many chronic or terminal illnesses. Some common signs are: 

12 - What are my options regarding my pet's remains after euthanasia?

• Options include burial in a cemetery or at home, and private or communal cremation.  We can assist you in making the right choice for your family, and will transport the remains for cremation whenever requested.  We will discuss aftercare options when making the appointment.

13 - How much does a home euthanasia cost and what methods of payment do you accept?

• Please contact us regarding costs as they depend on factors such as size of your pet, distance traveled, and special arrangements chosen. 
  Payment can be made by cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express or Paypal.

14 - How do I make an appointment?

• For fastest response, please call 404.908.2725 to make an appointment.  You may also use the form on the Contact page to email correspondence and/or an appointment request.  Email may also be sent directly to SayingGoodbyeToMyPet@gmail.com.

15 - Why an In-home euthanasia?

• One of the most difficult things about owning a pet is facing the end of her life. Dogs and cats do not live as long as we do, so we end up dealing with the death of our best furry friends throughout our lives. To help ease the trauma of the loss, I provide at-home euthanasia services for dogs and cats.  Being at home with your pet at the end of her life is far more soothing than going to a busy veterinary clinic, where you have to witness the stress your pet goes through in that environment.  At-home euthanasia is a quiet peaceful time for you to be with your pet during his or her last moments.  I don't rush my clients and allow them ample time to spend with their beloved pet before the actual euthanasia takes place. All pets are given a sedative to relax them before the euthanasia solution is given, and owners have those last few minutes to say goodbye. Owners are free to express their feelings in the privacy of their own homes, where they are surrounded with the compassion and empathy that I have to offer.  Owners have the option of burying the pet themselves or I can handle the cremation arrangements. In certain situations, at-home euthanasia is the best gift you can ever give your pet, where sge can pass on surrounded by your love and the comfort of her home environment.

16 - How is my pet transported for cremation?

• Small pets nestle in the front passenger seat and larger pets rest in the back cargo area of an unmarked SUV or minivan. Your pet's gently wrapped body is transported directly from your home to our clinic. Your pet's individual ashes can be returned to your home or to our clinic.

17 - How do I know that my pet's remains are treated respectfully and that I am really getting only my pet's ashes back?

• Many people have this concern. We have interviewed, researched, and probed every cremation service in the area. We've also been attentive to word-of-mouth referrals. Because euthanasia is our specialty, we are in the cremation facility almost every day making sure pets are gently handled in cushioned beds as if they were our own sleeping souls. Private cremation means your pet is cremated by herself, thus her ashes alone are saved for you. For those who prefer to keep photos and other memories instead of ashes, their pets are cremated in a group and their ashes are respectfully scattered over private land.

18 - What about the kids?

• Honesty is what kids deserve when facing the death of a pet. When they know how and why their pet died, it eliminates years of asking questions. So include your children in family discussions about how lucky we are to be able to relieve our pet's suffering. Our pets are family members, thus the entire family should be there, supporting the pet and each other. Most kids need and want to say good-bye. Even very young children can be present when a pet dies and view the body. The family can cry and grieve together.