At Family Pet Veterinary Center, we provide compassionate, low-stress end-of-life care for pets, ensuring they cross the rainbow bridge peacefully and with dignity. We treat every euthanasia appointment with the utmost care, kindness, and respect, understanding the emotional difficulty of saying goodbye. Our goal is to support both pets and their owners through this difficult time, offering a supportive, patient-centered experience, and allowing clients as much time as they need to navigate the process.
We offer thoughtful after-care services to help you memorialize your pet, including clay paw prints, the option to save hair clippings, and other meaningful mementos. We partner with Trusted Journey for cremation and memorial services. Understanding that grief is personal, we aim to provide options that allow you to honor your pet in a way that feels right for you, knowing that the loss of a pet is a deeply unique experience for each individual.
How do you know when it is time to choose euthanasia?
Deciding on when to choose euthanasia for your pet can be challenging. It can be hard to know when it is the right time, especially if they have been sick or declining for some time. One tool we use to help view things objectively is a Quality of Life Assessment, like a calendar where you can track your pet's good days with a "+" and bad days with a "-". This can help you see when the bad days start to outnumber the good ones which can be a good indication that it might be time. Additionally if your pet is showing signs of pain, having difficulty getting up, eating, or can no longer engage in their favorite activities it could mean that euthanasia may be the compassionate choice to make for them.
How do you prepare for Euthansia?
Once you have made the decision for your pet, it can often help to prepare yourself for the euthanasia process as this can make a very emotional and difficult process a little bit easier for you. This can be a good time to decide if you want to bring your pet to the clinic or if a home euthanasia would be more beneficial.
While we try our best to schedule appointments as soon as we possibly can, if you decide that a home euthanasia would be best for your pet this can affect the availability we have as these are often on a case by case basis as the schedule allows. You can also take this time to consider if you would like to stay with your pet through the entire process or not.
This can be something that some owners are not able to watch. Everybody handles things differently, it is perfectly acceptable to decide that it is not something you can handle. Regardless of when you choose to leave we will do everything we can to ensure that your pet feels loved in their final moments. This would be a good time to decide if you will be bringing anyone additional so you aren't worrying about when the day comes.
Another important thing to consider is what kind of after care you would like, if you would like ashes returned to you, or if you would like to have a home burial. These questions can feel overwhelming to decide on when you are in the middle of your appointment so going into it knowing what you would like can really help take some stress off of you.
How Much Does Euthanasia Cost?
The cost of euthanasia can vary depending on what after-care options you choose and your pet’s size. If you’re ready to schedule, we’ll be happy to provide a personalized estimate based on you and your pet’s needs.
What should you expect?
We strive to create a peaceful, comfortable environment for you and your pet during the euthanasia process. We keep you updated every step of the way.
Upon Arrival, you and your pet will be settled in a special room with the lights dimmed, a cozy bed and calming music.
You will be able to adjust the ambiance to your liking or bring your pet’s favorite items for added comfort. We will begin by reviewing our end of life protocol and procedures.
You will then have as much time as you would like to spend with your pet.
Once you indicate to us that you are ready to proceed we will begin our process. We will place an IV catheter for vein access and on some occasions we may give a sedative medication prior to placing the IV catheter, it just depends upon your pet and what they need to be comfortable during their visit. After the IV catheter is placed we will return your pet to you and allow additional time with your pet, if needed. When you are ready to proceed, our veterinarian will join you in the room and answer any additional questions you may have.
What Happens After?
After the euthanasia, you’re welcome to stay with your pet for as long as you need. When you're ready, our staff will gently take over, collecting any requested keepsakes like pawprints or hair clippings. We’ll then prepare your pet for Trusted Journey’s pick-up, who will transport them to their facility. Trusted Journey will reach out to you to discuss your pet’s afterlife care. You generally have 3 days to make the decision as to whether or not you would like ashes back. If you elect private cremation your pet’s ashes will be returned to our clinic, typically within about a week. Once we receive your pet’s ashes, we’ll package them with their keepsakes and contact you to arrange pick-up. Your pet will be kept safe and secure until you’re ready. If you'd like grief resources we are able to send them with you at any time in this process.
What is The Rainbow Bridge?
The "Rainbow Bridge" is a comforting concept many people share when talking about the loss of a pet. It’s imagined as a place where pets go after they pass, waiting peacefully until they are reunited with their owners. While it’s not a physical place on Earth, the Rainbow Bridge symbolizes the deep bond between a person and their pet—a bond so strong it creates a beautiful, peaceful space for pets to wait, free and happy, until the time comes for you both to be together again.
Are you questioning whether or not it’s time to say good-bye to your pet? Call or text us to request a copy of our Quality of Life worksheet.