Some pet owners simply cannot imagine the idea of an at-home euthanasia. They may worry that continuing to live where their pet passed will trigger continuous guilt or remind them of their pet’s pain long after their passing.

However, once pet owners experience in-home euthanasia, they often wish they’d selected this option for every previous pet—and they do so for each future friend. Golden Years Veterinary Service team believes every pet deserves the dignified and compassionate experience of in-home euthanasia, for the following reasons. 

In-home euthanasia ensures a peaceful experience for pet and owner

Humane euthanasia is an owner’s final expression of love and kindness to their pet, because they are preventing or ending their suffering, and allowing them to leave the world with the grace and dignity that befits their pet’s well-lived life. And, in-home euthanasia guarantees the pet a comfortable and peaceful experience in a familiar environment, surrounded by people they love—with no scary hospital sights, disturbing sounds, or strange smells.

During an in-home euthanasia, your pet can rest on their own bed, in their favorite room or location where they feel safest. Similarly, you too, will feel more at ease in your own home—and that peace will reassure your pet.

In-home euthanasia eliminates veterinary anxiety

For pets with veterinary anxiety, a trip to the veterinary hospital can trigger intense negative emotions, such as fear, panic, or reactive aggression, that create more stress for you and your pet, and prevent the calm and comfort essential for the euthanasia process.

In-home euthanasia also helps ensure your pet has no unpleasant emotions in their final moments and that you are left with only happy memories. At Golden Years Veterinary Service, Dr. Freed’s gentle presence and compassionate approach encourages pets to trust and accept her help, rather than being wary or vigilant. 

In-home euthanasia provides privacy and dignity for pet and owner

Euthanasia is one of a pet owner’s most emotionally challenging experiences, and while the pet-loving community can provide comfort, the final moments leading up to and following your pet’s death should be private. 

In-home euthanasia ensures you won’t have to feel embarassed, guilty, or ashamed about your pet’s physical state, or your decision to say goodbye. You won’t have to endure other pet owners’ knowing looks, or respond to strangers’ well-intentioned but awkward condolences. Instead, you can focus on your pet, say what you need to say, and ensure that they sense only your love.

In-home euthanasia avoids transport-related risk and stress for pets

Transportation to the veterinary clinic for a euthanasia appointment is especially difficult for owners of large, painful, or debilitated pets. While these pets who have mobility issues, are disoriented, or in pain may no longer be able to resist the trip to the veterinarian, they likely also require assistance to get in and out of the vehicle, which may worsen their pain or anxiety. The transportation process can become a nightmare for not only the pet, who may bite or scratch out of fear, but also the pet owner. 

An in-home euthanasia eliminates these concerns by meeting your pet where they are—literally. Whether your pet’s favorite place is on the couch, in the yard, or simply next to you, Dr. Freed can ensure their final moments are as comfortable as possible.

In-home euthanasia welcomes your pet’s entire “family”

For safety and space-related purposes, veterinary hospitals often have to limit the number of attendees for a pet euthanasia, so some loved ones cannot be present, or must wait outside. For an in-home euthanasia, you can include whomever you choose—two- or four-legged—before, during, or after the euthanasia process. For more information about children and pets attending euthanasia, visit our FAQ page.

If your pet is receiving hospice care, or you suspect that too many visitors will make them anxious, we recommend welcoming a few friends each day for the few days leading up to the euthanasia. This gives everyone some quality time with your pet, without them becoming agitated or nervous. 

In-home euthanasia gives you time to ask questions and reflect

Veterinary hospitals do their best to provide a quiet, respectful euthanasia experience, but this can be challenging amid the stress and activity of a normal business day. Unfortunately, this means owners may feel rushed, overlooked, or uncomfortable—potentially missing an opportunity to ask questions or discuss the euthanasia process beforehand.

Golden Years Veterinary Service is dedicated to your pet’s comfort, and yours, and Dr. Freed will walk you through the process, explain what to expect, and give you an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns, to ensure you clearly understand. The decision to euthanize a pet is a weighty one, and while grief is natural and expected, we want to ensure you have peace of mind—and heart—when you say goodbye.

If you are ready to schedule an in-home euthanasia appointment, or need to first ask more questions about the process, contact Golden Years Veterinary Service. If you’re not sure that it is “time,” we can help—Dr. Freed is available for remote or in-home quality of life (QOL) assessments to help you determine what is best for your beloved companion. You can request an appointment by phone, or on our website.