Frequently Asked Questions

  • It’s so hard to decide how to make this call. Trust yourself. You know them best.

    All senior animals have ups and downs, but if your pet is having more bad days than good days, it’s time to consider whether you want their last day to be their worst day.

    Here are some thoughts to consider:

    • Is your pet happy? How much of their day is spent doing the things that used to bring them joy?

    • Are they engaged? Do they still interact with people and other pets often? Are they confused and/or scared by the world around them? Do they spend most of their time sleeping?

    • Are they in pain? (This is something they try to hide quite carefully) Can they breathe normally without laboring?

    • Is your pet eating regularly? Do they eat with their usual gusto? Are they consistently refusing to eat, even their favorites?

    • Are they still drinking enough water or are they disinterested?

    • How is your pet’s hygiene? Accidents in your house are common as pets near the end and can no longer make it outside or to the litterbox. This can be very stressful for them as they have learned their whole lives to not make messes in your home. For cats, are they still grooming themselves regularly?

    I try to think of how I would feel in their situation, keeping in mind that the body often aches toward the end (much like having the worst flu you’ve ever had). Even in those states, we can often eat and drink, even use the bathroom on our own, but I would not want to extend that part of my life.

  • When you think it’s time, try to make a plan a little bit ahead. Waiting to the last minute can be stressful for both you and your pet.

    The amount of notice required varies, but often 48 hours is enough time.

    Sometimes, I may have same day availability, however this often happens with people spending hours on the phone trying to manage a crisis, so I do not recommend waiting.

    Occasionally someone makes an appointment when their animal is showing clear signs it’s time, only to cancel because their pet then has a better day before or on the day of the appointment. This often ends in a panicked call for an emergency appointment the next day. I understand how hard this can be, but encourage people to keep in mind that ups and downs get worse, so their next bad day will likely be worse than the last one. I know it’s hard to let them go on a better day, however after helping hundreds of families through this, they ultimately seem more at ease with this situation than when their friend is suffering terribly and they know they could have prevented it. In other words, I haven’t been with someone who felt they were letting their pet go too soon, but many who feel they waited too long.

  • To make an appointment for home euthanasia, please start by texting the following information to 925 500-8050:

    1. your desired time frame for the appointment

    2. your name

    3. your address

    4. your pet’s name

    5. your pet’s approximate weight

    I will get back to you as soon as I am able with my next available appointments.

    * When asking for a full quote, please also indicate if you are choosing cremation (individual or communal).

  • When I arrive, I’ll explain the entire process while your pet has a chance to get used to my presence. If you’ve decided to keep their ashes, it’s often easier to make any decisions like choosing an urn and taking care of payment at this time rather than waiting until afterwards.

    I'll give them a sedative that goes under the skin, like a vaccine. Most pets have very little reaction to this part, though favorite snacks and affection are good distractions. You’ll be able to sit with them as the sedative takes effect.

    After one to ten minutes, they will fall asleep and no longer be sensitive to pain or touch. They are fully unconscious and many animals will dream in this deep state.

    I will then insert an IV into their leg, which they will be completely unaware of, and when you are ready, I give the final injection, a barbiturate overdose. This first stops any remaining brain activity, then respiration, and finally their heart. I confirm that their heart has stopped using a stethoscope.

    The whole process is generally quite peaceful for your pet.

    If you’ve chosen to have them cremated, after you’ve said goodbye, I will wrap your pet carefully in a blanket and take them with me.

    *For everyone’s health and safety, if anyone is sick or has been exposed to an illness, please wear a mask during the appointment.

  • This is family and child dependent.

    With infants and younger children who are not able to understand what is happening, I’ve not noticed or heard of any kind of trauma from their being present, however they can be a distraction for their parents during the appointment, so it may be best to base your decision on that. Another thing to keep in mind is that often, younger children will mimic how their parents react during the appointment and can become distressed if they see you get really upset.

    With older children who can understand the concept better, I recommend being honest with them, explaining what’s happening, the process and allowing them to decide what their capacity is - they tend to know.

    Ultimately, you know your kids best and will know what’s right for your family.

  • Yes, it can take place outside, whether in your yard or at a location of your choice (park, beach, etc).

    Please indicate this in advance when booking with me.

  • You’ll receive your pet’s ashes in your chosen earn along with their paw print in about 1 to 3 weeks.

  • I work with Animal Memorial Services for the aftercare of your beloved pet. Please visit their site for more information on their services and memorial options.