Frequently Asked Questions about In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Phoenix, AZ

The appointment usually lasts about 30 minutes. While it is a quick procedure, you are never rushed. We give a sedative first that is given just under the skin, like a vaccine. It usually takes about 10 minutes to slowly take effect. This is a good time for you to sit with your pet. Once your pet is completely sedate, we give the euthanasia drug which is an injection into the vein. We can do the euthanasia anywhere in the house or outside. Wherever is most comfortable for you or your pet.

Your pet can continue with all medications as prescribed.

There are no restrictions on food. You can even prepare a special meal or treats prior to the appointment.

Your pet may urinate or defecate after s/he passes

If your pet is larger you may need to help with lifting your pet onto the gurney or have someone available who can help with this.

Ashes are returned in a faux marble urn and returned to your vet clinic in about a week unless you choose the option to have your pet's ashes mailed. To learn more about memorial products click here.

There may be additional travel/after hour fees that apply. All our fees can be found on the pricing page. You will be notified before the appointment of any additional fee

No. A sedative/anesthetic is used beforehand. The euthanasia solution does not sting when given inside the bloodstream. It works immediately to put the brain to sleep so there is no pain or anxiety. It’s like going under anesthesia before surgery.

No. Part of my vision for home euthanasia was to avoid the medical feel at a clinic. I think catheters are uncomfortable to the patient and patients have to be restrained while one is placed. If it is going to be difficult to do a direct stick, it will be that much more difficult to place a catheter. Catheters are usually placed before any sedation which means the pet can feel the pain of having the catheter placed.

I believe kids should be given the choice to be present. This gives them a sense of control. Some kids need to be present to help them process the loss; others are overwhelmed by the idea. If kids are going to be present, we recommend having a safe space for the child to escape to if they get too overwhelmed. Depending on the age of the child you may want a grandparent available in another room with a movie.

Kids tend to grieve intensely, but don’t be overwhelmed, if you let them get it out in a safe and supportive space they tend to move on rather quickly.

We recommend having all other pets present unless they will be rowdy or disruptive. Then, we recommend having them come in after the pet has passed to check things out. We’ve found that other pets in the house are aware that the pet has passed even if they do not smell the pet. Just being in the room is enough. Acting uninterested and aloof is normal and not a sign that they do not know what happened.

Other pets may express their grief either by depression or anxiety. Depressed pets are lethargic and uninterested in eating or activities. Anxious pets can be destructive, antsy or needy. The best way to help pets cope is through walks, extra play and attention.

Communal
This option is used when you do not wish to have your pet’s ashes back. Your pet will be cremated with other animals and ashes will be dispersed on farmland.

Individual
This is the most common type of cremation offered when owners wish to receive their pet’s ashes after cremation. More than one pet will be in the crematorium at same time (usually 2-4). All pets are kept separate, and special care is taken to make sure your pet’s remains are tracked throughout the process. You get only your pet’s ashes back.

Private
Your pet is the only animal in the crematorium chamber. This option is more expensive, as the facilities are dedicated to your pet (similar to human cremation).

Witness Cremation
We currently aren’t able to offer this option.

In our experience, the choice of the service is never a right or wrong answer, it’s what works best for you.

The ashes will come back in a faux marble urn. The ashes are sealed in a plastic bag inside the urn which makes them easy to transport to another urn, if you desire.

You can purchase your own urn or add an urn from the cremation company. Click here to view memorial products offered. Let us know if you would like to add a product to your appointment and we can get that ordered for you.

A credit card payment is required to schedule an appointment online. If there are additional fees, we accept cash or credit. We do not take Care Credit. If you cancel your appointment within 24 hours a refund will be issued minus a 5% processing fee. It can take up to a week to receive your refund.

You must make an appointment for each pet, so we have all the details regarding each pet and the permission to euthanize that pet. Schedule two appointments back-to-back. Make a note in the note section and we  will refund $50 for travel fee for the second appointment.