Why choose in-home euthanasia?

The comfort of home is a wonderful gift for your pet. The benefits of in-home euthanasia include:

• Your pet can rest at home; no unsettling car ride or anxiety at the vet’s office.

• Your family, friends, and other pets can attend.

• You can have the opportunity to grieve in the privacy of your own home.

• You can choose the setting — inside, outside, on their bed, in a favorite place — wherever everyone is comfortable.

• You can set a calming atmosphere, such as candles, music, or pictures.

• You have the freedom to practice your religious beliefs without judgment.

• You don’t have to transport the remains.

Although hospitalization is necessary to treat some conditions, most pets would prefer to be at home instead.

In-home pet euthanasia opens up many wonderful possibilities to you, your family, and your beloved pet. Together, you can decide when the time is right.

How do we know when is the right time?

Deciding when to say goodbye to a pet is one of the most difficult times and you may have accompanying feelings of guilt. There isn’t one set of criteria to know exactly when it’s the right time. Every pet and their family has a different set of circumstances they need to take into account. Typically, the first step is to consult with your regular veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s medical history, physical condition, quality of life, and prognosis. If you don’t have a family vet, please feel free to give us a call. 

Most pet owners know their pet so intimately, they have a sense for when it’s the right time for their pet, themselves, and their family. If you are uncertain, here are some physical signs that may be indicators of pain or discomfort:

• Loss of appetite

• Lack of mobility

• Increased heart rate

• Increased respiratory rate

• Fecal or urinary incontinence

• Disinterest in the family, things, and/or activities that are normally important to them

The most important thing is to recognize what’s normal and abnormal for your pet. Please feel free to contact us if you need some guidance and we can discuss the changes you see in your pet to help you assess whether euthanasia is the best choice.

How much does in-home euthanasia cost and what payment methods do you accept?

Please contact us regarding fees. We accept cash, check, or any major credit card (including Apple Pay) when we arrive in person.

What areas in Tucson does your mobile veterinary service cover?

We cover all of Tucson and its surrounding areas. We may charge additional fees for travel times over an hour. We consider every request, so please contact us at any time.

How much advance notice do I need to schedule an in-home euthanasia?

We are available by appointment for in-home euthanasia. We schedule most of our appointments on the same day, which means our availability changes quickly. We make all efforts to accommodate the needs of each family; we’re aware how difficult it is to decide to euthanize and how time-sensitive a pet’s physical condition can be. 

Most of the time, we can schedule appointments at your preferred time if you request them one or more days in advance. We can usually accommodate same day, short-notice, and emergency appointments, but we can’t guarantee them. Our primary goal is to help people and their pets at this difficult time, so please contact us no matter what the situation and we’ll make every effort to help your family.

How do I make an appointment for in-home euthanasia?

You can send us a message for an in-home euthanasia appointment on our “Contact Us” page, or email Dr. Aimee directly at dr.aimee@pawprintstucson.com. If you need us to respond quickly, please call or text us at 520-346-5566.

Who comes to my home?

Only a licensed veterinarian can perform the euthanasia, and sometimes they bring an assistant to help with the appointment. Our goal is to make you and your pet feel comfortable and supported throughout.

What can I do to prepare for the visit?

Before the appointment, we suggest you consider where you’d like the euthanasia to take place, who should be there, and any other needs you may have.

Here are some questions that may help you prepare:

• Would your pet like to be inside, on their favorite bed, and/or with a favorite toy?

• Is there a special place in the yard that brings you and your pet comfort, or has special meaning?

• Would you like to prepare a note to read to them?

• Would you like to keep some hair as a remembrance?

Even if your pet isn’t eating, it can be helpful to have their favorite treat and toys nearby. These things can bring them additional comfort. There are many opportunities to make this a comforting and personal experience for both you and your friend.

What about children and pet euthanasia?

Having your children present for the euthanasia is a very personal decision and depends on how you feel about having them present. We are here to help support your decision and will follow your lead.

You may consider asking them if they would like to be present during the procedure. Each individual child, just like each individual adult, may have strong feelings one way or another, and there is not right or wrong answer to whether someone decides to be present or not. The most important thing is to let them chose the option that they are most comfortable with.

If your children are planning to be present, you may wish to prepare answers to questions about death, why the decision to euthanize your pet was made, and what you feel will happen with your pet once they have been euthanized. It can also be helpful to explain what they can expect to happen and that if at any time they are not comfortable, they may leave the room.

What about other household pets attending the euthanasia?

We recommend your other household pets attend, especially if they have a close relationship to the one who’s about to pass. Having your other pets be present helps to reduce their anxiety and grieving process. Sometimes other pets can disrupt the procedure due to their excitement from having a new person in their home, but most settle down after a short time. While we think it’s less important for the other pets to attend the procedure, they are welcome to be there. Many people choose home euthanasia in part so that other pet family members can be present.

How is the euthanasia done?

We are committed to make euthanasia as stress-free and painless as possible. We administer a potent sedative and pain medication with a single injection that helps your pet relax and be comfortable in about 5-10 minutes. After that, most pets are completely sedated and non-responsive. 

When the pet and their family are ready, we then administer a concentrated euthanasia solution in a second injection that’s completely painless. About a minute or two later, your pet will peacefully and quietly pass away. The entire procedure should take around 30-60 minutes.

We understand it’s important to have as much time as you need during this very emotional and difficult time. While some owners prefer to complete the procedure quickly, we’re prepared to take as much time as you need so that no one ever feels rushed to say goodbye.

What can I expect during or immediately after my pet’s passing?

It’s good to know what to expect in the moments that follow your pet’s passing so that you have a better understanding of what’s going on, which can help alleviate some of the anxiety and fear of losing a loved one.

Usually a pet’s eyes remain open, even if we try to close them. In the majority of cases, the pet simply passes quietly. However, you should know that they may lose bladder and bowel control, vocalize, and/or have tiny muscle tremors. Sometimes, a pet’s diaphragm contracts which can cause a noise or make it seem like they’re taking a breath. Don’t be alarmed if you see any of these things; they’re all a completely normal part of the dying process.

If you want to bury your pet, we recommend checking your city’s local ordinances. Be sure to bury them on the same day as the euthanasia, and at least six feet deep because the euthanasia solution can be harmful to wild animals if they dig up the remains. We also recommend looking up where the utility lines are in the ground to avoid getting injured while preparing the burial site.

Can challenges come up during euthanasia? Will there be complications?

We all want euthanasia to go smoothly and the best way to avoid a bad experience is to inform your veterinarian about your pet’s:

• Physical health

• Medications

• Your assessment of your pet’s needs

Euthanasia is a medical procedure and sometimes complications come up even with all the best intentions, preparation, and exceptional attention to detail. Since every pet is an individual, there isn’t a single “normal” response to drugs. The process could take longer than we expect. Your pet may experience physical reactions we don’t expect. We strive for a gentle experience for everyone and we do everything we can to minimize the potential adverse reactions.

What are my options regarding my pet’s remains after euthanasia?

You can choose to have:

• A burial in a cemetery

• A burial at home

• Individual cremation (we return your pet’s ashes to you)

• Communal cremation (you won’t get your pet’s ashes from a group cremation)

We can help you make the right choice for your family, and if you choose, we will transport the remains for cremation. We will discuss your aftercare options when you make an appointment.

What do I do if my pet has passed at home and I need to arrange cremation?

If your pet passes away at home, you may call us for help with aftercare. We can transport your pet for cremation. We can also transport your pet for burial, as long as you’ve made burial arrangements prior and transport fees will apply. Please note we have a fees for transportation and cremation, where applicable.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that this is an excruciating decision, and that your pet’s condition may change quickly. Although there is no cancellation fee, we ask that you please contact us as soon as reasonably possible so that we can offer the appointment time to other families in need.