Euthanasia
At-home euthanasia is the most important service we offer. We feel that euthanasia is the final gift we give our animals but also know how difficult the decision is. We come to your home to offer our non-judgmental advice, empathy and compassion. These discussions can also happen before an at-home appointment via our tele-advice service.
Our in-home euthanasia service includes:
A discussion about your concerns, thoughts or questions surrounding euthanasia for your pet.
Gentle sedation to put your pet into a deep, easy sleep.
Euthanasia, the final gift.
Transportation for cremation, if selected (see Aftercare section for more information)
A courtesy notification to your family’s veterinarian (if not Dr. Anja) of your pet’s passing for their records.
Appointment information
Once Dr. Anja arrives, the full procedure will be explained to you based on your interest and comfort level. Don’t be afraid to ask questions- everything will be done at a pace that you and your pet dictate. We’ll work wherever your pet is most comfortable, and welcome family and friends that would like to be present. We’re very comfortable having children present and welcome their emotions and curiosity.
Unless it’s an extreme, or urgent condition, a sedative injection will be given to ensure the process is painless and peaceful. Your pet will fall gently asleep in 5-10 minutes. We can give you privacy or stay nearby during this time.
Once your pet is in a deep sleep Dr. Anja will give the final euthanasia injection. The final injection will take just a few minutes to work and Dr. Anja will confirm when your pet has passed.
If we’re handling transportation for cremation, we’ll excuse ourselves to give you alone time, then transport your pet using a blanket or bed, to the car.
If you’ve chosen a private cremation, information on how and when your pet’s ashes will be ready to come home will be discussed by Dr. Anja in detail.
Aftercare:
Deciding on the aftercare of your pet’s remains is very personal. There are several options to choose from:
Private cremation: your pet is cremated individually and the ashes will be returned to you in a carved wooden box.
Semi-private cremation: your pet is cremated at the same time as several other pets but they are separated in a way that allows you to still have your pet's ashes returned to you.
Communal cremation: your pet will be cremated with other pets and you will not receive the ashes back.
Burial at home. We’re happy to give advice on how to do this properly.
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All our cremations are taken care of by Island Memorial, a family-run business in Fairfax, Vermont. We trust them with the cremation of our own pets and know that they respect and understand how important this part of the process is.
What you’ll pay for:
$210-265 for at home euthanasia, depending on the size of your pet
$100-156 for Communal cremation
$138-$206 for Semi-Private cremation
$206-$391 for Private Cremation
$75 for Paw Print & Fur Clipping (optional and available with any type of cremation)