Compassionate Home Euthanasia: Guidance, Support, and Care
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest decisions a family can face. We are here to support you through this journey with gentle, personalized care in the comfort of your home. Our goal is to make this experience as peaceful and dignified as possible—for both you and your pet.
Complimentary Telehealth Consultation
We understand how overwhelming this decision can be. If you're uncertain, we offer complimentary phone or email consultations before the appointment. While we can’t diagnose without an in-person exam, we’re here to provide compassionate guidance.
During this consultation, we can discuss your pet’s health, explore options like palliative care, additional diagnostics, or specialty referrals (neurologist, cardiologist, oncologist, etc.), and help you feel reassured about your decision. There’s no rush—taking time to observe your pet and reflect on what feels right is okay.
If emotions feel too heavy during our conversation, it’s okay to pause. We’ll reconnect when you’re ready.
For families who’ve already made their decision, we can schedule the appointment without a prior consultation. Our priority is to provide the support you need, in the way that’s best for you.
Preparing for the Appointment
We aim to make this process as smooth as possible:
Streamlined Paperwork: Before our visit, we’ll handle registration, consent forms, and payment. Consent forms include options for post-mortem care (home burial, private or communal cremation) and keepsakes like a paw print or hair clipping. Changes to your decisions are always welcome.
Gathering Comfort Items: Many families find comfort in surrounding their pet with familiar things—favorite blankets, toys, treats like scrambled eggs, sausage, pizza, or even maple creamies. Consider where your pet feels happiest: a sunny spot, a cozy bed, a porch, or even the car that’s been part of countless adventures. This is where we’ll be.
Reflection: Some find peace in writing notes of love, gratitude, or cherished memories. This can be a meaningful part of the goodbye process.
During the Appointment
We will meet you in the space where you and your pet feel most comfortable. The process is designed to be gentle and peaceful:
Greeting: When we arrive, we will spend about 5 minutes in our van to gather the items needed for your appointment. Then we will be out to meet you and your loyal companion.
IV catheter: For most pets, we want to place a small intravenous catheter, to allow for cuddles and free movement during the procedure. Optimally, this step is completed in the van, where lighting and supplies are optimal.
Anesthetic: Once we are settled in the space where you and your pet feel most comfortable, we give an anesthetic (propofol) to allow your pet to drift into sleep—often while enjoying a delicious treat and favorite rubs.
Final Medication: Once your pet is peacefully asleep, a second medication (pentobarbital) is given to complete the process. This is swift and tender, usually less than a minute from the second injection.
Time to Say Goodbye: After the procedure, you’re welcome to take as much time as you need to be with your pet. They will then either stay home with you for burial or they depart with us for cremation.
Our Commitment to You
Home euthanasia is a final gift of love—a chance to say goodbye in a familiar, comforting environment. We’re honored to support every pet and family through this deeply personal journey. You are not alone. We’re here to walk this path with you, with empathy, respect, and care.
If you have questions or need to talk, please reach out. We are here to help.
We were in such capable and caring hands
★★★★★
"Dr. Lesser met our senior boy, a husky-shepherd-hound mix, a little more than a month ago and helped make his last weeks comfortable and happy. When it became clear that it was time to say goodbye, she and Heidi came to our home in a snowstorm with their knowledge and compassion. We are so grateful that he and we were in such capable and caring hands."
-Nancy W.
Google Review