In Home Euthanasia & After Care

When it's time for a loving peaceful departure for which they will be eternally grateful.

If you are visiting our website, chances are that you either have already made the decision that it is time to let go of your pet or the time is drawing near and you want to be prepared. You probably are looking for a way to make this transition easier for your pet, to lessen his suffering, make it painless and stress free.  Above all, you are looking for a caring and compassionate person to be there for your baby and for your family in such a difficult time.

Your pet may have severe arthritis, cancer, kidney failure, some other debilitating disease or they are just very old. They have been a part of your life for many years, may have helped you through tough times, have been a faithful companion. Now, you see it in your pet's eyes. The love is still there, but you also see suffering.

Why at home?

There is a huge difference between saying goodbye in the privacy and comfort of your home versus taking your pet to the vet's for that last, dreaded trip. 

You undoubtedly want your pet to be comfortable at home with you in their last moments.  You want your pet to feel your reassuring touch.  You want them to be on their soft, comfortable bed.  You want these last moments to be stress-free, peaceful, at home, and in familiar surroundings.  No cold, stainless steel table, perhaps you want them lying next to you.  You want this moment to be quiet, calm, and for your baby to be in gentle, caring, kind and loving hands.
What do you do when the time has come?
How do you make it easier on your pet, on your family, and on yourself?
How do you know the time has come?
Do you know what to expect?
These are all questions that will be answered here. 

We offer a compassionate, caring and gentle pet euthanasia service done in the comfort of your own home so that your beloved pet doesn't have to be put in a stressful situation, having to be lifted into the car, going into a noisy, busy veterinary hospital to spend the last few moments of his or her life on a cold stainless steel table.

The Best Way To Say Goodbye

Putting your pet to sleep is a very painful and difficult decision to have to make.  But making the decision to choose at-home pet euthanasia can make it as easy and comfortable as possible. By choosing at-home pet euthanasia, you can be sure that your pet's last moments will be in the loving comforts of home, rather than in an unfamiliar setting.  When euthanasia is performed in the home the entire process is very private and peaceful.  We will explain each part of the process in detail and work to make sure that your pet is as comfortable as possible. We provide a relaxing sedative to help your pet be completely comfortable and at ease during the entire process.  You can choose where your pet will be to feel the most relaxed; whether that is on the couch, a favorite corner, or even on your lap.  We aim to make each at-home pet euthanasia experience as personalized as possible and provide professional and experienced care.  

If you are unsure of whether or not your making the best decision rest assured that we can offer a complimentary doctor's phone consultation at (919) 880-0788.

Common Questions About the Appointment

What preparations do I need to make before the appointment?

On the day of your appointment, you may feed your pet any amount or type of food, if the pet is still eating. Treats are fine as long as it does not upset your pet's stomach. Make your pet happy. Continue giving any medications that are making your pet comfortable. These medications will not interfere with the sedation. You may also provide a towel and a waterproof barrier to help prevent soiling if your pet happens to urinate during the appointment.

How does the sedation work?

A sedation is given first to allow your pet to drift off to sleep. It is an injection that is given under the skin, just like a vaccine. The sedation does not take effect instantly. Most dogs start to become noticeably sedated between 3-5 minutes and cats after 2 minutes. Most pets will become totally sedated between 5 and 15 minutes, with 10 minutes being average. 

Many pets will show obvious dream sequencing with sedation. Commons signs of dreaming include snoring, light twitches, REM eye movement, leg movement and smiling/grinning. Some of the cats have also shown nursing/suckle behavior.

How will you know when your pet is asleep?

Each pet reacts to sedation differently. Not all pets close their eyes. This makes sense if you think about it: We all have heard of people that can sleep with their eyes open, and pets can do that too. Some pets naturally sleep with their eyes open, while others develop this habit when they become sick. When given, the sedative may take effect before your pet thinks to close their eyes. Your pet may be in a sleep state, but have their eyes open or partially open. 

What is the final injection, and how does it work?

The final euthanasia injection is an anesthetic medication administered intravenously thru a catheter.  There is no "mental" awareness or pain during administration of this medication avoiding any perception pain. You will notice the breath will stop first and the heart will stop second. 

Do I have to stay during the appointment?

During the sedation period, your pet needs to have someone who they are comfortable with present.  That is a very personal decision. Your pet will be in a comfortable mental state, dreaming and unaware at this point. They will not know if you opt to leave the room.

What happens to the body after euthanasia?

There are multiple decisions that need to be discussed and thought about before the euthanasia is performed.  One of these tough decisions is what to do with the pet's body.

We transport the pet after the Euthanasia and we use local memorial services Agape Pet Services and return the ashes/cremains to you.

Please call White Oak Mobile Vet at (919) 880-0788 for any other questions or pricing information.