Many pet owners want to avoid the stress of taking their dying animal to the vet’s office. They might fear their pet will be anxious in the office or frightened by strangers.

However, letting go is an inevitable part of pet ownership. Every pet will eventually decline in quality of life and must be euthanized.

Comfort

Choosing in home pet euthanasia allows your pet to pass away in the comfort of their home. This can help reduce stress, especially for older, ill pets. In addition, the sedative administered before the lethal medication helps ensure a painless and peaceful passing.

It can also be helpful to have family and friends present to support and comfort your pet during their last moments. Many people find that being with their pets as they pass is a deep bonding experience. This can also help with the grieving process that will inevitably follow.

Convenience

Having a veterinarian come to you in your home means you don’t have to worry about driving your pet in the car, getting them to and from the vet’s office, or other inconveniences. This can be especially important for pets, who may want to avoid getting into the car or being transported from one place to another.

The veterinarian will talk you through the process before they arrive and let you know what to expect. Then, ask them to come at your most convenient time. Some pet owners find that having an in home pet euthanasia procedure makes it easier to say goodbye and gives them a sense of closure.

Others find it adds more angst to the situation by making them feel they are adding to their pet’s fear or discomfort. They also worry that their inevitably explosive emotional reaction will mar their pet’s last moments.

Emotional Support

It is not uncommon for a pet owner to have to decide on euthanasia at some point in their pet’s life. This is especially true if long-term medical care becomes a financial burden or if a pet’s quality of life declines to the point where further treatment is no longer an option.

Your veterinarian will discuss your options and explain the in home pet euthanasia process. If you have children, it is a good idea to involve them and talk with them about it in advance so they are prepared. Children respect straightforward, truthful answers and can accept a pet’s death if they are adequately prepared.

When the time comes, your vet will listen to your pet’s heartbeat and breathing. They may also check their eyes to confirm that they have passed. Some pets lose bladder and bowel control in the moments before passing, but this is an average effect of the euthanasia solution entering their system.

Counseling

It can take time to determine when the time is right. However, many services are available to assist pet owners with this decision. These services can evaluate a pet’s quality of life and suggest other options for improving its comfort level.

The veterinarian who comes to your home will explain the euthanasia process. They will also give your pet a small dose of sedative, making them calmer and more comfortable. Then, they place a small, sterile syringe into your pet’s neck. The medication slowly depresses your pet’s heart rate until it stops beating, which takes less than a minute.

Many families choose to have multiple family members present at the euthanasia session. Veterinarians specializing in this service can often accommodate more people than those working in a traditional clinic.