Compassionate Care FAQ's

Because every bond deserves gentle, compassionate care during life’s most difficult goodbyes.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest things you’ll ever face. We know how much your pet means to you and how difficult this decision can be. You are not alone—we’re here to walk beside you with care, understanding, and support.

It's The Hardest Decision but The Greatest Gift

Many of us wish for our pets to pass quietly in their sleep, but in reality, this rarely happens. Natural death is often not peaceful or swift. Depending on the illness and symptoms, it can be drawn out and uncomfortable. Nature, unfortunately, does not always offer a gentle or pain-free ending.

Euthanasia—literally meaning "a good death"—offers an alternative: a peaceful, controlled passing surrounded by love and free from fear or suffering. It can be one of the most compassionate gifts we give a pet who is struggling at the end of life.

It’s natural to have questions, even ones that may feel hard to ask. We’ve gathered answers to the most common concerns to help bring you comfort and peace of mind. These answers apply to all pets, including dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and exotic companions.

If you don’t see your question here or would like to speak with us directly, we are always available to help.

frequently asked questions

Will my pet feel pain?

No. The process is designed to be peaceful and pain-free. The medication ensures a gentle passing without discomfort.

What happens during the procedure?

An intravenous (IV) catheter is placed by Dr. Thomas or one of our Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) to ensure everything proceeds smoothly and comfortably. Once you and your pet are ready, the final medication is administered through the catheter, allowing for a peaceful and painless passing. We will explain each step and proceed at your pace.

What is Euthasol and how does it work?

Euthasol is the medication we use to ensure a peaceful passing. It is essentially an overdose of a general anesthetic, allowing your pet to fall into a deep, painless sleep before heart function quietly stops. The medication works quickly and gently, and the entire process takes only a few moments.

Once Euthasol is administered, your pet will not be able to be revived. We will only proceed when you feel fully ready.

How will I know it’s the right time?

This is often the hardest question to answer. Unlike humans, animals live entirely in the present. They can’t hope for a better tomorrow—they only know how they feel right now. Pain affects not just their bodies, but their entire sense of well-being. That’s why quality of life must be measured day by day—because for them, each day needs to feel good.

Our team is here to help assess your pet’s quality of life and provide honest, compassionate guidance. There is no perfect moment—only a loving decision made with your pet’s comfort in mind.

Will my pet know what’s happening?

While pets may sense changes or your emotions, the medication ensures they experience no discomfort. Your presence and voice are a great comfort to them.

Should I stay with my pet during the procedure?

Whether to stay is a deeply personal choice. Many families choose to remain with their pet to offer comfort and love in their final moments, while others may find it too overwhelming. Both choices are equally valid. If you stay, your pet will be able to see and sense the familiar faces they love most as they peacefully pass. If you choose not to stay, please know your pet will be surrounded by kindness and treated with the utmost care and dignity by our team.

Can children be present during the procedure?

Yes, we welcome all family members to be part of this important decision, including children. We do ask that any child present understands what will happen so the experience remains calm and respectful for your pet, your family, and our team. This helps ensure a peaceful and loving environment as your pet navigates this meaningful transition.

Can Our Other Pets Be Present During The Procedure?

We welcome the presence of your other pets during the appointment, as long as they are well-behaved and do not interfere with the ability of the veterinarian to safely and peacefully carry out the procedure. If you plan to bring another pet, please let our team know in advance so we can help ensure a calm and respectful environment.

For pets who are especially bonded, it may be best for them to enter the room after the intravenous catheter has been placed. This helps reduce the risk of stress or protective behavior that could arise during the more clinical parts of the appointment, while still allowing a quiet moment of farewell prior to the procedure. Our team is happy to guide you through what might work best based on your pets' personalities and needs.

Can I Bring My pet's Favorite Food, Treat, Blanket, or Toy To our Appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Bringing a favorite treat, special food, or item can be a beautiful way to offer comfort and connection during their final moments. We welcome anything that may bring peace or joy to your pet—whether it's a long-time favorite or something extra indulgent.

Before offering any special treats, it’s important to be certain that you’re ready to move forward with the euthanasia procedure. Some items—while comforting and indulgent in this moment—wouldn’t be safe for long-term consumption. Once that decision has been made, we encourage you to offer your pet whatever brings them joy, whether it’s a favorite snack or something they’ve never been allowed to have before. In these final moments, love, comfort, and connection are what matter most.

As part of our commitment to honoring this time with love and dignity, we provide a small Compassionate Care Cart with a selection of comforting items, including treats that may not be suitable for everyday diets but are just right for these final goodbyes. This is provided as a small gesture of kindness from our team to help make your pet’s last moments as gentle and special as possible.

What if I change my mind during the appointment?

We completely understand how difficult this decision can be. If, at any point during the appointment, you feel unsure or decide to wait, we are happy to change the appointment to a quality-of-life consultation. This allows us to explore additional treatment or supportive care options moving forward. You are never obligated to proceed, and we will fully support whatever choice feels right for you and your pet. Once the euthasol is given, your pet will gently pass and the process cannot be reversed. We will only proceed when you give your consent to do so.

What happens after my pet passes?

After your pet has passed, we continue to treat them with the same respect, kindness, and dignity as when they were living. We understand how deeply they are loved and honor their place in your family. Every step that follows is handled with gentle care and compassion.

We offer several aftercare options, including private cremation, communal cremation, or you may take your pet home. Our team will walk you through aftercare and answer any questions. For remembrance options, we invite you to browse our Urns and Memorials page.

How Does Arrival and Departure Work For A Euthanasia Appointment?

When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed through our private Compassionate Care Entrance, designed to offer you and your pet peace, privacy, and dignity. Our team will guide you into a quiet, comfortable space where you may spend as much time as you need—sharing a treat, offering gentle words, or simply being close.

You will not be disturbed during this time. When you feel ready to begin, you can signal us by pressing the doorbell inside the room. A certified veterinary technician (CVT) will respond and gently assist with the next steps. You are welcome to remain with your pet throughout the euthanasia process and for as long as you need afterward.

When you’re ready to say your final goodbye—after your pet has peacefully passed over the Rainbow Bridge—simply ring the bell once more. A team member will return to join you and begin the process of aftercare. Please know that at no time will your pet be left alone. We treat every pet as though they are still among the living, with the same respect, compassion, and tenderness that guided their care in life.

Our private entrance and exit allow you to leave quietly, without being on display, honoring your privacy and emotions during this deeply personal time.

How much does euthanasia cost?

As this is a medical procedure, medications are carefully dispensed based on your pet’s weight—just as they would be for any medical treatment—to ensure safety, comfort, and the most peaceful experience possible.

Costs also vary depending on the type of aftercare chosen. We are happy to provide a detailed estimate and discuss options that suit your needs and preferences.

Is it normal to feel guilty or unsure?

Yes. Feelings of guilt, doubt, and grief are natural when facing the loss of a beloved companion. You are making a deeply loving decision focused on your pet’s comfort and dignity. Our team is here to support you both emotionally and medically throughout this journey.

If you have any other questions or would like to speak privately with a team member, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to guide and support you with compassion and understanding every step of the way.