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Making the Decision
Making the Decision
If you're having trouble making the decision to euthanize your pet, please consider the following questions - (Below under FAQ there is a link to a QOL (quality of life) assessment scale as well)
If you're having trouble making the decision to euthanize your pet, please consider the following questions - (Below under FAQ there is a link to a QOL (quality of life) assessment scale as well)
Mobility: Can your pet stand and walk without assistance? Do you see their limbs trembling when standing? Difficulty jumping up on furniture?
Mobility: Can your pet stand and walk without assistance? Do you see their limbs trembling when standing? Difficulty jumping up on furniture?
Pain: Does your pet seem to be in pain, even while taking pain medication? Keep in mind that many pets will guard their pain as a survival instinct. Signs of pain/discomfort can include limb trembling, difficulty standing or lying back down; being crouched / protecting abdomen; growling or snapping when touched; decreased appetite, hiding
Pain: Does your pet seem to be in pain, even while taking pain medication? Keep in mind that many pets will guard their pain as a survival instinct. Signs of pain/discomfort can include limb trembling, difficulty standing or lying back down; being crouched / protecting abdomen; growling or snapping when touched; decreased appetite, hiding
Uncertainty: Does your pet have a diagnosis or medical condition that cannot be predicted, that you don't understand, or that is prone to sudden, catastrophic events?
Uncertainty: Does your pet have a diagnosis or medical condition that cannot be predicted, that you don't understand, or that is prone to sudden, catastrophic events?
Breathing: Is your pet panting even when at rest? Does your pet have severe episodes of difficulty breathing, coughing or open mouth breathing? Are they not eating or drinking in an effort to breathe? At this point you should seek immediate medical attention for your pet.
Breathing: Is your pet panting even when at rest? Does your pet have severe episodes of difficulty breathing, coughing or open mouth breathing? Are they not eating or drinking in an effort to breathe? At this point you should seek immediate medical attention for your pet.
Hygiene: Does your pet's coat appear "rough" or in poor condition. Are they no longer grooming? Does your pet spend time laying in their urine and/or feces? Are they unable to control their elimination, or be unable to move after elimination? Does your pet have an external tumor or mass that is bleeding, foul smelling, or infected, and you are unable to keep it clean and/or bandaged?
Hygiene: Does your pet's coat appear "rough" or in poor condition. Are they no longer grooming? Does your pet spend time laying in their urine and/or feces? Are they unable to control their elimination, or be unable to move after elimination? Does your pet have an external tumor or mass that is bleeding, foul smelling, or infected, and you are unable to keep it clean and/or bandaged?
Eating and Drinking: Is your pet is refusing food or water? Are they having chronic vomiting or diarrhea (or both)? Are they nauseous (you may see drooling, lip smacking, hard swallowing)? Cats may “hang out” at the water bowl, next to it, or with their heads hanging over it.
Eating and Drinking: Is your pet is refusing food or water? Are they having chronic vomiting or diarrhea (or both)? Are they nauseous (you may see drooling, lip smacking, hard swallowing)? Cats may “hang out” at the water bowl, next to it, or with their heads hanging over it.
You: Is your pet "sundowning" (staying awake most of the night pacing, confused or crying). Are you constantly worried about your pet? You may not understand what is happening to them. You feel overwhelmed and stressed trying to provide for their needs. You may feel you are unable to provide for their needs physically, emotionally, or financially. You may be worried about how they will fare when you are away on an upcoming trip. There may be tension in the family and disagreement on how to proceed.
You: Is your pet "sundowning" (staying awake most of the night pacing, confused or crying). Are you constantly worried about your pet? You may not understand what is happening to them. You feel overwhelmed and stressed trying to provide for their needs. You may feel you are unable to provide for their needs physically, emotionally, or financially. You may be worried about how they will fare when you are away on an upcoming trip. There may be tension in the family and disagreement on how to proceed.
Social Ability: Does your pet not spend time with the family? Do they hide, become irritable or snippy if bothered? Some pets that do not enjoy being petted may not seem to care if they are petted. Perhaps your pet is unable physically to get to the room where they usually spend time with others.
Social Ability: Does your pet not spend time with the family? Do they hide, become irritable or snippy if bothered? Some pets that do not enjoy being petted may not seem to care if they are petted. Perhaps your pet is unable physically to get to the room where they usually spend time with others.
Any one of these reasons could be a reason to consider euthanasia. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your vet or to Dr. Neri for guidance.
Any one of these reasons could be a reason to consider euthanasia. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your vet or to Dr. Neri for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I know it's time?
When do I know it's time?
Please go to the link provided to review a Quality of Life Assessment scale.
Please go to the link provided to review a Quality of Life Assessment scale.
What can I expect when the veterinarian arrives?
What can I expect when the veterinarian arrives?
Dr. Neri will text or phone when she arrives at your home to help avoid making any pets more excited or anxious. She will speak with you and assess your pet's condition to decide the most peaceful way to proceed. Depending on how alert your pet is and their preferences, initial sedation may be given orally. This is followed by an injection of anesthesia in their lower back region that will put them asleep. As long as there is no heart/lung disease affecting breathing, the final injection of euthanasia solution will be given once they are no longer aware of their surroundings (not responding to sound, to having paws touched, no longer tracking movement with their eyes), that gently and painlessly ends the pet’s life. The process is peaceful, and any loved ones are welcome to stay with their pet if they wish.
Dr. Neri will text or phone when she arrives at your home to help avoid making any pets more excited or anxious. She will speak with you and assess your pet's condition to decide the most peaceful way to proceed. Depending on how alert your pet is and their preferences, initial sedation may be given orally. This is followed by an injection of anesthesia in their lower back region that will put them asleep. As long as there is no heart/lung disease affecting breathing, the final injection of euthanasia solution will be given once they are no longer aware of their surroundings (not responding to sound, to having paws touched, no longer tracking movement with their eyes), that gently and painlessly ends the pet’s life. The process is peaceful, and any loved ones are welcome to stay with their pet if they wish.
What can I expect to see as my pet passes?
What can I expect to see as my pet passes?
Most pets will gradually fall asleep and smoothly transition to passing. It is normal for the eyes to remain open. It is also common for your pet to void urine and possibly fecal matter after they have passed. Your veterinarian will have placed a pad under your pet to help absorb this. You may see an increase in rate of breathing or deep breaths towards the end and rarely muscle twitching can occur for a few minutes afterwards.
Most pets will gradually fall asleep and smoothly transition to passing. It is normal for the eyes to remain open. It is also common for your pet to void urine and possibly fecal matter after they have passed. Your veterinarian will have placed a pad under your pet to help absorb this. You may see an increase in rate of breathing or deep breaths towards the end and rarely muscle twitching can occur for a few minutes afterwards.
Will I have time with my pet afterwards?
Will I have time with my pet afterwards?
Yes. After the veterinarian has confirmed your pet has passed, they will step out of the home for a few minutes to give you some private time to say a final goodbye. If your pet is going with the veterinarian, they will come back in with a blanket and a basket or stretcher to carry your pet to their vehicle.
Yes. After the veterinarian has confirmed your pet has passed, they will step out of the home for a few minutes to give you some private time to say a final goodbye. If your pet is going with the veterinarian, they will come back in with a blanket and a basket or stretcher to carry your pet to their vehicle.
When will payment be taken/what forms of payment are acceptable?
When will payment be taken/what forms of payment are acceptable?
Credit card information will be taken at booking but it will not be charged until the veterinarian has arrived at your home and done a final review of the invoice in case any last minute changes are requested. Payment by cash, credit card or Venmo is accepted.
Credit card information will be taken at booking but it will not be charged until the veterinarian has arrived at your home and done a final review of the invoice in case any last minute changes are requested. Payment by cash, credit card or Venmo is accepted.
How long does it usually take to get my pet's ashes returned?
How long does it usually take to get my pet's ashes returned?
You will normally hear back from the crematorium within 2-6 days (occassionally it may take longer around major holidays). They will reach out to arrange a time to bring your pet home. If you would prefer to pick up your pet at your veterinary office or at the crematorium, just let the veterinarian know.
You will normally hear back from the crematorium within 2-6 days (occassionally it may take longer around major holidays). They will reach out to arrange a time to bring your pet home. If you would prefer to pick up your pet at your veterinary office or at the crematorium, just let the veterinarian know.
Are there any Cancellation / Rescheduling Fees?
Are there any Cancellation / Rescheduling Fees?
A $100 fee will be charged for any cancellations or rescheduling within 6 hours of your appointment. For same day appointments, if your appointment is within 4 hours of when you booked, this fee may be waived at Dr. Neri's discretion.
A $100 fee will be charged for any cancellations or rescheduling within 6 hours of your appointment. For same day appointments, if your appointment is within 4 hours of when you booked, this fee may be waived at Dr. Neri's discretion.
Grief Support
Grief Support
An association of pet loss counselors and professionals. The site offers links, articles, a bookstore, and directories of counselors and pet loss support groups.
An association of pet loss counselors and professionals. The site offers links, articles, a bookstore, and directories of counselors and pet loss support groups.
An article covering grieving, the five stages of mourning, how to explain pet loss to a child, and reasons for euthanasia.
An article covering grieving, the five stages of mourning, how to explain pet loss to a child, and reasons for euthanasia.
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