FAQ’s About In-Home Mobile Cat and Dog Euthanasia
How do we know when is the right time?
Choosing the time to say good-bye to a pet can be a heart-breaking experience, often accompanied by feelings of guilt. There is no formula or precise calculation that can determine exactly when this should be done; the best way to make this decision is to consult with your regular veterinarian who will evaluate your pet’s medical history, physical condition and prognosis. Most pet owners know their pet so intuitively that they develop an uncanny sense to know when it is the right time for themselves, and especially for their pet. Please feel free to contact us if you require some guidance about making this important decision.
How is the euthanasia done?
It is our commitment to make euthanasia as stress-free and painless as possible. A potent sedative and pain medication is administered in a single injection. Within 5-10 minutes, the medication takes effect and the pet is relaxed and comfortable; most pets will be completely sedated and non-responsive at that point. When the pet and their family are ready, a concentrated euthanasia solution is administered in a completely painless intravenous injection. Within a minute or two after the euthanasia solution is given, your pet will peacefully and quietly pass away. Most home euthanasias will range from 30-60 minutes from our entry into the home until exit.
Please note that we feel it is important to give pets and their owners as much time as they need during this very emotional and difficult time. While occasionally we sense and respect that some owner’s preference is to complete the procedure expeditiously, we carefully evaluate the family’s comfort level at each step of this process, and are prepared to take as much time as is needed so that no one ever feels that they are rushed to say goodbye.
Will my pet feel any pain?
The sedative and pain medication that are given will take effect within minutes and will alleviate most if not all of the discomfort that your pet may feel related to his or her ongoing physical ailments. The actual medication given to euthanize is painless when administered.
What are my options regarding my pet’s remains after euthanasia?
Options include burial in a cemetery or at home, and private or communal cremation. We can assist you in making the right choice for your family, and will transport the remains for cremation whenever requested. We will discuss aftercare options when making the appointment.
How much does a home euthanasia cost and what methods of payment do you accept?
Please contact us regarding fees. Payment can be made by cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, Discover or Paypal.
What days and hours are available for appointments?
Because of the nature of this service, we are available all days, all hours. To guarantee a preferred date/time, an appointment should be made at least by the evening before. However, same day, short-notice, and emergency vet requests are accepted and usually can be accomodated. We feel it is important to be accessible, so in most cases calls are answered personally, and all voicemail and email inquires are always answered very quickly.
What areas in Oregon and Washington does your mobile veterinary service cover?
We cover all Portland, Salem and Vancouver areas and suburbs, including west to Forest Grove, east to Mt. Hood, south to Salem, and north to Vancover. We will consider all requests outside of these areas – please contact us at any time to inquire.
How much advance notice do I need to schedule a home euthanasia?
Most of our appointments are scheduled the same day, which means that our availability changes quickly on a day to day basis. Because we are aware of the difficulty in making a decision to euthanize, as well as sometimes the time-sensitivity of the physical condition of the pet, we make all efforts to accomodate the needs of each family and pet. Typically, appointments that are made at least the day prior or earlier can be scheduled at the requestor’s preferred time. Same day, short-notice, and emergency vet calls are accomodated on a first-come, first-served basis, but we make every effort to help every request. Our primary goal is to help people and their pets at this difficult time , so please contact us no matter what the situation.
How do I make an appointment?
For fastest response, please call 503.880.1172 to make an appointment. You may also use the form on the “Contact” page to email correspondence and/or an appointment request. Email may also be sent directly to lori@drlorigibson.com.
