Frequently Asked Questions

 I feel that is something that I leave up to the parents and the children.  Since you asked, I will give my observations from over the years. Children 3-5 tend to cry because we are crying.  Most parents tend to spend their time consoling their children. Some adults don’t get to grieve the way they want because they are taking care of their children.   Children ages 6-10 are at the age where they are understanding the permanence of death. They tend to be very emotional.  I encourage you to talk to your children and see what they want.

There are a few factors to consider. Most sibling pets do not need to be present for the process.  I do recommend that the pets in the house  come and see, sniff, and walk by the deceased.  Most pets show no interest in the pet that has passed away. Although they may not react, this way they are not confused as to what happened to their family member.

This decision is not easy, we have a few ways to help make that decision easier.  We have a saying in veterinary medicine, “When the good days out number the bad.”     We would recommend looking at a calendar and writing down how your pet is doing daily.  When there are more bad days than good, it is time to consider. Some animals give us that “look”. That heartfelt, sad look, that says they are in pain or uncomfortable.  If you have a veterinarian that you trust, you can always ask their opinion.  

These  are several Quality of Life assessments. These are useful to determine if it is time to help  your pet pass away, (crossover the rainbow bridge.)

Pets often hide pain, but signs can include limping, restlessness, loss of appetite, hiding, vocalising, or avoiding touch. If you notice these changes, we recommend consulting your veterinarian to help assess your pet’s comfort and whether end-of-life care or euthanasia may be the kindest option.

We can schedule an appointment via email, phone, or text.  Once the appointment is made, we will discuss this process in more detail and answer any questions you may have. 

When we arrive at your home or desired location, we will have you sign the paperwork and take care of any payment.  We will need to know what type of cremation you would like. There are two parts to this process.  The first part can be given orally or as an injection.  This will help your pet fall asleep and give them pain relief.  They should not feel much after that. Once you and your pet are as ready as you can be, we will give the injection that will help them pass over the rainbow bridge. 

The initial injection, to help fall asleep, is the only slight discomfort your pet should feel – like any routine vaccination or shot.

We encourage trying to schedule at least a few days in advance. Some people like to schedule a few weeks in advance. We recommend scheduling earlier rather than later.  This prevents emergencies. It reminds me of something a colleague once said to me “it is better to do it a week to soon, than a minute too late”

 Spoil them!  Do their favorite things.  Make sure they are  as comfortable as can be.  That may mean giving medications to prevent pain.  This may mean giving them people food, so they eat.  

The day of the appointment, or within a few hours of the appointment, feel free to spoil them even more.  I am fond of the idea that no animal should pass without tasting chocolate. For my pets, I have always made them steak or bought them Mcdonald’s cheese burgers.

Humane euthanasia is gentle and controlled. You can help your small animal pass peacefully at home, without urgency or stress. You set the environment, giving you time to plan special moments, favourite treats, and loving goodbyes in their final days.

 We offer services for most mammalian exotics: Rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and more.

We accept cash, check, credit card, Venmo.  We are working on getting scratch pay and care credit.

The cost depends on the type of service and aftercare you choose. Prices range from $365 for a home burial to $750 for a private cremation. A home exam or quality-of-life assessment is $245. All euthanasia services include travel, a gentle exam, premedication, the peaceful injection, confirmation of passing, a fur clipping, and a clay paw print. We’re here to help you choose the option that best fits your needs with care and compassion.

Unfortunately, we do not at this time. However, we are actively working on partnering with CareCredit and Scratchpay to offer flexible financing options in the future. We understand this is a difficult time, and we’re doing our best to make compassionate care more accessible for every family.

The “rally” or “end-of-life rally” occurs when a pet that has been very ill or weak suddenly shows a burst of energy or improvement shortly before passing away. It can be confusing and even give false hope to pet owners, as the animal may seem more alert, playful, or interested in food and affection.  While the rally can be a beautiful moment to share with your pet, it’s usually a sign that they are very close to the end. It can be emotionally challenging, but it also offers a chance to say goodbye and share some final, meaningful moments together.