Having a sense of what to expect can help ease some of the uncertainty, allowing you to focus on being present with your pet. It gives you the opportunity to spend quiet, meaningful time together and to help them feel safe, comfortable, and deeply loved as they are surrounded by the people who care for them most.
"In the end, the greatest gift we can give our beloved companions is our presence, our love, and a peaceful goodbye."
Before the Appointment: How to Prepare
Choosing a Location
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Their favorite bed
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A sunny windowsill or favorite resting spot
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A sofa or human bed surrounded by loved ones
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A patio, porch, or garden if they enjoy being outdoors
There is no perfect location. The best choice is wherever your pet feels safe, comfortable, and at ease.
Who Should Be Present
Anyone who loves the pet and helps them feel calm and secure is welcome to be present. This may include family members, close friends, and other pets. When deciding who should attend, consider what will make your pet feel most relaxed and supported.
Spend Time Together
The days leading up to the appointment can be an opportunity to focus on comfort, connection, and the activities your pet still enjoys. Many families choose to:
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Cuddle together on the couch or in bed
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Spend quiet time outdoors
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Take a short walk, car ride, or visit a favorite place (if comfortable)
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Enjoy a few simple Enjoyable activities
Follow your pet's comfort level, interests, and energy, and trust what feels meaningful for your family.
Food and Treats
If your pet is still eating, they may continue to enjoy their regular meals and favorite treats. There is no need to fast before the appointment.
If you are planning something especially meaningful, we recommend offering it within an hour of your veterinarian’s arrival. This allows your pet to enjoy a memorable meal without eating too much beforehand, which can occasionally lead to nausea or vomiting.
Because chocolate can be toxic to pets, please do not offer it before the veterinarian arrives. Once the veterinarian is present, you may choose to offer chocolate as a special treat if you wish.
Special Touches
Some families choose to include personal rituals or meaningful traditions as part of the appointment, while others prefer to simply spend quiet time together. Both approaches are equally valid.
Some ideas include:
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Lighting candles or incense
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Reading a favorite poem, passage, or letter
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Sharing memories and stories
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Saying a prayer together
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Surrounding your beloved pet with flowers, blankets, crystals, or other meaningful objects
For Cats
At-Home Cat Euthanasia: A Gentle & Compassionate Visit
We want to provide a calm, gentle visit that helps your cat feel safe, comfortable, and loved in the familiarity of home.
Gabapentin Before an At-Home Cat Euthanasia Visit
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If your cat may be fearful, reactive, or stressed by handling or needles, we strongly recommend gabapentin about 2 hours before the appointment.
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This medication can help your cat feel calmer, more relaxed, and more comfortable before the visit.
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When unfamiliar people enter the home, sick cats often hide because that feels safest.
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We will move slowly, sit quietly, and give your cat time to adjust.
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Please do not bring your cat out of hiding unless we decide together that it is best.
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Your cat can stay wherever they feel most comfortable.
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If your cat does not like being picked up or held, we can begin right where they feel safest and gently move them later if you would like.
Our goal is simple: for your cat to feel safe, calm, and loved.
What to Expect During the Visit
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At-home cat euthanasia usually begins with a small injection to ease pain, anxiety, and fear, helping your cat gently fall asleep before the final medication is given.
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This step is usually smooth and gentle. Some cats may feel a brief sting, especially if they are very alert or anxious.
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Once your cat is sleepy and relaxed an IV catheter will be placed. A second more powerful sedative will be given intravenously to ensure your pet is unconscious before the final medication is given.
How to Keep the Visit Calm and Quiet
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We avoid knocking or ringing any doorbells at all times and will remain in contact via text to keep the home as calm as possible.
If Your Cat Reacts Briefly to the First Injection
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Most cats do not react to the first injection, especially with good preparation.
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If your cat moves away, please do not pursue them—within moments they begin to relax.
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In rare cases, gentle restraint may be needed, and if so, we will use the calmest, gentlest approach possible.
For Dogs
In-Home Dog Euthanasia: Gentle, Compassionate Care for All Dogs
Our in-home dog euthanasia visits are designed to feel calm, gentle, and familiar.
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We will enter quietly and gently.
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We will move through the visit as though we are simply there to spend calm time together.
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We may sit nearby and speak softly rather than approach right away.
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We will follow your dog’s pace and comfort level.
Our goal is to help your dog feel safe and at ease, so the visit feels quiet, familiar, and as free from stress as possible.
What to Expect During the In-Home Dog Euthanasia Process
Once everyone is settled and your dog is comfortable, we will gently explain each step and answer any questions. There is no rush—this time is for you and your dog.
How the Process Begins
For most dogs, in-home euthanasia includes one injection followed by two meds given by IV catheter:
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The first injection is given with a very small needle and helps your dog become sleepy and deeply relaxed.
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Most dogs barely notice this injection, especially when they are being comforted with gentle touch or treats.
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Over the next 5–10 minutes, your dog will slowly drift into sleep.
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Once your dog is relaxed and resting comfortably, an IV catheter will be placed. A second more powerful sedative will then be given intravenously to ensure your pet is fully unconscious before the final medication is given so they can pass peacefully and gently.
Planning Ahead for Dogs Who May Feel Fearful or May Bite
If your dog has a history of fear-based reactions, aggression, or biting, please let us know in advance. This allows us to make a thoughtful plan that supports your dog’s comfort and everyone’s safety. In some cases, we may recommend oral anti-anxiety medication, such as gabapentin, trazodone, or acepromazine, before the visit. Occasionally, a muzzle may also be needed. These steps are uncommon and only used with care when truly necessary.