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
-
Their favorite bed
-
A sunny windowsill or favorite resting spot
-
A sofa or human bed surrounded by loved ones
-
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:
-
Cuddle together on the couch or in bed
-
Spend quiet time outdoors
-
Take a short walk, car ride, or visit a favorite place (if comfortable)
-
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:
-
Lighting candles or incense
-
Reading a favorite poem, passage, or letter
-
Sharing memories and stories
-
Saying a prayer together
-
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
-
If your cat may be fearful, reactive, or stressed by handling or needles, we strongly recommend giving Gabapentin ideally the night before your appointment and again 2-4 hours before the appointment time.
-
This medication can help your cat feel calmer, more relaxed, and more comfortable before the visit.
-
When unfamiliar people enter the home, sick cats often hide because that feels safest.
-
We will move slowly, sit quietly, and give your cat time to adjust.
-
Please do not bring your cat out of hiding unless we decide together that it is best.
-
Your cat can stay wherever they feel most comfortable.
-
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.
If your pet is not currently prescribed these medications, please contact your primary veterinarian in advance. Let them know the medication is intended to help prepare for an upcoming In-Home Euthanasia appointment so they can ensure your pet has what they need ahead of time.
How to Keep the Visit Calm and Quiet
-
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.
See our process Step-by-Step
If Your Cat Reacts Briefly to the First Injection
-
Most cats do not react to the first injection, especially with good preparation.
-
If your cat moves away, please do not pursue them—within moments they begin to relax.
-
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
Every pet deserves a calm, peaceful, and dignified experience during their final moments. Our goal is to reduce fear and discomfort as much as possible while supporting both you and your pet through this process.
In some cases, anxiety, fear, pain, or cognitive decline can affect how relaxed a pet is during an In-Home Euthanasia appointment. To help ensure comfort, we often recommend continuing any prescribed pain medications your pet is already taking.
Medications such as Gabapentin may provide additional comfort and mild sedation when given before the appointment. This can help your pet feel more relaxed leading into the visit. However, Gabapentin alone is not sufficient to begin the procedure and is used only to support calmness beforehand.
For pets experiencing significant anxiety, fear, or confusion, Trazodone may also be recommended. This medication can help reduce stress and promote a calmer state, especially for pets who are fearful, highly anxious, aggressive, or experiencing cognitive changes such as Dementia.
If your pet is not currently prescribed these medications, please contact your primary veterinarian in advance. Let them know the medication is intended to help prepare for an upcoming In-Home Euthanasia appointment so they can ensure your pet has what they need ahead of time.
Other Methods to Keep the Visit Calm and Quiet
-
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.
See our process Step-by-Step
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.
