Frequently Asked Questions
We know that making end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet can feel overwhelming. Our FAQs are here to provide gentle guidance, answer common questions, and help you feel more prepared for your pet’s final chapter.
If we’ve missed something you’d like to know, please contact us and we’ll get back to you shortly.
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General Questions
How do I know it's time to say goodbye?
Knowing when it is time to say goodbye is one of the hardest decisions we will ever make for a beloved pet. There is no perfect moment, and no one knows your pet better than you do.
Often, the signs are gentle changes that happen over time. You may notice that your pet is having more difficult days than comfortable ones, is no longer enjoying their favourite activities, or is struggling with eating, drinking, breathing, moving, resting, or simply being comfortable. Sometimes, you may just feel that your pet is telling you they are tired.
You don’t have to wait until your pet is suffering or experiencing a crisis before reaching out. It is always okay to call us simply because you are unsure. Through a quality of life consultation, Dr. Lee can help you look at your pet’s quality of life, talk through what you are seeing at home, and answer your questions with compassion and without judgment.
Choosing euthanasia is never an easy decision. It is a deeply personal act of love — helping your pet leave peacefully, with dignity and comfort, when their quality of life is no longer what it should be.
You don’t have to make this decision alone. We are here to help you recognize when the time may be near and to support you, whatever you decide.
How much does in-home pet euthanasia cost?
The total costs for our in-home pet euthanasia services vary based on species, weight, where you live, whether you choose flame cremation or aquamation and a few additional factors.
For an exact quote, reach out to us as soon as possible. Once we have your information we should be able to give you an accurate range to prepare for.
What are the benefits and things to consider for an at home euthanasia?
While euthanasia is generally less expensive at a veterinary clinic, there are many benefits to having your euthanasia performed at home and there are additional costs associated with that.
Benefits of at-home euthanasia
- A familiar, comfortable environment – Your pet can remain in their own bed, favourite room, or another familiar place rather than travelling to a clinic.
- Less stress for your pet – For pets who are anxious about car rides, unfamiliar people, or veterinary hospitals, staying home may make the experience gentler.
- More privacy and time – Families can say goodbye without feeling rushed or being surrounded by other clients and patients.
- The whole family can be present – Family members, including children, can participate in the goodbye in a familiar setting.
- More flexibility – The appointment can often be arranged around your family’s needs and your pet’s comfort.
- A more personal experience – Families can create a meaningful setting with blankets, favourite toys, treats, music, or other familiar comforts.
- No difficult trip home – You don’t have to drive home immediately after saying goodbye, which can be particularly difficult emotionally.
- Especially helpful for mobility issues – Elderly, painful, or very weak pets don’t need to be lifted, transported, or moved unnecessarily.
Things to consider
- Cost – At-home euthanasia generally costs more than euthanasia performed at a veterinary hospital because of the veterinarian’s travel and additional time.
- Not every situation is suitable – A clinic may be preferable if your pet requires urgent stabilization, intensive medical support, or equipment that isn’t available during a home visit.
- Finding the right setting at home – Some families may feel more comfortable having the procedure take place in a veterinary hospital rather than in their home.
- Aftercare arrangements – Families need to consider what will happen with their pet afterward. A mobile veterinarian can often help coordinate cremation or other aftercare options.
- Emotional association with the home – Some people find comfort in having their pet’s final moments at home, while others prefer to keep their home separate from the experience.
If cost is a concern, there may be financial assistance available to you.
Please contact us to find out more.
Do you only provide your euthanasia services for dogs & cats?
The majority of our appointments are cats and dogs, Dr. Lee will also help with smaller pocket pets such as rabbits, hamsters, rats, etc.
The Euthanasia Process
We wouldn’t have it any other way, and we’ll gladly help you to find a comfortable position that will still enable us to access the areas of your pet’s body we will be needing for the procedure.
What can I expect for the whole process? Will it be painful for my pet?
Our goal is to make your pet’s final moments as peaceful, gentle, and comfortable as possible. Euthanasia itself is not painful. Before the final injection is given, we take time to help your pet feel relaxed and comfortable, always using a sedative so they can become sedated and deeply relaxed.
Your pet may feel a brief pinch or a little discomfort when the first injection is given, much like a routine vaccination or blood draw. We understand that even this small moment can be difficult to watch, which is why we take our time and handle your pet as gently as possible.
Once they are deeply sedated, the final euthanasia injection allows them to pass peacefully without pain.
They are not aware of what is happening and do not experience the fear or discomfort of the procedure. You may notice changes such as a deep breath, small twitches, or the release of urine or stool after your pet has passed. These are normal physical responses and do not mean that your pet is in pain or distress.
Our priority is to provide a calm, loving goodbye where your pet feels safe, surrounded by the people they love most.
Is euthanasia a better option than just letting them "die naturally"?
Ultimately, this is a question that people will need to answer for themselves, but we believe that humane euthanasia can help to end a pet’s prolonged life of needless pain and suffering.
If your pet’s quality of life is not even close to what it once was, pet euthanasia may be one of the kindest things you could ever do for them.
Can I be present during the euthanasia procedure?
This is a personal decision, but you can absolutely be present should you choose to be.
If you feel comfortable, we encourage you to be present with your pet during their euthanasia. Your presence can be one of the greatest comforts you can give them. Your voice, touch, and familiar presence can help them feel safe and reassured during their final moments.
Being there also gives you the opportunity to say goodbye in a quiet, familiar environment and to witness that your pet is comfortable and at peace.
We understand that being present can feel overwhelming, and there is no “right” way to say goodbye. Every person and every family experiences this differently. Our role is to support you without judgment and help make this difficult moment as gentle and peaceful as possible.
Can I give a last meal or favourite treat to my pet before the procedure?
Yes, if your pet is still enjoying eating, we encourage to give treats or their favourite foods ahead of time. If there is a specific food you would like your pet to have that they haven’t had before ie. ice cream, steak, etc. we ask that you have it prepared for when Dr. Lee comes. This helps to distract them when the first injection is given as well as avoiding any stomach issues that may come with new foods.
Can I hold my pet during the procedure?
Yes, we encourage it. Our team will help you find a comfortable position that still allows full access for the procedure.
How do the drugs used in pet euthanasia work?
There are two injections used: The first one uses a combination of sedatives to deeply sedate your pet and eliminate any pain.
The second (and final) one is an overdose of an anesthetic that stops the heart and all brain functions and then the rest of the body will shut down in stages after that.
As difficult as this is to read – and potentially watch – please be assured that your pet will not feel any pain or discomfort at all during the process.
How long will the whole pet euthanasia procedure take?
In total, the entire appointment on average takes about an hour.
The sedative itself typically takes effect in 5-15 minutes, and, once your pet is deeply sedated, the final injection will be administered.
The last injection usually takes effect in about 30-60 seconds, however it could take as long as 10 minutes (depending on your pet’s metabolism).
What should I have ready before the visit?
There is very little you need to prepare. The most important thing is simply to make your pet comfortable and choose a quiet, familiar place where you can spend time together.
Before we arrive, you may want to:
- Fill out and sign the sent consent form sent via email
- If possible, clear a parking area on your driveway or secure an area on the street. This will be helpful if we are assisting with aftercare for your pet
- Choose a comfortable spot where your pet feels safe — their favourite bed, couch, blanket, in their favourite room if possible
- Gather family members or loved ones who would like to be present and say goodbye. Children can also be included if you feel it is right for your family.
- Have a favourite blanket or toy nearby to help your pet feel surrounded by familiar comforts.
- Keep the environment calm and peaceful, with soft voices and minimal activity if possible.
- Give yourself permission to simply be with your pet. There is no right or wrong way to say goodbye.
You do not need to have everything perfectly prepared. We will guide you through the process and answer any questions you have when we arrive. Our goal is to make this time as peaceful and gentle as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters most — being together.
Family & Other Pets
Should our child (children) be present during the euthanasia?
This would be a completely personal choice made by the parents and depends on each family and child.
Dr. Lee can reach out to go over the process, how to explain to children about the procedure and provide resources. She is also very sensitive to when children are present and will make sure to explain what will happen before each step and what to expect. We can also provide helpful resources for how to help children cope with loss of a beloved pet.
What about other pets? Should they be there?
As with all family members, your pet may find it soothing to have members of their pet family present as well.
It can also help the other pets in the home with a sense of closure. We always recommend to give the other pets a chance to say goodbye, to see and smell the passed pet’s body afterwards.
If you feel your other pet may cause stress or a distraction for you, we would recommend to place them in a separate room or have someone temporarily take care of them outside of the house (ie take them on a walk during the process).
If you are unsure, Dr. Lee can speak to you to give you more guidance.
Aftercare
What will happen with my pet’s body after being euthanized?
Our aftercare services offer three main options:
- Communal Cremation: With communal cremation, your pet is gently placed into the crematory together with other pets and the ashes are collected and scattered in a respectful manner
- Private Cremation: Private cremation provides you with the opportunity to keep your pet’s cremated remains as a permanent and personal keepsake. When you choose private cremation, your treasured pet will be the only pet in the cremation chamber during the cremation process. When the cremation process is complete, we ensure that you receive only the cremated remains of your pet in your choice of one of our standard urns. Your pet’s ashes will be returned to your vet clinic in roughly 1-2 weeks. We arrange this with your vet clinic and they will expect to receive your pet’s ashes and contact you once received.
- At-Home Burial: In some regions, you may bury your pet on your private property. Please check your city by-laws and regulations.
Please visit our Aftercare Services page for details.
What is the difference between flame cremation and aquamation?
Flame cremation uses carefully controlled heat to reduce your pet’s body to bone fragments. These are then carefully processed into the ashes that can be returned to you.
Aquamation, sometimes called water cremation, is an alternative that uses water, heat, and a natural alkaline process rather than flame. The process gently returns your pet’s body to its natural elements, leaving the mineral remains of the bones. These are then dried and carefully processed before being returned to you.
Both options provide a respectful and dignified way to care for your pet after they have passed. There is no right or wrong choice—only what feels most comfortable for you and your family.
If you are unsure which option is right for you, we are always here to answer your questions and guide you through the choices with care.
What aftercare service provider do we use?
Where can I pick up my pet's ashes if I choose a private cremation?
Your pet’s ashes will be returned to your regular vet clinic in roughly 1-2 weeks. We arrange this with your vet clinic and they will expect to receive your pet’s ashes and contact you once received. Please note some specialty urns and paw prints can take up to 8 weeks.
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Reach out for a free, no-obligation conversation. We’ll answer your questions and help you find the right path forward — with warmth, and without pressure.