In-Home Pet Euthanasia

“At some point, we move from ensuring a quality of life to ensuring a quality of death.”

~ Dr. Mary Gardner
In-home pet euthanasia
Ask any of the Lap of Love doctors, and we’ll tell you that the discussion of when to say goodbye is the hardest but most important conversation a veterinarian can have with the families we work with. Talking about death is a skill that takes empathy, openness, non-judgment, and compassion. And we consider it a privilege to have these tough conversations with people leading up to their pet's euthanasia at home.

See how we’ve helped our families.

What to expect from
in-home euthanasia

The word “euthanasia” literally means “good death”. As the only medical profession licensed to perform this gift, we take the utmost pride in having the technical, medical, and soft skills necessary to provide a peaceful end-of-life experience for your beloved pet.

In-home euthanasia Lap of Love

Our in-home pet euthanasia services include:

  • A discussion about your concerns, thoughts, or questions surrounding in-home euthanasia.
  • Sedation to ease discomfort; you deserve your final memory of your pet to be calm and comfortable. This injection of pain medication and sedatives will allow your pet to drift off to a peaceful sleep before the final injection is administered.
  • Sedation assessment, to ensure your pet is sleeping deeply and no longer responds to stimulation.
  • Euthanasia, the final gift.
  • Memorial keepsakes to help mend the broken heart: a clay paw print (made at home) and a lock of fur, if desired.
  • Pet Loss Booklet with your pet’s name and date of passing, which will serve as a death certificate. The booklet includes information on the way your other pets may grieve (if you have any), in addition to a few beautiful poems and stories.
  • Transportation for cremation, if selected (see the Aftercare Pricing section on your veterinarian's page for more information).
  • A courtesy notification to your family’s veterinarian of your pet’s passing for their records.

Need to talk to someone about in-home euthanasia?

Appointment information

Once the veterinarian arrives, the full procedure will be explained to you based on your interest and comfort level. Don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way—everything will be done at a pace that you and your pet dictate.

In almost all circumstances, your pet will be given a sedation injection prior to the euthanasia injection.

Veterinarian end of life care

A Lap of Love veterinarian will arrive at your home for the in-home euthanasia appointment. We don’t wear scrubs or a white coat, we arrive with the emotions that guide us to this work, warmth and compassion.

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After the injection, you can spend as much time with your pet as you need. When you are ready, a paw print will be made. Additionally, your doctor will clip a lock of fur for you to keep, if you wish.

If we are handling transportation for cremation, your doctor will excuse themselves to give you alone time, then return with a small basket, flat stretcher, or soft blanket to transport your pet to the car.

Information on how and when your pet’s ashes will be ready to come home will be discussed by the doctor in detail. Additionally, information on where your local crematory spreads communal ashes or how to bury your pet properly at home is available.

Looking for in-home pet euthanasia in your area?

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View our other services

Veterinary Hospice
In-Home Euthanasia
Aftercare
Telehospice
Pet Loss Support

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Have questions? Give us a call. One of our care coordinators would love to help.

We are available 7am - 11pm Eastern time, including weekends and holidays.
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