FAQs

I can accept cash, check, credit, debit, Care Credit, Venmo, Paypal, or Cash App. I typically accept payment at the beginning of the appointment unless you prefer to pay further in advance.

Even if you have witnessed death before, it can be very stressful not knowing what might happen. Maybe you are unsure if you want to euthanize or allow natural death. Whatever background you have, it can help to understand what the many signs of death can be, and what you may be able to expect with natural death as compared to a euthanasia. Dog Cancer Answers has wonderful, detailed videos that gently walk you through the signs of death to help you make decisions and prepare for an appointment. Because the author is not a veterinarian, we want you to know that our veterinarian chose these videos specifically because they have accurate information. If you have additional questions, please reach out to us!

If your pet has a condition that is known to be painful in humans, we must assume they are in pain as well. However, pets don’t display signs of pain that are quite as obvious as humans do. It is often in their nature to hide pain and illness as a method of survival. Here are some tools that can help you determine if your pet is in pain. If you feel that your pet is in pain, please discuss it with your veterinarian or schedule a consultation with us today.

You are free to choose whatever aftercare you wish as long as it is safe.

Please keep in mind that if you choose burial, it requires the pet be in at least a 4′ deep hole. For safety, it is crucial that you have your utilities marked prior to digging (call 811). It is also critical that the burial site not be somewhere that the medications used could seep into food or water sources. The medications used to euthanize your pet are toxic and can cause death to local wildlife if your pet is not buried appropriately. For more information on burial, please see the Aftercare page.

If you wish to use a company other than Forever Friends for cremation, you are absolutely welcome to do so. We do not work directly with any other cremation companies. If you wish to use another, you will be responsible for arranging transportation and cremation.

Choosing cremation with Comfort Care allows you to rest assured that your pet is in caring, respectful hands from the moment they leave your home until the moment their remains are returned to you. You are able to pay us for cremation costs and we will handle the arrangements and transportation from there. If you would like to make arrangements prior to your appointment, please contact us or Forever Friends directly. Otherwise, they will call you after the euthanasia appointment to discuss urn options and to schedule a time to bring the remains back to your home.

Many people choose to take their pets to their regular veterinary clinic to be euthanized for a variety of reasons.  Many people or pets are attached to their doctors or vet teams; some don’t want the memory of euthanasia in their home; others because they needed to take the first available option. 

In-Home euthanasia, however, can be a wonderful alternative to going into the clinic or vet hospital for many patients. 

• Your pet does not have to travel to the vet hospital, which is stressful for many pets and may be painful if the pet has mobility issues.  Larger pets can be difficult to get into a car if they are unable to walk; in-home euthanasia allows your pet to stay where they are comfortable and makes it less likely for you to get injured trying to load your pet.
• Your pet can stay in their own home, where they are familiar with everything and most comfortable.  You can help choose the location you think your pet would find the most comforting.
• In-home euthanasia is much more intimate and private.  There is no having to talk to the receptionist, walk into the hospital crying, see several team members and then have to walk into the lobby crying again.  With Comfort Care Mobile, it is just your family and your veterinarian, and you can feel more free to express the emotions you are having.  Our veterinarian is very experienced, non-judgmental and understanding.  You will be offered time for privacy with your pet; as long as it is safe for your pet, we will do our best to accommodate this. You will also be given the opportunity after your pet has passed to have privacy if you would like.
• In-home euthanasia allows for more flexibility – to have other family members or pets present, to choose to be outside, or in a favorite bed.  You can choose to hold your pet or sit with them. If you have difficulty being present, you have the freedom to leave the room and still know your pet is in excellent hands. Dr. Kristen will love your pet throughout the appointment, regardless of whether you are able to be with your pet during their passing.
• With Comfort Care, you and your pet are in truly loving hands.

The decision to euthanize a pet is a very difficult one.  There are many resources available to help with this decision.  Some may find it helpful to make the decision more objective by using the Quality of Life assessment tools.  Our doctor is available for Quality of Life consultations to help with your decision on whether or not to euthanize.  The fee for this consultation is $150 (plus travel fee if outside of the 15 mile/20 minute radius).  Your doctor will do their best to provide you with options and alternatives to euthanasia.  However, if at the end of the consultation you decide that you wish to proceed with euthanasia during that visit, your consultation fee and travel fees will be credited toward the euthanasia. 

We do our best to minimize or eliminate pain whenever possible.  However, this is a medical procedure which may result in some pain, but usually only mild and short-term discomfort. We often give pets a sedative medication by injection; we use small needles and administer the medication slowly to decrease the chance it will sting. You may also see us rubbing or scratching at the injection site before, during, and after the injection. This is to trick their mind into not noticing the needle poke. We also offer high-value treat items to feed during the injection as a distraction. However, some pets may react more than others, either due to pain response or fear, which may result in more discomfort.  Our veterinarian anesthetizes patients before euthanasia, meaning they are asleep for the final injection.  The euthanasia solution itself is an overdose of a pain relief medication, and usually does not cause pain on administration. Because your pet is anesthetized, it would not be able to feel any pain, anyway. If you have any concerns about pain (or fear) in your pet, please discuss them with Dr. Kristen so we can make any necessary accommodations.  

Yes!  Please continue to do all that you can to keep your pet happy and comfortable the day of your appointment.  If they are still eating it is ideal to have them a little hungry at the time of the appointment so we can distract them with yummy treats, so maybe don’t give them their full meal.  If your pet is anxious, very painful, or has a history of being fearful at the vet’s office, you may want to ask your veterinarian for oral sedatives to give before the appointment, like trazodone and gabapentin, to help decrease their fear and stress.  If you are using medications like these, please administer them at least 90 minutes before your appointment to give them time to take effect. 

This is a complicated and personal decision.  Some families choose to be with their pet as they are passing away.  Others choose not to witness that part.  Whatever choice you make, your pet will get the same loving and tender care from their doctor. 

It is important to consider all of the factors when deciding who should be present.  Our doctor welcomes families of all sizes and age ranges; however it is important to consider the well-being of the patient as well.  Some pets may feel stressed by young children or loud noises or crowds, which can lead to longer times to getting sleepy and possibly even needing additional medications.  These pets may do better in a room with 1 or 2 of the closest family members until your doctor tells you your pet is under anesthesia.  It is important that families remain as calm and quiet during the process as possible to avoid causing extra fear or stress to your pet.  

Other pets are also welcome to witness the euthanasia.  Again, it is important to consider if the other pets may excite or stress the patient.  It is also important to consider whether the other pet(s) presence will allow you to be mentally and emotionally present in your pet’s final moments.  I find it is usually helpful for other household pets to be present during or see the body after a euthanasia. This allows them to understand what happened whereas otherwise they may become confused about where their friend went. Some pets become very stressed “looking” for the housemate after the death; this is much less likely in dogs that were given the opportunity to see the body.

If you plan to have more than 2-3 people present or if you plan to have children or pets present, please let us know.  Our veterinarian will gladly talk through a plan to help ensure your pet’s passing is peaceful while still accommodating as much as possible.  Our veterinarian can also bring a children’s art therapy kit upon request, which includes a children’s book about euthanasia and several options for arts and crafts to distract or calm children during the appointment. Children can make a heart-shaped wooden ornament to memorialize their pet, write or color in a small journal, or play with stickers and stampers.

It is best for your pet to be in a calm, quiet area where you and they are most comfortable.  It is also important that we have access to your pet when the doctor arrives.  Cats often hide, especially when sick or when visitors arrive.  Having your cat in a carrier (soft-sided carriers are preferred but not required) or in a bathroom or other small area is important. If your dog is likely to run or try to hide (especially under furniture), please have your pet confined to a small area or on a leash. 

We are able to accommodate being outside or inside; however, patient comfort is always top priority. During inclement weather or hot days, it may not be safe nor comfortable for the pet to be outdoors.  Please let us know what your preferences are and we will do our best to work with you.