In Home Consultation:

During this difficult time our doctor will discuss your needs over the phone or in the comfort of your home on the day of the scheduled procedure. The doctor will discuss all of your options such as when and where the euthanasia will take place and who would like to be present. This is the time to share any special requests you may have for your pet. Our goal  to help you understand if euthanasia is needed based on a quality of life assessment and when will be the right time for your beloved pet. We specialize in end of life care and our doctor will help your family learn more about your pet’s disease and what to expect as it progresses.

What to expect during the euthanasia process:

We know that saying goodbye to your pet is a very difficult decision to make and we want to help you honor your special bond with your pet in a very memorable way. It will likely be difficult to read the following information stated on this page, but spending time reflecting on how you would like to say goodbye can make the process much more meaningful. Making some plans prior to your appointment will allow you time to speak with family members and friends. Having made certain decisions prior to your appointment will also allow you to focus completely on your pet during the appointment. If you need any additional information or advice before your appointment please call us at 951-758-8365. 

Before the doctor’s visit:

Please take some time to think about arrangements you would like to make before the doctor arrives, such as family members or friends who you would like to be present, any type of family or religious ceremony you would like to have arranged and the location you would like for your pet’s passing. You may want to gather photos, poems, and other mementos that will be part of the tribute to your pet. Take time and plan to have other family members and friends, as well as your other pets in the home to say goodbye if they will not be present for the euthanasia. You will also need to think about your pet’s aftercare and if you would like to arrange for burial, memorial cremation (ashes are not returned but spread on land) or a private cremation (ashes are returned to you). You will want to select a quiet place for the euthanasia where you and your pet will feel most comfortable. You may want to choose a special room, have them lay in their cozy bed, or choose a special outdoors area that they enjoy spending their time. 

​After the doctor arrives:

The doctor will meet with you to discuss any plans made prior to their arrival to understand how you would like to say good-bye to your pet. At this time we will review your options for after-care. You will need to sign a euthanasia consent form, which will allow the doctor to proceed with the process. This form also states that your pet has not bitten anyone in the past 10 days prior to this procedure (for rabies law). It is usually best if we take care of the charges at the beginning of the appointment so that you may focus completely on your pet. Payments that we accept are cash or debit/credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express). An estimate will be given over the phone and emailed to you prior to the doctor’s arrival. Fees are based on your pet’s weight and your selected after-care choice. Please call to obtain a specific estimate.

After the paperwork is completed and you are ready to move forward, the doctor will give your pet a sedative underneath the skin or in the muscle to help your pet relax and prevent any unnecessary stress, pain, discomfort or struggling. The injection of the sedative may sting a little. We use a very small needle similar to a vaccination needle. Your pet will slowly go into a deep sleep within 5 to 15 minutes after the sedative is given to allow them to be peaceful and comfortable during their final moments. At this time, feel free to continue to be with your beloved pet, comforting them and talking to them.

Once your pet is in a deep sleep and you have said your final good-byes, the doctor will inject an overdose of an anesthetic. This injection will stop the heart, brain and respiration usually within a few minutes. Although your pet will be unconscious before this occurs, you may continue to comfort and touch your beloved pet throughout the process. Your pet will continue to be unconscious during this injection and will not feel any pain or discomfort. The doctor will then listen to your pets heart and let you know when your beloved pet has passed away.

Somethings to be aware of that may occur during the euthanasia process:           

Once the euthanasia solution is injected, your pet’s heart, brain and breathing activity will stop within several seconds. As your pet’s body functions shut down, it’s not unusual to see muscles twitching or to hear some deep loud breaths from your pet’s body. Your pet may also lose urine or feces from their body because the muscles that hold this material inside no longer work. Also closing of the eyes requires muscle control, so your pet will likely pass away peacefully with their eyes open. Sometimes there may be vocalization as your pet reaches various anesthetic planes, this does not mean that they are in any type of pain.

All of these are normal reactions and don’t always occur. They are written here so you can feel prepared, rather than confused or concerned, if you do witness them during the euthanasia process. These sights can be difficult to see but the pet does not feel any discomfort and has often already passed away. In most cases, the process is very smooth and the pet will simply fall asleep, passing away very quietly.

After-Care Options:

Once the doctor confirms that your pet has passed away, you will then be able to spend some time together. This is also a nice time to tell stories and reflect on the good times you shared together. If you elected to have your pet cremated, the doctor will then take your pet for transfer or meet with the crematory’s representative to arrange transport in their vehicle. If you elect to bury your beloved pet at home it is your responsibility to research the laws in your community to determine if this is an option and the depth at which they need to legally be buried.

Things to keep in mind:

It is never an easy decision to make to euthanize a pet. It is normal to be sad, cry and experience any emotions associated with losing an important family member. Everyone grieves differently, so please be prepared to ask for the support of your family and friends during this difficult time. You may also refer to the pet loss support resource page on our website and in our grief packet for additional support. Remember that you are not alone during this difficult process. If you have any questions, please fee free to call 951-758-8365 or email us at serenityvetoffice@gmail.com

What is the cost and what does the service include for an in home euthanasia?

​In Home Euthanasia Service $375

(After hours/weekends additional fee $75)

(Same Day Appointment $30)

(includes travel within 20 minutes from primary location, travel 20 to 60 minutes from primary location is an additional $60-150)

This service includes the following:

Pre-sedation of your pet

In home euthanasia

Notification to your pet’s health care providers

Fur clipping (memorial item if desired)

After Care Fees (Includes transportation of your beloved pet):

Individual/Private Cremation (ashes returned in your choice of a cedar urn with engraved nameplate, photo urn, rosewood urn or a biodegradable urn and each urn includes a custom clay paw print)

  • Option for ashes to be hand delivered by a team member

1-99 pounds: $325

100-149 pounds: $350

150-200 pounds: $400

200 pounds and greater: Please call for an exact price.

Memorial Cremation (no ashes returned, ashes will be scattered on private land)

1-99 pounds: $160

100-200 pounds: $200

200 pounds and greater: Please call for an exact price.