Quiet, Compassionate Euthanasia

Euthanasia

Our pets are beloved members of our family and it can be heartbreaking to see them unwell. Unfortunately, there are some illnesses that pets are unable to recover from. In the case of terminal illness and/or debilitating pain or suffering, one of the kindest things that we can do for them is to relieve them of that burden by making the difficult decision to put them to sleep.

​​​​​​​How do I know if it is the right time to consider euthanasia?
Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you when it is time to consider euthanizing your pet. However there are also some signs and symptoms that your pet is no longer experiencing a good quality of life, and if you notice these then it would be advisable to contact your veterinarian to determine if euthanasia would be the most humane course of action. These signs include:

• Chronic labored breathing, breathlessness and/or coughing
• Chronic pain that cannot be controlled by medication (your veterinarian can advise if this is the case)
• Frequent diarrhea and/or vomiting that leads to dehydration or severe weight loss
• Inability to stand or move around
• Disinterest in food or eating
• Incontinent to the stage where they are frequently soiling themselves
• No interest in communication with family members, treats, games, or other previously enjoyed activity
• Zest for life is non-existent

Euthanasia has the benefit of allowing family members the time to say their final goodbyes to your pet. This is an emotional time and giving them the opportunity for final displays of love and affection with their pets will help ease them into the grieving process. It is especially important to prepare young children, as this may be their first experience of bereavement.

Veterinarians will allow you to be present during the euthanasia procedure so that you can comfort your pet as they enter their final journey.

Cremation
Ahead of the euthanasia process, you will be asked whether you would prefer for your pet to be cremated or prepared for burial. Cremation is very popular. You can scatter your pet's ashes in their favorite walking spot, keep them in an urn, or arrange for them to be made into jewelry or a paperweight.

We work with a cremation company called Agape Pet Services. They offer our clients the option of private or communal cremations. Communal cremations are priced at $103 and private cremations are priced at $309.

Private cremations allow for your pet's ashes will be returned to you in an urn selection of your choice.

For communal cremations, your pet will be cremated with other family pets and you will not get the remains back but you still have the option of electing a keepsake to retain the loving memory of your departed pet.

All elections for urns or keepsakes are made by the pet parents/families via our Eternal Memories client portal where you will have the option to browse an array of thoughtful memorial options to celebrate your beloved pet. Our medical team will help ensure your account is set up so you can review your options from the comfort and privacy of your home. We ask that pet parents/families begin the process by logging in to the secure Eternal Memories portal within 72 hours of your vet visit. Pet parents will have the option to have the remains/urn or keepsakes delivered to our office in Rockville, MD within 1-2 weeks or select for the remains/keepsakes to be delivered to your home address at an additional cost.

Burial
Alternatively, you may wish to bury your pet. If you want to bury your pet at home, you should check any local ordinances for restrictions. There are also pet cemeteries located across the US and your veterinarian should be able to advise you on the cemetery closest to you.