Can my pet be in his or her bed or other favorite place during the euthanasia?

Absolutely!  Your pet can be anywhere that you think they will be most comfortable as long as we have easy access to their limbs for the catheter placement.  We can even do the euthanasia outside in most cases.  It is best to have something like a towel or blanket underneath them, however, as most animals will release their bladder and bowels during the euthanasia.
 

Should my kids be present?

That is a personal decision and depends on the age of the child.  Most people feel that children under the age of 5 are too young to be present during the actual euthanasia but may benefit from seeing the pet afterwards.  An excellent article about children and pet euthanasia can be found here: www.griefhealing.com/article18.htm

Should my other pets be present?

If you have another pet that is deeply bonded to your dying pet, it may help to either have them present during the euthanasia or have them smell the body afterwards.  Like people, animals show their feelings in many different ways, and some may not show outwards signs of grief while others are more withdrawn after the loss.

What if I want to burn incense, read a poem, or pray during the euthanasia?

Our services are completely non-denominational, and any type of ceremony is welcomed.  The idea is for this time to be peaceful and calming to your pet, so plan any activity accordingly.  Be sure and let us know if you have any special plans so that we are prepared.

Can my pet be cremated with his or her favorite toy?

Yes, as long as it is not very heavy and does not contain metal.  Any collars that contain metal will also need to be removed prior to cremation. (Local animal shelters are often in need of clean collars, beds, and bowls if you decide not to keep your pet's belongings.)

Is there anything I can do to help memorialize my pet afterwards?

There are many ways to pay tribute to your pet after he or she dies.  Here are a few that come to mind: frame a picture of your pet, plant a tree, make a donation to an animal charity, or write a letter to your pet.  You may wish to have a memorial service and invite people that knew your pet to come share a story or memory.  Check out our resources page for companies that make custom urns and memorial stones, as well.

When should I get another pet?

It is tempting to quickly get another pet to fill the void you are feeling after a pet dies.  You may feel compelled to find another pet that reminds you of the one you just lost.  In reality, it is best to grieve the loss of one pet before getting another, and the length of that grief process varies widely from person to person.  Be sure that you honestly feel ready to welcome a new pet with the time, attention, and affection it deserves.  It may help to be around other animals by volunteering at an animal shelter or walking a friend's dog first.