Common Questions

There is something special about a pet staying in the comfortable surroundings of their own home. Whether it’s in their special bed or favorite sunny spot, they are less stressed and much more relaxed in a familiar setting. You and your pet are able to avoid the often difficult logistics of transport and travel to a vet hospital or clinic when your furry friend is close to their end of life.

We understand that this is a difficult question and we are here to help. Every animal and situation is so different, so we do recommend that you just send us a text message at 608-909-0002 or an email and we can discuss with you. There are definitely signs that our pets give us to let us know that they are ready to pass on. The quality of life scale we have can be helpful, but if your pet is starting to show some different behaviors, we can help to determine if you are seeing indications that your pet may be ready.

This can be a difficult question and sometimes it's hard to assess as pets can react differently to pain. They might start hiding away or disengaging, they might tremble or vocalize, or pant excessively or have difficulty settling, especially at night. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have this question about your pet.

No, we will bring everything that will be needed with us. You can choose wherever you would like to be for the procedure, wherever you and your pet would be the most comfortable. We will bring a blanket and all supplies with us, so you don't have to do anything else to prepare. If there is a special toy or blanket that you would like to remain with your pet through the process, just let us know and we will make sure that your pet and their favorite thing(s) are with them.

Dr. Carrie will provide your pet with gentle yet profound sedation prior to the euthanasia injection. This means that your dear companion will be in a deep, peaceful, pain-free, and unresponsive sleep prior to administration of the euthanasia injection. The fact that your pet is with you, in their home puts most animals at ease so they are not feeling anxious.

You know your child best, but we do recommend that they be given the opportunity to say goodbye and to grieve. Death is a part of our lives and should be shared with children as well. That being said, if a child does not want to be present for euthanasia of a pet, that is ok too. Dr. Carrie will take the time to explain the process to your children at an age-appropriate level and answer their questions about the loss of their family pet.

We do believe it is nice if housemate pets can be peacefully present for euthanasia of their companion. The process is very calm and quiet. Dogs and cats will know that their friend has passed. Perhaps the most important aspect is that they have time afterwards to say goodbye so that they are not looking for a “lost” companion. Families with a young pup who may be a distraction or an anxious dog who may be distressed by the presence of a guest in the house might choose not to have that pet present for euthanasia, but it is suggested that they be allowed to come in to visit the deceased pet before transport to the veterinarian’s vehicle.

Your other pet(s) may very likely have a time of “mourning” when they lose their friend. Depending on how close the pets were, there may be a time of adjustment. A number of things you may notice can include clinging to you more, a decrease in appetite and lethargy, looking for their friend, wandering aimlessly and restlessness or depression. ​

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These behaviors will gradually decrease and resolve over time. It is interesting to note that dogs often grieve for the loss of a cat, and a cat may grieve after losing their dog friend.

We do believe, if possible, that other pets in the household should have a chance to be around their friend after he or she passes -- but we also believe that pets are so intuitive, they know very well that their companion may be ailing and can sense that they are nearing the end of life.

Any of us who consider our pet a friend, companion, or family member, absolutely knows the intense pain and grief that accompanies the loss of our pet. This grief does not pass quickly. We do have resources on coping with that grief, and with the difficult times we face upon the passing of a cherished companion. Please reach out to us, Autumn the veterinary technician is certified in pet grief counseling and would love to talk with you.

When your pet has passed and you have had time to say goodbye, we will lovingly transport their body to Midwest Cremation Services. They are the only cremation service we use and we have a long and wonderful relationship with them. Beyond that trust, there is communication through identification that stays with your pet as well as identification and instruction forms to ensure that your wishes are followed exactly, whether you request that your animal’s ashes are returned to you or not.

You may also choose to make your own arrangements for aftercare such as burial, transport for burial at another location, or transport to a cremation service of your choice.

Yes, we can come to help you by transporting your deceased pet for communal or private cremation at Midwest Cremation Services. Contact us at 608-909-0002 and we can arrange to visit.