FINAL CARE: AT-HOME EUTHANASIA

The decision to euthanize a pet is never an easy one. Pet owners are filled with questions at a time like this. When is the right time? Am I making the right choice? What is involved in the process? What happens afterwards?

Hopefully, this information will help to answer these questions for you. If you have other questions not addressed here, please call us, we are here to help you:

When is the right time?

Your pet will tell you this themselves. When they no longer have a good quality of life, doing the things they always enjoyed. If they are unable to rise, no longer desire to eat or interact with family members; it is most likely time. They tend to withdraw and get a far-away look in their eyes.

If you are not sure if the symptoms your pet is experiencing are signs that they are ready to go over the rainbow bridge, Dr. Miller can do an exam prior to the procedure to confirm your decision.

What do I do when the time comes?

The euthanasia procedure can be done in the comfort of home or at the office. We do our best to offer this service in the comfort of your home whenever possible, however, sometimes that doesn’t work out. In these cases, you may need to make arrangements to be seen in a clinic setting instead.

An appointment needs to be scheduled in advance for this. Unfortunately, often times a pet decides it is time to go “home” on a day that Dr. Miller is not in your area. If the pet’s condition doesn’t permit him/her to wait for the next available appointment time, you may need to reach out to a local clinic.  Logistics can prevent us from being able to serve your needs on a house call.

How is the procedure done?

It is a two step process.

An initial sedative is given. In 10-15 minutes, the pet is completely unconscious and no longer aware of its surroundings. Many owners choose to stay with the pet during this part and are quite welcome to do so. Occasionally, the pet experiences a brief period of nausea before falling asleep (especially if they have eaten that day).

Once the pet is unconscious, the pet owners need to decide if they want to stay for the second injection. This injection is given in a vein. A small area on the leg will be shaved for this, and a tourniquet applied. It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes for the pet to pass on. But, generally it is less than two minutes after the second injection.

Can I be present? Yes.

Do I have to be present? Only for the initial sedative injection.

Can children be present? Yes, but parents need to consider what is best for their children. It is a personal decision that should be made by the family.

Should other pets be present? During the procedure it is discouraged but afterwards is encouraged.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, Dr. Miller will let you know when your pet has passed. Pet owners have five different options after the pet passes:

First Option: Creature Comforts is able to provide either private or group cremation services and paw prints if needed.

Second Option: If the city ordinances allow it, you may bury the pet at home

Third Option: A pet cemetery/crematory in your area can come to the house and pick up the pet to be cremated. You can have the cremains back to bury at home if you choose a “Private Cremation.” This appointment must be set up with the pet cemetery directly. A list of pet cemeteries is provided at the end of this article.

Fourth Option: Pet owners can take the pet to the pet cemetery/crematory themselves for cremation. They must call the pet cemeteries directly to set up a drop-off time.

Fifth Option: Pet owners can just call their local veterinary clinic and take the body there for cremation. It would be no different than if the pet had simply passed away on its own.

What is the cost?

It is the same for cat or dog. The fee includes the house call, sedation and euthanasia. Prices change so calling the office for the current price is best. The cremation is priced separately by weight.

Additional Resources:

Pet Loss: Today/ASPCA

Coping with the Death of Your Pet: The Humane Society

Coping with Pet Loss: Helpguide.org

Coping with the Loss of a Pet: American Veterinary Medical Association

The Rainbow Bridge poem

We love Dr. Miller - she is diligent and caring!

She always follows up like she says she will, and the staff is amazing. Everyone there takes the time to explain everything to you and your family and give you every option available for your pet's care.

We drive about an hour to have our fur babies seen by her. It's worth every mile drove to have our animals feel safe. Gizmo always roams around the exam room with 0 fear!

-Jayme, Google Review

The service at Creature Comforts has always been excellent. We've taken our 3 Goldy's and our 2 cats here for years.

Everyone here is very accommodating and friendly.

Wouldn't think of ever changing vets.

-Mark, Google Review

Dr Miller has been taking care of our dogs for over 10 years. I not only see her as a caring professional but also as a friend now. I love that she uses eastern (holistic)and western medicine when needed. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about species appropriate diets and always takes the time to listen and figure out the best plan of care. We have utilized laser treatments and chiropractic care when needed. The staff is always friendly and professional. My dogs have out-lived their life expectancies with that all Creature Comforts has to offer!

-Diane from Kansasville

Dr Miller has the unique ability to combine conventional care with alternative care.  Having a dog who needed both, I was able to see how acupuncture could assist with pain management and nerve damage. Currently she is using stem cell replacement too. Dr Miller also has great knowledge of foods best suited for pets, and shares this knowledge through classes. Staff at the office  is always friendly and welcoming.

Peg from Burlington, WI

I love being able to choose Creature Comforts for all my pet's needs! I have always found Dr. Miller and the staff at Creature Comforts caring and compassionate, all while providing exceptional care for my pets during all stages of their lives.
Dr. Miller is extremely knowledgeable in traditional and holistic veterinary care and has a gift for melding those two modalities together to provide the best support for the well-being of my pets. If you love your pet, you’ll love Creature Comforts!

Allison from Burlington

Doctor Miller and her team are wonderful to work with. The compassion, care, and support they provide to us, and our furry kids, gives us the confidence that we are doing what's best to help Daisy and Gator thrive and live a healthy life.
Our relationship with Dr. Miller is a truly collaborative partnership. We always feel that any course of action we take is in the best interest of our furry kids. The trust that we have in Dr. Miller and her team is invaluable. Thank you to each of you for all that you do!

Tami and Garry from Union Grove

Chili has been treated for spinal injury and joint issues. The staff and Vets at Creature Comforts have thought of supplements and alternative treatments to keep her mobile and comfortable. Recently she is being treated with stem cell injections, and she is doing much better. Now we just have to keep her from returning to her old crazy activity level because she feels better;) 

Dawn and Greg from Burlington

“Dr. Miller & the entire staff at Creature Comforts are so compassionate and caring.
My dog had a long illness for which there was no cure. Dr. Miller went above and beyond to do everything possible to help him have as much quality time as possible. Both he and I were treated with kindness and respect and Oliver’s comfort and well being were always the priority and I’m so thankful for the wonderful care he was given”

Kathy from Waterfod

My three Labs and two cats have all been to Creature Comforts. Dr. Miller combines a great holistic/integrative approach with traditional medicine. I have utilized chiropractic treatments, laser therapy, dental cleanings, as well as routine checkups. And if you have questions about food, Dr. Miller wrote the book (yes, two of them!) about nutrition for dogs and cats. With her guidance, I found the perfect diet for my crew. I highly recommend Dr. Miller and her staff!

Dena - from Rockford

We love Creature Comforts Veterinary Service! Our dogs have been receiving veterinary services from Dr. Sandra Miller for years. Dr. Miller is knowledgeable and offers many options to treat our concerns for our dogs. She takes the time to answer our questions and works to be proactive to help them stay healthy. I know I can trust her with the care of our dogs. We appreciate how thoughtful and friendly the staff is each time we visit. We can’t say enough positive things about Creature Comforts!

Lori and Dan from Union Grove

Dr. Miller and the entire team at Creature Comforts are outstanding. I always know my dogs are in capable and caring hands, and I appreciate the conservative approach to any treatments needed. Dr. Miller will also try quality supplements before prescribing medication whenever possible, which has proved very effective. If you want your pets to receive the best care, you need to visit Creature Comforts!

Jan from Whitewater

I cannot say enough positive things about Creature Comforts. They have been our vet for over 20 years and have treated our cats and dogs with quality care. Dr. Sandy and her staff have always treated our pets with gentleness even in trying situations. I highly recommend Creature Comforts.

Jill from Geneva

My husband and I had just started our research on the benefits of a raw food diet when our dog, Mellow, was experiencing a lot stomach upset with her current dry food brand. We were new to Wisconsin and Dr Miller was recommended due to her holistic approach. This was exactly what we were looking for. Dr Miller figures out the underlying issue rather than simply prescribing unnecessary medication. Your pet and their well being is her main focus.

Jon and Angela