How It Works
An honest, step-by-step look at what happens — from the moment you call us to the days afterward. Our goal is to make sure you know exactly what's coming, so you can be fully present with your pet.
From Booking to Goodbye
An in-home euthanasia visit is gentle, paced around your family, and designed to give your pet the most peaceful goodbye possible. Here's exactly what happens — from the moment you call us to the days afterward.
Call us at 312-757-8787 or book online. Our care team will ask a few questions about your pet — their age, condition, and what you're noticing — and help you decide whether you're ready to schedule a visit or whether you'd like a quality of life conversation first. There's never any pressure. Many families call us multiple times before booking, and that's completely fine.
We'll find a time that works for your family. Same-day appointments are available when needed; many families book a day or two in advance to give themselves time to prepare. We'll confirm your address, ask about parking, and let you know roughly when the veterinarian will arrive (we always call when we're 10-15 minutes away so you're not waiting by the door).
You don't need to do anything special. Choose a spot where your pet is most comfortable — their bed, the couch, the floor next to you, outside in the grass if weather allows. Have a favorite blanket or towel nearby. If you have other pets, decide ahead of time whether you'd like them present. We'll help guide that decision when we arrive.
Your veterinarian will introduce themselves quietly and let your pet come to them on their own terms. We'll sit and talk with you for a few minutes — about your pet, what to expect during the visit, any questions you have. We never rush this part. When you're ready, we begin.
The first injection is a sedative, given just under the skin. It's a small needle and most pets don't react to it. Within 5-10 minutes your pet drifts into a deep, peaceful sleep — they're no longer aware of anything around them. This is the part that matters most: by the time the final medication is given, your pet is fully sedated and feels nothing.
Once your pet is fully asleep, the veterinarian gives the final medication. Your pet's breathing and heart slow gently and stop within a minute or two. There's no struggle. No fear. Just a peaceful transition from sleep to passing, in your arms or in their favorite spot, with the people who love them most beside them.
After your pet has passed, the veterinarian steps back and gives your family time. There's no clock, no next appointment. Many families spend 15-30 minutes simply sitting with their pet, talking, crying, or quietly reflecting. Take as long as you need. When you're ready, we'll move forward — but we never lead that.
If you've chosen cremation, the veterinarian will gently transport your pet to our trusted local crematory. We handle this so your family doesn't have to. If you'd like a paw print or fur clipping as a keepsake, we'll create one before we leave. For families who choose home burial, we'll help you prepare your pet to stay with you.
If you've chosen private cremation, your pet's ashes are returned to your home in 1-2 weeks. We follow up with every family in the days after the visit — to see how you're doing, answer any questions, and share grief resources if you'd like them. The relationship doesn't end when we leave. Grief is a long road, and we're here for it.
What to Know Beforehand
Should I feed my pet before the visit? Yes — many families give their pet a special meal beforehand. Favorite treats, ice cream, a piece of cheese, whatever they've always loved. Don't worry about diets or restrictions on this day. This is a moment to spoil them.
Should children be present? Many families include their children, and we strongly support that when families want it. Children process grief differently than adults, and being included in a calm, gentle goodbye is often healthier than being shielded from it. We can talk through how to prepare them. If you'd rather they not be present, that's also a valid choice — only you know what's right for your family.
What about other pets? Other pets in the household often benefit from being present. They sense when a companion is declining, and witnessing the peaceful passing helps them understand and adjust. We've seen many cases where the other pet simply lies down nearby, calmly, throughout the visit.
Should I take photos? Some families do, some don't. There's no right answer. Some families take a final photo of the whole family with their pet beforehand. Some take paw prints. Some prefer to be fully present and not behind a phone. Whatever feels right is right.
What if I change my mind? You can always change your mind, even when we arrive. We've had families decide they need another day, and we leave gently and without any pressure. The visit only happens when you're sure.
What does it cost? Our pricing is flat and transparent. See our pricing page for details — no surprise fees.
Why It Matters
Families who have experienced both a clinic euthanasia and an in-home euthanasia almost universally describe them as fundamentally different experiences. In a clinic, your pet faces a stressful car ride, an unfamiliar exam room, and the smells and sounds of other animals — sometimes their last hours are the most stressful of their life. The family, meanwhile, grieves in a public space, often feeling rushed by the next appointment, and ends the day with a long, quiet drive home with an empty leash.
At home, none of that happens. Your pet stays in the place they know and love. Your family has privacy and as much time as you need. There's no waiting room, no clock, no stranger smells, no drive home. The whole experience is centered on your pet's peace and your family's needs — not on a clinic schedule.
If you'd like to read more about why families choose this option, we've written a longer piece: Why Families Choose In-Home Pet Euthanasia.
Common Questions
No. The first injection is a small sedative — most pets barely react to it, and within 5-10 minutes they're in a deep peaceful sleep. The final medication is only given after your pet is fully sedated and unaware. They feel no pain at any point.
Whatever feels comfortable. There's no dress code. Some families wear pajamas. Have a favorite blanket or towel for your pet to lie on. Have water nearby for yourself and tissues. Other than that, just be present with your pet.
Most visits take 45 minutes to an hour, paced around your family's needs. The procedure itself is brief — usually 15-20 minutes from sedation to passing — but we leave time before for conversation and questions, and time afterward for the family to sit with their pet.
Yes, absolutely. Most families do. Your pet can be in your arms, on your lap, or beside you on their bed — wherever they're most comfortable and you can be close. The veterinarian will work around however your pet is positioned.
If you've chosen cremation, the veterinarian gently and respectfully transports your pet to our trusted local crematory. With private cremation, ashes are returned in 1-2 weeks. With communal cremation, ashes are not returned. If you've chosen home burial, we'll help you prepare your pet to remain with you.
This is the question every pet owner asks. We've written a detailed guide: Assessing Your Pet's Quality of Life. Our care team is also happy to talk it through with you over the phone, with no pressure to book.
Whether you want to book an appointment, ask a question, or just hear a kind voice on the other end of the line — call us. We're available seven days a week.
