In-Home Euthanasia
Saying goodbye is a unique, personal experience for every family. Let us help alleviate some of the anxiety and fear that can come with anticipating the loss of a beloved pet and help guide you through some of the difficult moments. We value your special bond with your pet and will work with you to plan a home euthanasia visit that you feel best honors your pet.
Choosing euthanasia at home offers many benefits and personal touches that just cannot be replicated in a clinic setting. You may choose the setting such as a favorite bed, couch, under the familiar tree in the backyard, or even a local park. You may choose to have music playing or may read poems or passages or may choose a silent, reflective setting. Your pet can experience less stress or excitement and therefore, you and your family can feel more at ease. As pet caretakers, you are also afforded the space to openly grieve on your own terms. There are many opportunities to create a deeply personal goodbye at home.
In-Home Euthanasia Services At A Glance:
Guidance and support with euthanasia decision-making prior to and during appointment (for more in-depth guidance, consider Quality of Life consultation in advance of euthanasia visit)
Travel fee within service radius including Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield and surrounding towns. See map in footer below.
Medications for sedation and gentle passing
Options for Paw Impressions (foam $15, clay $40, ceramic $75-95)
Dignified transportation of pet for cremation following visit
Option for Memorial Cremation service by Trusted Journey Pet Memorial Services in Plainfield.
Option for Private Cremation service by Trusted Journey Pet Memorial Services in Plainfield. Resulting ashes can be picked up directly at crematorium or shipped for additional fee.
Cedar Urn, Rosewood Urn, Biodegradable Eco Urn, or Scattering Tube included with Private Cremation service
We will take care of all arrangements for you so that you may focus this time on your pet (excluding cemetery burial or viewing of cremation) *See description below
Scroll Down for More Information and Description of Home Euthanasia Services
How do i know it is time For Euthanasia?
Unfortunately, as pet caretakers, most of us will inevitably have to ask ourselves this question. When a pet receives a diagnosis of a terminal illness or is experiencing a debilitating disease process, it can be very overwhelming and emotional. Suddenly it is up to you to know when it is time to make a decision regarding humane euthanasia. Having someone say “you’ll know when its time” is not always helpful.
We encourage families to ask themselves to define their wishes for their pets and to consider what they would want the death experience to look like when the time comes.
In short, there is no simple answer nor a “one size fits all” for this question. Every situation is unique and requires consideration of a variety of important factors. If you are struggling with this decision, you are very normal and not alone. Please reach out to discuss your worries and concerns regarding end-of-life decisions. You may also visit our Resources + Tools page for assessment tools.
What Can i expect With Euthanasia At Home?
We will be there to help you say goodbye in a deeply personal and meaningful way. It is our goal for your pet to experience nothing but the familiar surroundings, sounds, and love found only within your home as they drift off into a deep sleep and gentle passing.
Your pet will be first be given a sedative to allow for gradual transition into a deep, comfortable sleep. Dr. Trupia will step out during this portion of the visit to allow privacy and time with your pet. Your pet will then be given a second medication that acts as an overdose of anesthetic allowing for peaceful, pain-free passing.
You will again be given time and space with your pet after they have passed. When you are ready, our doctor will respectfully tuck your pet into a basket or onto a hand-held cot/stretcher to be carried out to our vehicle. Family members may be asked to help or may choose to act as pallbearers during this process.
What are the aftercare options?
Aftercare refers to your pet’s care following home euthanasia. We partner with Trusted Journey Pet Memorial Services in Plainfield and will help take care of arrangements for you so that you may focus this time on your pet. You can find more information outlining your options for aftercare, including Memorial Cremation, Private Cremation, Cemetery Burial, Home Burial, or Transporting your pet on your own to the crematorium of your choosing on our Aftercare + Memorialization page.
“In the garden of memory, in the palace of dreams…that is where you and i shall meet.”
— Mad Hatter