How will I know when it’s the right time to euthanize? 

This is perhaps the hardest question you will ever have to answer as a pet owner.  Even as trained and experienced veterinary professionals we struggle with this decision with our own pets.  This is because there is no ‘right time’ to choose euthanasia and what you decide can be based on many different factors.  It can be helpful to use a Quality of Life Scale to determine whether to continue supportive care for an aging or sick pet or whether euthanasia is a more compassionate option.
Though determining your pet's quality of life is the most important factor for considering euthanasia, it’s not the only thing that may impact this decision. Taking great care of an elderly and ailing pet requires committing several resources such as your finances, time, emotion and physical capability. At some point you may become depleted of one or more of those resources and it would not be inappropriate to consider euthanasia. 
If after you consider all the options available, you still struggle with deciding on the best end of life decision for your pet, you can reach out to our veterinary team and we will help to guide you.

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How much notice is needed for scheduling a home visit?

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Feel free to call or text (407) 329-4001 to confirm availability, we recommend 48 hours notice but due to the nature of  in-home service, accessibility to your area can vary day to day.

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Who will come to my home to perform the appointment?

Either one of our Florida licensed veterinarian / co-owners of Heavenly Paws House Calls, Dr. Kara or Dr. Kiva will perform the in-home visit for your appointment. Both doctors are highly qualified to assess your pet’s needs and will provide the treatment and guidance needed for preparing you and your pet for a peaceful and dignified passing when it’s time.

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Do you give something to relax my pet before euthanizing? 

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Before euthanizing, we will give your pet a relaxing sedative of a small injection in the muscle or under the skin. This is given with a small needle which some pets hardly notice while others may respond similarly to receiving a vaccine injection . 

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 Is euthanasia painful? How does it work?

The euthanasia is not painful.  It is done through an injection given in the vein that produces the feeling of falling into a deep sleep. This is because it is a measured dose of anesthesia that painlessly shuts the brain down which in turn shuts down all bodily functions. This is done peacefully and occurs in a matter of seconds so your pet will not experience any discomfort with the injection. 

What should I do with my pet’s body after euthanasia?  
When a beloved pet passes on, it can be hard to know what to do. It is a good idea to think about aftercare arrangements ahead of time since you will not want to be confronted with those decisions at the time, then decide if cremation or burial is the best option for your family and beloved pet.

If you are considering burial then here are a few questions you may need to answer.
Where will it be?
Does this city allow pet burials? 
Will I move and not have access to the burial site? 
Did my pet like being indoors or outdoors and how will this affect the choice of a final resting place? 
Will I be able to prepare the burial site appropriately?
What will I use to surround my pet’s body: special blankets, handmade wood box or a cardboard box or a biodegradable casket? 
Will I want to include a special memorial item like a special toy or note?

If you are considering cremation and want your pet’s ashes returned to you with the assurance that your pet is individually cremated, then you should request private cremation. With a private cremation, pets are cremated alone and will be the only body within the cremation chamber. 

Some scatter cremated remains in nature or leave the urn on a mantelpiece, but what if you could create a living legacy for your pet that supports marine life for generations to come?

If you are considering cremation but do not want your pet’s ashes returned to you, then you should request communal cremation. With this process, your pet will be cremated with other pets and no ashes returned to you. Your pet’s cremated remains are added to a Reef Ball Memorial. The reef ball is then placed in our Florida undersea memorial garden dedicated specifically for pets which creates a living legacy that helps to restore the coral reefs ecosystem.

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If I decide on private cremation through Heavenly Paws House Calls, how will I know I’m getting my pet’s ashes back?

We have partnered with Pet Angel Memorial Center in Orlando, FL as our cremation services provider.  The Pet Angel is a reputable licensed crematory.  Pet Angel’s mission is to provide compassionate, professional after-care services that reflect the dignity and respect you, your pet, and your family deserve. They have incorporated the use of a digitized tracking system. Your pet’s end of life care veterinary team performs the initial steps of tracking and identification, then through the web based tracking system, is able to follow your pet through each stage of the cremation process.  This ensures the authentication, safety and security of the cremation process that will give you the peace of mind in the knowledge of your pet’s aftercare.

Can my other pets be present for the euthanasia? 

You're welcome to give your other pets the opportunity to say a final goodbye. It may be of comfort to the family to share that moment  with them. However, if the other pets are being disruptive or too distracting and hinder your ability to have the peaceful goodbye you wish for, you can let them stay in another room then bring them out to say their goodbye after the ailing pet has passed.  Pets are capable of experiencing grief from the loss of a friend.  Some may search the house, looking for their friend or even show signs of mourning such as decreased appetite and activity, loss of interest in the usual activities or seeming a little more withdrawn. These signs are usually temporary and your pet will need extra TLC and attention as they also process the loss of a companion. Others seem to move on quickly and are able to jump right back into their normal routine. 

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Is it appropriate for children to be present for the euthanasia?

Many parents struggle with this decision because it can be hard to talk to your children about death, especially when it involves their own pet. Children should be given simple and honest information about death. They have been known to be resilient and open-minded and may impress you with their comments and questions as they process the occasion in their own special way. We suggest giving them a choice about how they want to be involved as they may need the opportunity to say goodbye. You may elect to have your child at home but only closely involved at the beginning, end or at any other specific stage of the euthanasia process. Your child may also wish to be a part of any burial or pet memorial plans, this can be helpful for working through their grief.  In the end, you are the parent who knows your child best, so the decision is completely yours.

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What form of payment is acceptable?

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Cash, check, and all major credit cards are acceptable forms of payment. You can choose to pay with a credit or debit card prior to the appointment.  We also offer payment plans through Scratchpay. 

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