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FAQs
We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions and answers below. We hope it gives you all the information you need, but if there’s something that’s still not clear just get in touch and we’ll do our best to help you.
1. How will I know when it is time for my beloved pet?
The answer to this question is different for everyone but typically when the number of bad days out number the number of good days or your pet has lost interest in doing the things they love (i.e. eating, playing, running around, ect). The following links have a series of good questions to help you answer this question as well:
2. How long does the appointment last?
Appointments usually last for about 30-60 minutes.
3. How is the procedure performed?
In-home euthanasia is a beautiful thing because there is no rush to move through the process. Some find it easier to move through quicker than others and that is okay. In general, when we arrive for your appointment we will introduce ourselves to you and your pet. We will then have you sign a release form giving us the okay to move forward with the procedure and verifying that your pet has not bitten anyone in the last 10 days. We will ask your plans for after care and then take payment so we do not have to interrupt your grieving process afterwards.
Once you are ready we will either give your pet an injection of sedation or place an IV catheter depending on how nervous they are. If an IV catheter is placed first, we will then give sedation. This sedation transitions your pet into a state of sleeping. They can still hear and feel you just cannot react. Some clients do not like this and as long as your pet is not nervous or worked up, sedation can be skipped at your request. Sedation typically takes about 1-5 minutes to fully work. During this time you will see your pet get sleepy and lay on their side. Sometimes we can see some muscle tremors or the pet urinate or defecate with this relaxation.
Once you and your pet are comfortable we will give the euthanasia solution. This medication is an overdose of anesthesia. Your pet will feel like they are falling asleep for surgery and will not feel any pain, anxiety or nervousness. This medication typically takes about 30-60 seconds to take effect. While it is taking effect sometimes we can see muscle twitches, deep breaths and/or urinations/defecations. After your pet has become still I will listen for a heartbeat to confirm the medication has taken effect and there is no longer a heartbeat. After death sometimes pets will leak urine or fecal material and a lot of the times the eyes will remain open as it requires muscles to close the eyes and they will be relaxed.
4. What happens after?
Ultimately, this decision is up to you and your family. There are three options:
1. Burial at home
2. Communal Cremation
3. Private Cremation
1. If you choose to bury at home I recommend that you read this information to ensure you are following the state of Michigan's laws regarding this. We are also able to help you move to the burial site if you wish.
2. For cremation options we work with Faithful Companion. I have worked with Faithful Companion for close to 12 years and they will treat your pet with the utmost dignity and compassion through this process. They offer Communal and Private Cremation. With Communal cremation, your pet is transported the same day to Faithful Companion's facility in Troy where cremation will take place. After their ashes are spread in a pet cemetery. With Private Cremation your pet is transported the same day to Faithful Companion's facility in Troy where cremation takes place. Ashes are then placed in either a basic wooden urn or a specialty urn of your choosing. See those options here. A representative from Faithful Companion will then give you a call to set up a drop-off time for your ashes. This all happens within 1-2 days.
3. If choosing a Private Cremation you have two different transport options as well. After our appointment, I am happy to help with transport to Troy. If you would like to spend more time with your pet after the appointment Faithful Companion is able to pick up at your residence. If you would like this option please call to schedule this pick-up with Faithful Companion at (248) 435-7500.
**If you have preference for a different cremation service you are welcome to choose so. This will require you to schedule with that company on your own**
5. What is the cost involved?
In-home euthanasia appointment with Peaceful Passings is $400
Communal Cremation with Faithful Companion is $75
Private Cremation with Faithful Companion is $345
Special urns are additional and vary in price
Other keepsakes are additional and vary in price
6. Where can the appointment take place?
Appointments can take place anywhere you and your pet find comfort. This can be in the home or in the yard, wherever you prefer.
7. Is there anything I should do to prepare for the appointment?
There is nothing that you have to do but there are a few things I recommend:
Bedding: I do recommend having a nice place for your pet to lay on a big squishy blanket or pet bed. It is a potential that these may be soiled during the process so a towel or garbage bag over them will help protect them if you are worried about them getting dirty.
Food/Treats: If your pet is still interested in food you can feed them anything you want during the appointment. No foods are off limits so, if your pet loves to steal pizza off the counter let them have it.
Atmosphere: Consider things like relaxing music, candles, saying some words for your pet, reading a poem or prayer
Who will be there: Consider anyone important in your life or your pets life. People are welcome to video chat in as well.
8. What keepsakes do you offer?
With the in-home euthanasia appointment we are happy to make ink paw and/or nose prints. If you have at home clay print kits we can help if you need it. Faithful Companion also offers clay paw prints at an additional cost as well many other keepsakes such as jewelry. Visit their website here to browse their options.
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