Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Worth Veterinary Hospice
Choosing to say goodbye to your beloved pet can be a very difficult decision, and we want all pet parents to be educated about their choices for in-home euthanasia. See below for some of the most frequently asked questions we get as end-of-life providers.
All About Pet Euthanasia & Hospice Care
How does pet euthanasia work?
Veterinary euthanasia is the humane process of deciding to end an animal's life to relieve them of suffering or prevent further pain and discomfort. The process is performed by a licensed veterinarian who administers a two-part injection of an anesthesia solution, which causes the animal to lose consciousness and then peacefully pass away without any pain or distress. Euthanasia is often the kindest thing you can do for a pet.
What is pet hospice care?
Veterinary hospice care is a specialized form of care for elderly or terminally ill animals. It focuses on providing comfort and maintaining quality of life for the animal during their remaining time. Hospice care can include chronic pain management, nutritional support, and guidance for both the animal and their owners. Hospice care allows owners to spend quality time with their beloved pets and say goodbye in a meaningful way.
How will I know when it’s time?
Deciding when to euthanize a pet can be one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner may face and it is important to consider your pet's quality of life. Factors to consider include their overall enjoyment of life and their ability to eat, drink, and play without pain. It may be helpful to consult with a veterinarian to discuss your pet's condition, prognosis, and potential treatment options. Ultimately, the decision to euthanize should be based on what is best for your pet's well-being and quality of life, even if you, the human, don’t feel completely ready.
All About Fort Worth Veterinary Hospice
What does an in-home pet euthanasia appointment look like?
When you schedule an in-home euthanasia appointment with DVH, one of our caring, experienced, licensed veterinarians will come to your home and help your pet pass peacefully without stress or pain. Your pet will first receive a sedative injection to alleviate their fear, ease their pain, and provide relaxation. Once they’ve fallen asleep, we will work together to pick a moment to give them an IV overdose of an anesthetic. Euthanasia appointments are blocked off for 2 hours so that families do not have to feel rushed. You can take as much or as little time as you need to go through this process.
What is included in at-home euthanasia?
We strive to make our at-home euthanasia packages an all-inclusive price, and there are no additional fees. The goal of our mobile hospice practice is to charge a flat rate and take care of the logistics for you so that you can focus on quality time with your pet. Any diagnostics, treatments, or additional keepsakes outside of those listed on the website will be quoted to you ahead of time. Transport to the funeral home and keepsakes, including a paw print and a fur clipping, are included in the simple and private aftercare appointment types.
What happens after the visit?
We hand-deliver your pet’s body to the funeral home’s facilities. Once there, they will begin the process of curating the elected memorial items, such as paw prints or fur clippings, and their remains in a custom urn. While our default is to have them hand-delivered back to you at home, you have the option of picking the memorial items up directly from the funeral home or having them shipped.
Which pet species do you offer in-home euthanasia for? care for?
While we usually work with cats and dogs, it’s not uncommon for us to work with all species. We are happy to accommodate exotic, pocket-pet, and avian species. Give our team a call or get in touch with us to discuss your pet’s situation, and we will do our best to provide the care they need in their final moments.
What is communal aftercare?
Communal aftercare is a type of pet cremation or aquamation where pets are not processed individually. The remains are typically not returned to the owner and instead are either scattered in a designated location, like a garden or farm, or disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner.
What is private aftercare?
Private aftercare is a type of pet cremation or aquamation where only one pet is processed at a time, ensuring that the remains returned to the owner are exclusively those of their pet. This option guarantees a more personalized and intimate experience for the pet owner, who can choose to keep the remains in an urn or scatter them in a meaningful location. We ensure that your pet never leaves our chain of hands and is treated with the utmost respect and dignity.