Question 1

What area do you serve?

Accepted Answer

I will provide services throughout Pueblo, Canon City, and the surrounding areas.  For outlying areas, there may be an additional trip charge depending on distance.

Question 2

How much does Home Euthanasia cost?

Accepted Answer

The base cost for dogs and cats is 300 weekdays, 350 weekend days.  Base rate for horses is 400 weekdays, 450 weekend days.
7-10pm, there is an additional 50 evening charge.
After 10pm, there is an additional 100 night charge.

Transportation to a crematory is 50.

Travel rates for areas outside this area will depend on distance.
 
For dogs and cats, the charge is the same regardless of size of pet.  For other animals, there may be additional cost.  This can be discussed on an individual basis.

Animals requiring extra sedation will incur an additional fee depending on the situation. I will work with you to establish a plan to safely handle even problem animals.

Question 3

What is the procedure for Home Euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

Please click HERE to read about the procedure for Home Euthanasia.

Question 4

What do I do with my pet's remains after the Home Euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

You have a few decisions to make.  I have outlined them on the Resources page.

Question 5

I want to have some kind of memento of my pet.  Do you have any ideas?

Accepted Answer

Please click the heart to see some of the ideas I have gathered.  There are so many out there.  I have seen blown glass objects with ashes incorporated.  There are urns made to look like a statue of your pet.  Custom painted portraits from your photos.  A google search will turn up many more than I have included.
My favorite is probably the silver nose print charms, but everyone can find the thing that speaks to their heart.
Etsy is a great resource for finding custom items to order.  Hobby Lobby has had resin statues and step stones for pet memorials (I have one with a read heart that looks like it was made of a dog collar.)

Deciding what you want before the euthanasia is a good idea so you have a plan to gather any photos, paw prints, hair etc.

Question 6

How far ahead do I have to schedule?

Accepted Answer

I am very flexible in my scheduling.  I know that making this decision is one of the most difficult things some people will ever do.  If I am available, I can and will do what I can to schedule you same day (if that's what you want) if at all possible.  
I do at times travel out of the area.  I try to post ahead of time on my Facebook page when I am going to be gone.  So if you know you will be needing my services in the future, keep an eye on that to know when I will be unavailable.
 
Some plans, like After Care and Memorial/Keepsakes, can be made ahead of time without setting a date.  For most people, it is good to already know what you are going to do when the time comes.  Making those decisions before you are in the "heat of the moment" can be helpful with the time does come.  Then it's all decided and you just put it into action without having to make choices when you are distraught.

Question 7

Should children be present?

Accepted Answer

While this is always a decision made based on individual factors, I find that children often do better being involved than not.  Of course this depends on age and maturity.
 
Children often see things more clearly than adults!  I discuss what we are doing with them and why we are doing it.  Many times, they are very matter of fact.  They often see the animal is suffering  and it seems obvious to them that if we can release them from suffering, then of course we should.  
 
I've seen that the loss of a pet, and how families handle that loss, can help guide children on healthy grief.  Many times, the loss of a pet is their first experience with grief.  And helping them face their emotions in this loss can have a deep, lasting effect on how they handle loss later in life.
 
Giving those old enough to understand what is happening the opportunity to be present helps them to exert a level of control over the stress they are experiencing.  And many times having even a small amount of control helps all of us handle adversity better.
 
Here is a link to a workbook that you might find helpful for children.

Circle of Life

(719) 315-0994

Home Euthanasia FAQ