“After all the years of unconditional love that they have given us, the final gift we can give our pets is a painless and dignified end to their suffering.”

—DR. MARY JANE CIONNI

Sleepy dog and cat

In Home Euthanasia

By saying goodbye at home, you’re choosing the kindest way to say goodbye, showing them love, peace, and comfort. Surrounded by family and other pets, lying in their favorite bed, perhaps even enjoying their favorite meal, they can find tranquility in their transition from life to crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

If you’re in the Cincinnati area, reach out to us now for more information on end of life care for your cat or dog.

Why In-Home Euthanasia is Better than a Natural Death

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy and it’s important to realize when it’s time to let them go. Some pet owners put off the decision to euthanize, waiting instead for their pet’s life to end naturally. Unfortunately, a natural death is often preceded by long periods of stress, suffering, and pain. This can include labored breathing, severe pain, and great anxiety. Dogs and cats typically hide signs of pain, and their discomfort often goes unnoticed. Using our Quality of Life and Dog and Cat Signs of Pain scales, which can be found here,  you can get a better understanding of how they are really doing.

Saying Goodbye at Home

Most families want to spend the last moments with their pet in a quiet and familiar place but don’t realize there are options outside of euthanasia in a traditional veterinary clinic. There is another way. If you can no longer control nor cure the ailments of your pet, allowing their final moments to pass in their own home is the greatest gift you can give.

With at-home euthanasia, we are able to provide cat and dog owners in the Cincinnati area an ideal way to end their pet’s life, by peacefully drifting off to sleep and not waking again. When there is no more that can be done medically, choosing to release them from their suffering is the most compassionate thing to do for them. It makes me sad, however, to see pets euthanized in a cold hospital space, on an exam table, with disturbing sounds and smells causing them stress and fear in their last moments.

By saying goodbye at home, you’re choosing the kindest way to say goodbye, showing them love, peace, and comfort. Surrounded by family and other pets, lying in their favorite bed, perhaps even enjoying their favorite meal, they can find tranquility in their transition from life to crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

What is the Process?

If your family decides that in-home pet euthanasia is the best option for your pet, I will meet you at your home to begin the process. First, we’ll discuss the process, what you should be prepared for, and talk over any concerns you might have. Common things we may discuss:

  • How can you make your pet more comfortable?
  • What if you’re feeling uncertain?
  • Should I stay for the entire procedure?
  • What happens after the procedure is finished?

After I’ve answered any concerns that you have, I will administer a sedative. This will relax your pet in addition to taking away any pain that they may be feeling. The sedative takes approximately 5-10 minutes for your pet to be fully sedated. As the medication begins to work, you will see your pet slowly drift into a relaxing sleep.

At that point, I will shave some fur from one of their legs to help visualize their veins, and insert a small butterfly IV catheter. Your pet will not feel this. I will then inject the euthanasia solution, which works very quickly, in a minute or two, to shut down the brain and stop the heart and lungs. Your pet will not feel this or be aware of it in any way. Then, I will listen carefully to their heart with my stethoscope to ensure that they are gone.

Cremation

If you have opted for cremation as aftercare, I will give you the time you need to say goodbye to your pet before I gently prepare them for transport and they will be then taken to a licensed crematory. If you have opted for private cremation, a secure tracking system will be used to identify your pet throughout the cremation process. You will be called to pick up their cremains and any keepsakes such as paw prints within 5-10 business days.

Memorial Items and Keepsakes

If you have chosen cremation for aftercare and you’d like to memorialize your beloved pet, Pet Crossings offers a keepsake paw print and urn options to help your family keep the memory of your pet within your home. 

Pet euthanasia at home honors your pet’s life by offering an opportunity to say goodbye in a loving, peaceful, and comfortable environment. For more information or to speak with Dr. Cionni, call 513-666-1533.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT >