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The decision to euthanize a beloved pet is often one of the most difficult choices an owner can make. Dr. Gayle Feeley will help guide you through this distressing time and provide a quality of life assessment for your pet. If it is determined that your pet is in pain and discomfort can no longer be controlled or that their quality of life has deteriorated, in-home euthanasia is one of the last loving gifts you can give. 

Choosing to say goodbye in the privacy and comfort of your own home allows your dog or cat to transition peacefully surrounded by the ones they love and who love them deeply.

For the past 15 years, Dr. Gayle has provided in-home euthanasia as part of her small animal house-call practice. After experiencing how much this meant to people and their pets, she now focuses solely on end-of-life issues for our four-legged family members. 

As an experienced veterinarian, Dr. Gayle will assess your pet's quality of life and help guide your decision-making process. Signs can be as individual as the animal you are caring for.  Here are some signs that may indicate your pet is no longer enjoying a good quality of life:

• He or she is experiencing chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication (your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet is in pain).
• He or she has a condition that is causing severe dehydration and/or significant weight loss.
• He or she has stopped eating or will only eat if you force-feed them. (Not to be used as the ultimate criterion as many animals eat right up to their last hour)
• He or she is incontinent to the degree that they frequently soil themselves-affecting their hygiene and dignity.
• He or she has lost interest in all or most of his favorite activities, such as going for walks, playing with toys or other pets, eating treats, or soliciting attention and petting from family members.
• He or she cannot stand on their own or falls down often when trying to walk.
• He or she has labored breathing of any duration or chronic coughing.
• He or she suffers from extreme anxiety often expressed as restlessness, pacing whining, crying or soiling the house when left alone.
• Caring for the pet has become a tremendous strain on the individual or family.
• Cognitive behavior has been significantly altered causing confusion, fogginess and distress and often housebreaking habits are changed.
• Your pet is experiencing more bad days than good.

Always remember when evaluating your pet’s status that “it is better to be a day too early than a second too late!”

It is best to contact Dr. Gayle in advance to develop a plan for your pet; preferably at least 24 hours ahead of time, but we know this is not always possible. Dr. Gayle will talk you through the euthanasia process and her protocol. Your pet will transition in peace without pain or fear in the comfort of their home and in the presence of their family. 

Care for your pet’s remains is a very personal decision. Every family is different and the choice is yours alone to make. If you elect to have Dr. Gayle assist with your pet’s remains, you may choose private cremation or communal cremation. 

Private Cremation:  Your pet will be cremated privately at a reputable, licensed crematory, enabling your pet’s ashes to be returned to you. 

Communal Cremation:  Pets are cremated with other pets and there is no return of ashes. 

Dr. Gayle understands the importance of this last rite of passage and she has selected an after-care provider based on their high standard of service. You can rest assured that your pet is safely and respectfully cared for throughout this process.

In-Home Euthanasia Services: 

Fees are primarily based on your pet's weight, averaging $270-$300 for cats and $290-$350 for dogs, which includes the house call, sedation, and euthanasia. Extra distance, weekend days and urgent care fees may apply.

Cat Cremation Service: 

Private Cremation (includes returning your pet's ashes to you): $200

Communal Cat Cremation: $100

Dog Cremation Service:

Private Cremation (includes returning your pet's ashes to you)

Average fees by weight: 

0-25 lbs: $220

26-50 lbs: $260

51-75 lbs: $290

76-100 lbs: $320

101-150 lbs: $400

>150 lbs: N/A*

Communal Dog Cremation: $140 average (determined by dog's weight)

*For dogs over 150 lbs, we will refer you to the pet cemetery who will arrange to pick up your pet directly from you.