What Can I Expect During At-Home Pet Euthanasia Visit?

dog paw in hand

What should you expect when putting your pet down at home?  At-home hospice and euthanasia has become much more popular in the last few years.  Being able to say goodbye to your loved one in the comfort of your home and surrounded by family/friends is a more peaceful experience.  

No one wants to think about the end of life cycle, let alone talk about it; however it is essential to for a smooth transition.  Having a cohesive plan for aftercare brings a sense of peace and provides a less anxiety driven experience.  Death is already stressful so why make it more so.

You Have Options

Having the option of at home pet euthanasia has been a game changer for many pet owners.  Many people will tell you that the experience to say goodbye to their furry best friend at home was making a horrible experience more tolerable.  Giving your pet a peaceful and compassionate send off is what most of us can only hope for for ourselves when we pass on.

So what do should you expect when arranging an at home pet euthanasia?  There are a few veterinarians that offer a mobile vet service; however more popular today is an all service pet aftercare company.  It’s important to find a reputable and professional company who will not only provide compassionate care but also has experience in the field.  Forever Companion in Reno, NV is a perfect example of professionalism and compassion.  Dr. Elisa Bandelin and Crystal Haymond (Licensed Vet Tech) started Forever Companion in 2021.   Their reviews on Google and Yelp speak for themselves! 



What Can You Expect?

In speaking with Dr. Elisa and Crystal, they discussed of what their clients can expect when using their services:

  1. Once appointment has been made, necessary paperwork will be completed – usually online but definitely ahead of appointment time.
  2. At time of appointment, there is a “Meet and Greet” of pet and family
  3. Make sure any and all questions/concerns addressed
  4. Agree on where euthanasia will take place
  5. Discuss with family, who would like to remain present or come and go- there is no judgement
  6. Explain the steps: A nice calming medication is first given under the skin, then everyone can cuddle with pet while sedation takes effect, once pet completely calms and relaxes – we will proceed with small catheter placement to give euthanasia medication
  7. Once pet passes, we ask quietly if family would like some time alone with pet
  8. If owner has chosen cremation, we prepare stretcher or basket with blankets and flowers for transportation of pet to crematory facility
  9. The pet is prepared and draped with flower garland.
  10. Contacts are provided and crematory facility information and timing
  11. Funeral Processional to car and lots of hugs and goodbyes

Although these are the “actions” you can expect of Forever Companion services.  It is important to note that every client and their pet should expect: kindness, communication, understanding, all questions answered, respect, professionalism and most of all love.

Our Pets Are Our Family

Our pets are our family.  Why is it we preplan our own passings, funerals, cremations yet we don’t discuss preplanning of our pets?  Discussing with your family which momentos are desired and whether cremation vs. home burial is appropriate are all important topics.  Being prepared before an elderly pet passes can provide a more peaceful passing.  Knowing what to expect at an at home euthanasia can also provide a sense of peace.  To feel that you have done all you can for your beloved pet and provide them with a goodbye that is supportive and caring is the greatest gift.

Do Your Research

To understand your options available and services provided by at-home pet aftercare companies look online for veterinarians in your area that provide the services.  Do your research, read reviews and ask your friends and community. Forever Companion is special in that they are a dynamic duo veterinary team.  Having two professionals available to you to provide the most comforting environment possible is invaluable.  Giving our pets the best end of life experience is one of the best final gifts we can give them.


If you are in the Nevada and Lake Tahoe Regions, then Forever Companion can provide you the professional services you need.

Options like:

  • At Home Hospice Care & Euthanasia Services 
  • Euthanasia Service Packages
  • Transportation & Delivery Services

CJ Johnson
CJ Johnson

CJ is a guest blogger for Forever Companion.com  She built, owned and operated Eden Memorial Pet Care Inc. before selling the business in 2021.  CJ’s 18 years of experience in pet cremation/memorial industry and as a Certified Pet Bereavement Counselor gives her a wide range of expertise. She now guest blogs and has her own consulting business.