This is the most common question we hear for the simple reason that our emotional pain when facing the loss of our loved one can be extreme, and we desperately want to make the “right” decision. We cannot bear the thought of our pet suffering…but we also feel we cannot handle saying goodbye. If this is what you are currently facing, you are not alone.
Often by the time a family calls us, they have been told by the vet or a well-intentioned friend: “You will just know”. This is confusing and misleading. While we certainly have a unique relationship with our pets, one in which we truly feel understood by them and that we understand them as well, this does not always translate to a clear understanding of when your pet is ready to leave us.
What is more difficult/painful for YOU: the thought of saying goodbye to your pet, or the thought of watching your pet continue to struggle?
If the struggle and the roller coaster ride of good days and bad days and that realization that your pet is no longer able to enjoy themselves is becoming too hard…then it might be time to give us a call. You are not alone.
There is so much more that goes into this decision. Please visit our blog page to see the full article regarding this particular topic. Also, just reach out to us anytime, we offer no-cost phone consults as well to get a better understanding of the specific conditions of your pet to help you make this decision.
Your veterinarian’s office likely does everything possible to create a peaceful experience. However, there is no place like the loving home that your pet feels most comfortable in. Further, you will not have to deal with facing other families and their healthy pets, standing in line to handle paperwork, and driving afterwards when we provide a loving home experience.
The medication we give first will create wonderful, peaceful sleep that eliminates all anxiety, pain, and sensation. The first medication is given like a vaccine, under the skin. Most pets do not worry about it, and a few do complain a bit when it is administered. In any case, your pet will “forget” about it immediately and start to feel deeply relaxed. Your pet will not feel the second injection which is the euthanasia injection at all.
This is a very personal decision, and there are no right nor wrong answers. You are welcome to stay for as much of the process as you feel comfortable. There is no judgement if you prefer to say goodbye and step away prior to process.
You can absolutely hold your pet, either on the floor or on your favorite sofa or comfie chair. We do need to be able to get near your pet, so recliners should have foot rests retracted. Coffee tables should be moved to allow us to be on the floor near pet if pet is on sofa.
Veterinarians are generally compassionate and skilled professionals, and we support you using whichever company you feel most comfortable with. Here at Forever Companion, we are exceptionally passionate about providing the absolute best end-of-life experience for pets and families. We are locally owned and operated, and have been practicing veterinary medicine in Nevada our entire careers. This is all we do, and we do it very well. We have over 30 years combined experience. We are available 7 days a week for easy scheduling. We will take our time, never rushing your experience, and answering any and all questions. After the appointment we will let your pet’s regular veterinarian’s office know immediately (if you like). We will treat your pet as lovingly as we do our own.
For local areas, most of our appointments are made with less than 24 hours notice. Feel free to schedule in advance as far as you like. There are never any penalties for changes.
This is a great question, and we get asked this a lot. Our travel fees are crafted based on distance, terrain, etc. Just as much care, love and compassion goes into a long distance appointment and we don't mind taking the extra time out of our day to help your special family member. To see your area and travel fees explained, please click here.
Will you and your pet be able to relax and have a peaceful experience with children present? If so, then they are absolutely welcome. Grief professionals advise that being very direct and literal with children in regards to what is happening is best. We love having children show us the pictures they have drawn of their pet and hearing their favorite stories.
No, we welcome all loved ones. Please be mindful that everyone planning to attend MUST be present prior to our arrival.
In our many years of experience we have found that it is best for other dogs to be secured prior to our arrival and allowed to visit with your pet afterward. We will step outside to allow for visitation as long as needed. We have medical supplies and even special treats for our patients that are dangerous to other curious noses. While we love your other pets, please be mindful that we are performing a medical procedure, usually while sitting on the floor, and need to give our patient our undivided loving attention.
We understand how important all furry members of your family are, and we do believe the other pets should have a sniff after so they understand what is going on. There is never any rush through the process so your family can take as long of visitation time as needed.
The initial sedation takes an average of 5-15 minutes to take full effect. Younger pets affected by painful conditions may take longer to become sleepy. The euthanasia itself typically takes less than one minute. However, sometimes we are in homes for over an hour to ensure we have answered all questions and concerns prior to getting started.
Yes. We trust our partner crematory West Coast Pet Memorial with our own pets and our patients. We are there often and witness the care and diligence of their handling of pets and cremation.
Yes, this is called “witness cremation”. This is available at extra cost and must be scheduled directly with cremation facility at specific times of day. Please ask us if you would like details on this process.
Please make sure that at least one person present at appointment is reasonably sober enough to communicate. Please refrain from smoking or vaping tobacco or cannabis in our immediate presence. Please silence cell phones and landlines and encourage all friends and family members present to do the same. If you receive frequent home deliveries it might be a good idea to place a note on door to prevent knocks during appointment. Please allow all family members to come and go freely during appointment as they feel comfortable, letting go of expectations of how you feel they should behave. Grief affects everyone differently, and it is completely normal to want to wander during process. Please make sure all parties that wish to be present during euthanasia are home at the beginning of the appointment window, as we are unable to wait for late arrivals. Please refrain from asking medical questions about your other pets. If any other pets in the home are in need of a quality of life consult, please call us before or after our visit. Any other questions should be directed to your pets’ regular veterinarian.
Yes of course! If appointment will be outside in winter and/or after dark please let us know in advance so that we are prepared with adequate outdoor wear and lighting.
There are strict environmental regulations regarding what can be cremated. It is ok to send a very small toy (think no bigger than a softball) We will provide very soft cozy blankets to gently wrap your pet in for transport, and we are unable to take bedding nor blankets from your home. Feel free to send unlimited letters, poems and natural flowers, with your pet to join him/her during cremation.
Absolutely! Remember that certain foods are toxic to dogs, so please wait until we have let you know that we are on our way prior to feeding things like chocolate.
Some medications cause discomfort or even emergencies when skipped such as insulin, heart medications, etc. If your pet is on pain medications it is probably best to continue those on schedule. Other medications and supplements may not be as urgent.. when in doubt, please ask your veterinarian who prescribed the medications.
Please research local county regulations prior to planning a home burial and always make 100% sure to avoid gas, power, and water lines. For Washoe County regulations click here: https://www.nnph.org/programs-and-services/environmental-health/waste-management-program/burial-pets-animals.php
Yes, this is more common than you might think. It can be a beautiful experience for them to pass peacefully, together.
So sorry, but no.
All prepaid appointments are 100% refundable if canceled for any reason. If you have paid for your appointment but decide to postpone, you have the option of a full refund OR we can apply funds to appointment at a later date.
We are not an emergency service. However, we are often able to come the same day. Priority scheduling is given to pre-registered pets.
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 365 days per year. If we do not answer your call during those hours, we are helping a family and will respond within 1-2 hours. Prefer texting? No problem, we love texting. Please pre-register your pet here so that we can best answer your questions.
Yes. Seniors 65+, active military, and military veterans are eligible for $50.00 off total cost of appointment.
If you are paying with a credit card you will receive a payment link with your initial email that we send shortly after you schedule with us. Payment by card must be received prior to our arrival. Cash payments are accepted on site (exact change required) as soon as we arrive, prior to services being rendered. We do not accept personal checks.
If you are in need of our assistance transporting pet to crematorium, please register your pet here. We will be in touch during business hours to schedule pick up time. Transport and cremation fees will apply. Keep pet covered and as cool as possible. Potty pads or plastic sheet under pet is a good idea. It is also an option for you to transport your pet directly to crematory yourself during their business hours- West Coast Pet Memorial.
We are unable to accept CareCredit at this time, unless you have a newer CareCredit card that has the Mastercard logo on front of card. We accept major credit cards and cash (exact change).
Behavioral euthanasia is only performed under extremely rare circumstances once pet family has exhibited advanced efforts to rehabilitate pet’s behavior. Documentation of euthanasia being only last remaining option from a minimum of 2 sources must be provided. One of the sources must be from a licensed veterinarian who has seen the pet and attempted pharmaceutical behavioral intervention. The second source can be an animal behavioral specialist who has worked extensively with pet or Washoe County Regional Animal Services. Aggression cases are evaluated on a case-to-case basis. Owner must pre-medicate pet before we arrive with oral sedatives acquired from pet’s regular veterinarian. Owner must be able to safely apply appropriately fitting soft nylon or basket muzzle and restrain pet safely for us to administer injectable sedation. We are unable to perform euthanasia for pets who have bitten another human or animal within 10 days (rabies law, please contact WCRAS for quarantine questions).