Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions can come up during the hospice and, especially, the euthanasia process. These are some of the most commonly asked questions that come up.
Euthanasia
These questions are around the process of euthanasia and what to expect during an at-home euthanasia.
How will I know when it's time for my pet to be euthanized?
It is important to recognize that the decision to euthanize your pet is specific and unique to you and your pet. As a general guideline, when a pet experiences more days of an unacceptable quality-of-life (QOL) than good days, generally that it is a good time to plan for euthanasia.
​
If and when your pet is diagnosed with a chronic disease, that is a good time to gather anyone who will be part of this decision - close friends and family, for example - and discuss what an acceptable QOL looks like for your pet. Doing this when you are not emotional frequently helps dispel negative feelings and questions about whether the right thing was done.
​
For more information, please read this informational sheet from The Ohio State University.
What is a “quality of life” assessment and how does it work?
A quality of life (QOL) assessment is a structured way to evaluate how your pet is doing — not just medically, but in terms of comfort, happiness and ability to enjoy life.
At Paws at Peace, we recommend:
​
-
Reflecting on things your pet used to enjoy — favorite walks or resting places or interactions.
-
Tracking changes: how many “good days” vs “bad days” your pet has (for example, good days where they look comfortable and engaged vs bad days where they seem withdrawn or in distress). LSU
-
Partnering with your veterinarian (and our hospice team if applicable) to interpret those observations together — so you’re not facing the decision alone.
-
​
The QOL assessment doesn’t give a definitive “go” or “no-go” answer, but gives you meaningful, concrete data and feelings to help make that tough decision with the greatest compassion.
​
You can use this tool to help you understand if your pet has an acceptable quality of life.
What happens during in-home euthanasia with Paws at Peace?
At Paws at Peace, we bring the veterinary hospice and euthanasia process into your home — allowing your pet to be in a familiar, comfortable environment, surrounded by family. The broad aspects you can expect include:
​
-
A calm, compassionate veterinarian (Dr. Jason Doolittle) who is Fear Free certified, Feline Friendly certified, and a Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian — experienced in helping pets and families through end-of-life transitions.
-
A peaceful, private moment with your pet in the chosen location (home, yard, favorite spot) where you and your family may be present as you wish.
-
Pre-euthanasia sedative is always provided to your pet so that they do not experience any pain, anxiety, or fear; when pre-euthanasia sedation is used, they will pass away in a calm, relaxed manner.
-
Aftercare options: we can walk you through what happens next (cremation, memorial, what you want to do with your pet’s remains), and offer grief support resources.
-
Cremations are all done at Center Point Cremations. ​
-
-
Clear, compassionate communication: what to expect during the procedure, what you might observe, and how the veterinarian ensures your pet’s comfort and dignity.
​
We tailor the service to your family’s wishes, your pet’s comfort needs, and the type of goodbye you want to give.
After the euthanasia, how can I cope with the grief and honour my pet’s memory?
The loss of a beloved companion is profound. At Paws at Peace, we recognize the emotional journey that follows and provide support in several ways:
​
-
We’ll provide an after-care guide: what to expect in the days following, how to allow kids/family members to say goodbye, how to talk about grief and memories.
-
We can share resources for pet loss counselling, support groups, memorial ideas and ways to celebrate your pet’s life.
-
We also encourage you to honor your pet in a way meaningful to your family — maybe planting a tree, creating a photo book, or holding a small ceremony at home.
-
And we emphasize: there is no “right” timeline for grief. It’s okay to take your time, ask for help, and remember that your emotions reflect the depth of your bond.
​
There are several good books for both adults and children to help learn about and deal with the grief from losing a pet. The are books that we, at Paws at Peace, recommend (we receive no monetary compensation from your purchase of any of these books):
-
For Adults:
-
For Children: ​
-
Pet Loss Support Groups:​