VIP Advice
VIP Advice
In Home Pet Euthanasia Overview
6 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | Jan 2019
In Home Pet Euthanasia Overview
6 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | Jan 2019
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Jan 2019
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH PET EUTHANASIA AT HOME
Helping your pet through their final stages is a very difficult time, so the veterinarians at VIP Vet Visit approach every appointment with a heart full of empathy in a completely open, compassionate and non-judgmental setting. We provide at home euthanasia for dogs and cats located in the south suburbs of Chicago.
Our in home euthanasia appointment begins with the veterinarian providing an overview of the procedure. They take as much time as you want to discuss any of your questions or concerns. The entire process is individually tailored towards your preferences, interest level and comfort.
Once you are ready for the procedure to begin, your pet will receive a sedative under the skin that consists of a pain-reliever mixed with a heavy sedative to help them feel calm and comfortable. As the sedative takes effect, usually within a few minutes, you can typically notice your pet’s pain slip away as they continue to relax.
Once you and your pet are relaxed and at peace, we give you as much time as desired to share one last memory together. After receiving your permission to proceed, we then administer a second injection with anesthesia that will typically make your pet go to sleep within 60 seconds.
We prefer to give this injection of anesthesia, because it reduces the likelihood of agonal breathing (a brainstem reflex that causes gasping) or twitching. Both reactions are involuntary and occur after the pet has already passed, but they can be startling or unsettling to witness.
Lastly, a third injection of angel juice is administered that first effects their brain and respiratory center. This rapidly stops their breathing before stopping their heart and giving them their angel wings.
The entire process is very peaceful for your beloved family member. After your pet has passed, you can continue to spend as much time with them as needed.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IN HOME PET EUTHANASIA?
Having a pet euthanasia at home provides you and your pet with a peaceful, comfortable and private environment. All of your love and focus can be directed towards your furry family member during this emotional time.
These final moments with your beloved pet are precious, so instead of worrying about traffic or transporting your elderly pet, you can share one last memory with them in the comforts of your home.
Our in home euthanasia appointments are typically 1 hour long, which gives us the opportunity to work at a relaxed pace without rushing through any part of the process. We have the time and space to tailor the appointment to each pet parent based on their individual desires and emotions. Our top priority is the comfort of you and your pet.
HOW IS VIP VET VISIT DIFFERENT THAN OTHER MOBILE VETS?
At VIP Vet Visit, we believe it is an honor and a privilege to assist your pet transition out of life. Our heartfelt desire is to make each part of the appointment thoughtful and beautiful, which is why many of our offerings are completely unique in the veterinary field. Some of our most special differences include:
Rose Petals
We provide pet parents with fresh rose petals in a custom wood chest that they can scatter on their pet’s final resting area. These “Peaceful Petals” serve as a sentimental gesture when saying your final goodbye to your furry friend.
Angel Towel
When your pet is laid to rest, they will be wrapped in our angle winged towel, providing you with a beautiful image of them gaining their angel wings.
White Silk Lined Beds
Your pet will be placed on a plush bed custom tailored with white silk, so they are transported in a dignified and graceful manner.
Decorated Basket/Stretcher
We transport your pet out of the home in a custom basket or stretcher (depending on their size) that is personalized with beautiful flowers.
Clay Paw
As a memorial keepsake, we offer a clay paw print for you to keep after your final goodbye.
Pet Hair Keepsake
As an additional memorial keepsake, we offer a lock of your pet’s hair in a personalized glass jar.
Our Veterinarians also have a special certification through the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy, and they work with grief counselors and support groups to help heal the soul of the caregivers during this difficult time.
HOW MUCH DOES IN HOME PET EUTHANASIA COST?
All of our pet euthanasia service options and costs are displayed when booking your appointment using our online scheduler. All of our prices are 100% transparent, so you will never be surprised with any additional fees or charges.
The cost for an in-home pet euthanasia is $225 for our current VIP members or $250 for non-members. There are additional costs for aftercare services based on the option you choose.
If private cremation is selected, your pet will be separated from any other animals during the cremation process and their cremains will be returned to you. This option is $250.
Other vet practices charge more based on your pet’s weight, which can sometimes lead to confusion or uncertainty. We believe in keeping our prices simple to avoid any unnecessary stress during this emotional time, so our cremation services are a flat fee no matter your pet’s weight.
You can pickup your pet’s cremains at the Hinsdale Pet Cemetery located in Willowbrook or have them shipped via USPS to your home (tracking included) for an extra $30.
If communal cremation is selected, your pet will be cremated with other animals and their cremains are not returned. The cremains will be scattered in the butterfly garden at the Hinsdale Animal Cemetery and Crematory. This option is $125.
If you do not elect an aftercare option, we will not handle your pet’s remains, and you will be responsible for their aftercare. There are no extra costs associated with this option.
DOES VIP VET VISIT OFFER OTHER END OF LIFE SERVICES?
Yes, we also offer in-home Quality of Life consultations and in-home hospice care for pet parents in the south suburbs of Chicago.
With an in-home Quality of Life consultation, a veterinarian will provide an overview of your pet’s overall condition, outline any available treatment options and determine an objective quality of life score. They will offer more clarity on what you should do and greater reassurance for your decision during a time that is often very difficult and confusing.
The consultation is typically 45-60 minutes to allow for a thorough discussion and ensure all of your questions are fully addressed. Our goal is to leave you feeling properly educated on your pet’s current condition, aware of any options we have to comfort your pet, prepared for the next steps and comfortable with your decision.
For terminally ill or senior pets in need of extra attention and support, in-home hospice care can provide them with the necessary pain relief, nutritional changes and individualized care – all in the comforts of their home. Together, we help create a dignified and personalized approach to provide your pet with a good quality of life. You’ll receive a plan for your pet’s specialized care and guidance on how you can provide them with any daily treatments or ongoing care.
You can schedule any of our in-home services online using our appointment scheduler.
WHAT SERVICE AREAS DOES VIP VET VISIT PROVIDE AT HOME PET EUTHANASIA?
VIP Vet Visit provides in home pet euthanasia for dogs and cats in the south suburbs of Chicago, including:
Cook County:
- Alsip (60406, 60482, 60803)
- Bedford Park (60455, 60499, 60629, 60638)
- Bridgeview (60454, 60501)
- Burbank (60459)
- Chicago Ridge (60415)
- Countryside (60525)
- Country Club Hills (60478)
- Crestwood (60418, 60472)
- Hickory Hills (60457)
- Homewood (60430)
- Justice (60458)
- Lemont (60439)
- Midlothian (60445)
- Oak Forest (60452)
- Oak Lawn (60453, 60456)
- Orland Hills (60487)
- Orland Park (60462, 60467)
- Palos Heights (60463)
- Palos Hills (60465)
- Palos Park (60464)
- Tinley Park (60477)
- Willow Springs (60480)
Will County:
- Bolingbrook (60440, 60446, 60490, 60585)
- Frankfort (60423, 60443)
- Homer Glen (60491)
- Lockport (60441)
- Mokena (60448)
- New Lenox (60432, 60451)
Dupage County:
- Burr Ridge/Palisades (60527)
- Darien (60561)
- Woodridge (60439, 60516, 60517, 60565)
HOW CAN I SCHEDULE AN IN-HOME VET APPOINTMENT?
All appointments are scheduled through our online booking platform. If you would like more information, you can also learn more here about our pet euthanasia services.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH PET EUTHANASIA AT HOME
Helping your pet through their final stages is a very difficult time, so the veterinarians at VIP Vet Visit approach every appointment with a heart full of empathy in a completely open, compassionate and non-judgmental setting. We provide at home euthanasia for dogs and cats located in the south suburbs of Chicago.
Our in home euthanasia appointment begins with the veterinarian providing an overview of the procedure. They take as much time as you want to discuss any of your questions or concerns. The entire process is individually tailored towards your preferences, interest level and comfort.
Once you are ready for the procedure to begin, your pet will receive a sedative under the skin that consists of a pain-reliever mixed with a heavy sedative to help them feel calm and comfortable. As the sedative takes effect, usually within a few minutes, you can typically notice your pet’s pain slip away as they continue to relax.
Once you and your pet are relaxed and at peace, we give you as much time as desired to share one last memory together. After receiving your permission to proceed, we then administer a second injection with anesthesia that will typically make your pet go to sleep within 60 seconds.
We prefer to give this injection of anesthesia, because it reduces the likelihood of agonal breathing (a brainstem reflex that causes gasping) or twitching. Both reactions are involuntary and occur after the pet has already passed, but they can be startling or unsettling to witness.
Lastly, a third injection of angel juice is administered that first effects their brain and respiratory center. This rapidly stops their breathing before stopping their heart and giving them their angel wings.
The entire process is very peaceful for your beloved family member. After your pet has passed, you can continue to spend as much time with them as needed.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IN HOME PET EUTHANASIA?
Having a pet euthanasia at home provides you and your pet with a peaceful, comfortable and private environment. All of your love and focus can be directed towards your furry family member during this emotional time.
These final moments with your beloved pet are precious, so instead of worrying about traffic or transporting your elderly pet, you can share one last memory with them in the comforts of your home.
Our in home euthanasia appointments are typically 1 hour long, which gives us the opportunity to work at a relaxed pace without rushing through any part of the process. We have the time and space to tailor the appointment to each pet parent based on their individual desires and emotions. Our top priority is the comfort of you and your pet.
HOW IS VIP VET VISIT DIFFERENT THAN OTHER MOBILE VETS?
At VIP Vet Visit, we believe it is an honor and a privilege to assist your pet transition out of life. Our heartfelt desire is to make each part of the appointment thoughtful and beautiful, which is why many of our offerings are completely unique in the veterinary field. Some of our most special differences include:
Rose Petals
We provide pet parents with fresh rose petals in a custom wood chest that they can scatter on their pet’s final resting area. These “Peaceful Petals” serve as a sentimental gesture when saying your final goodbye to your furry friend.
Angel Towel
When your pet is laid to rest, they will be wrapped in our angle winged towel, providing you with a beautiful image of them gaining their angel wings.
White Silk Lined Beds
Your pet will be placed on a plush bed custom tailored with white silk, so they are transported in a dignified and graceful manner.
Decorated Basket/Stretcher
We transport your pet out of the home in a custom basket or stretcher (depending on their size) that is personalized with beautiful flowers.
Clay Paw
As a memorial keepsake, we offer a clay paw print for you to keep after your final goodbye.
Pet Hair Keepsake
As an additional memorial keepsake, we offer a lock of your pet’s hair in a personalized glass jar.
Our Veterinarians also have a special certification through the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy, and they work with grief counselors and support groups to help heal the soul of the caregivers during this difficult time.
HOW MUCH DOES IN HOME PET EUTHANASIA COST?
All of our pet euthanasia service options and costs are displayed when booking your appointment using our online scheduler. All of our prices are 100% transparent, so you will never be surprised with any additional fees or charges.
The cost for an in-home pet euthanasia is $225 for our current VIP members or $250 for non-members. There are additional costs for aftercare services based on the option you choose.
If private cremation is selected, your pet will be separated from any other animals during the cremation process and their cremains will be returned to you. This option is $250.
Other vet practices charge more based on your pet’s weight, which can sometimes lead to confusion or uncertainty. We believe in keeping our prices simple to avoid any unnecessary stress during this emotional time, so our cremation services are a flat fee no matter your pet’s weight.
You can pickup your pet’s cremains at the Hinsdale Pet Cemetery located in Willowbrook or have them shipped via USPS to your home (tracking included) for an extra $30.
If communal cremation is selected, your pet will be cremated with other animals and their cremains are not returned. The cremains will be scattered in the butterfly garden at the Hinsdale Animal Cemetery and Crematory. This option is $125.
If you do not elect an aftercare option, we will not handle your pet’s remains, and you will be responsible for their aftercare. There are no extra costs associated with this option.
DOES VIP VET VISIT OFFER OTHER END OF LIFE SERVICES?
Yes, we also offer in-home Quality of Life consultations and in-home hospice care for pet parents in the south suburbs of Chicago.
With an in-home Quality of Life consultation, a veterinarian will provide an overview of your pet’s overall condition, outline any available treatment options and determine an objective quality of life score. They will offer more clarity on what you should do and greater reassurance for your decision during a time that is often very difficult and confusing.
The consultation is typically 45-60 minutes to allow for a thorough discussion and ensure all of your questions are fully addressed. Our goal is to leave you feeling properly educated on your pet’s current condition, aware of any options we have to comfort your pet, prepared for the next steps and comfortable with your decision.
For terminally ill or senior pets in need of extra attention and support, in-home hospice care can provide them with the necessary pain relief, nutritional changes and individualized care – all in the comforts of their home. Together, we help create a dignified and personalized approach to provide your pet with a good quality of life. You’ll receive a plan for your pet’s specialized care and guidance on how you can provide them with any daily treatments or ongoing care.
You can schedule any of our in-home services online using our appointment scheduler.
WHAT SERVICE AREAS DOES VIP VET VISIT PROVIDE AT HOME PET EUTHANASIA?
VIP Vet Visit provides in home pet euthanasia for dogs and cats in the south suburbs of Chicago, including:
Cook County:
- Alsip (60406, 60482, 60803)
- Bedford Park (60455, 60499, 60629, 60638)
- Bridgeview (60454, 60501)
- Burbank (60459)
- Chicago Ridge (60415)
- Countryside (60525)
- Country Club Hills (60478)
- Crestwood (60418, 60472)
- Hickory Hills (60457)
- Homewood (60430)
- Justice (60458)
- Lemont (60439)
- Midlothian (60445)
- Oak Forest (60452)
- Oak Lawn (60453, 60456)
- Orland Hills (60487)
- Orland Park (60462, 60467)
- Palos Heights (60463)
- Palos Hills (60465)
- Palos Park (60464)
- Tinley Park (60477)
- Willow Springs (60480)
Will County:
- Bolingbrook (60440, 60446, 60490, 60585)
- Frankfort (60423, 60443)
- Homer Glen (60491)
- Lockport (60441)
- Mokena (60448)
- New Lenox (60432, 60451)
Dupage County:
- Burr Ridge/Palisades (60527)
- Darien (60561)
- Woodridge (60439, 60516, 60517, 60565)
HOW CAN I SCHEDULE AN IN-HOME VET APPOINTMENT?
All appointments are scheduled through our online booking platform. If you would like more information, you can also learn more here about our pet euthanasia services.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
