Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose in-home euthanasia?
There are numerous benefits to choosing this service: If your pet experiences anxiety during car rides, or is simply distressed by trips to the vet, in-home euthanasia can offer a compassionate alternative. Pets also tend to feel much more calm and comfortable in the environment of their own home. Here, they are surrounded by their trusted family, as well as the familiar sounds and smells which they associate with safety. Of course, as their owner, you will also be able to have much more control over the setting and timing of your pet’s farewell.
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If you are unsure if this service is right for you, please call Dr. Bearss at the number below and he would be happy to discuss it with you.
+1 (301) 703-2393
How do I know when it's time?
The decision to euthanize is a difficult one which should always be made by the pet’s closest human family members. You are most in-tune with your pet’s health and happiness, meaning you are best qualified to advocate on their behalf.
The most important factor to consider when making this choice is your pet’s quality of life. A helpful exercise is to make a list of the things which they enjoy (e.g. mealtime, going for walks, playing with toys, sitting in your lap, lounging in the sun, etc.). If you realize that your pet is no longer able to find happiness in these activities, their quality of life is likely in decline. You must then decide if the loss of quality of life is significant enough to pursue euthanasia. I encourage people to consider this more often in older or sick pets, so that they do not reach the point of suffering and fear.
Will my pet experience pain?
No. Prior to administering the euthanasia drug, your pet will be fully sedated. As the sedative is administered with a needle under the skin, some more sensitive animals may feel a “pinch” during this injection; however, it is no more painful than receiving a routine shot.
What can I expect when the vet comes to my house?
The first thing I will do is sit down with you and briefly go over some required paperwork and payment arrangements. Once we have reached a mutual understanding about the process, I will administer a sedative to your pet via an injection under the skin. It typically takes about 15-30 minutes for the sedative to take full effect. Once your pet is sedated, I will place a catheter in a vein for administration of the euthanasia drug. Occasionally, the condition of the blood vessels won’t allow for catheter placement, in which case the euthanasia drug may be administered into the abdomen. The euthanasia drug takes effect typically within a minute, but may take longer in some animals. Either way, your pet will be sleeping peacefully and will not be aware of what is happening. Once I have confirmed that your pet is deceased, I will take the body with me for cremation (or leave it with you if you have made your own arrangements). The entire appointment typically takes about an hour. If you have chosen private cremation, ashes will be returned to you in the urn of your choosing in about a week.
What happens after euthanasia?
You will have several options for the aftercare of your pet.
You may elect to have your pet cremated. Bearss Veterinary Care works with Agape Pet Services, which provides options for either private or communal cremation. Private cremation ensures that your pet will be cremated individually, and your pets ashes can be returned to you in an urn of your choosing. If you choose communal cremation, your pet will be respectfully cremated along with other pets. Communally cremated remains will be built into artificial reef balls to help restore ocean ecosystems. Thus, it is important to understand that communal cremation does not allow for the return of your pet's ashes.
If you wish to make your own arrangements for aftercare, your pet’s body can be left with you. If you plan to bury your pet, we encourage you to follow any local/state regulations regarding pet burial, and remember that the body of a euthanized pet will contain chemicals that can be damaging to wildlife and ground water.
Agape Pet Services additionally offers a wide array of keepsakes to memorialize your pet. As part of our collaboration, we typically offer framed clay paw prints and a variety of urn options. More unique items such as memorial jewelry and artwork are also available; however, please note that these will require you to work directly with the Agape team.
How much will it cost?
We make every attempt to keep the cost of our services affordable, transparent, and predictable. However, individual cost will be dependant on several factors (animal weight, travel distance, and chosen aftercare). A pricing guide is available for your reference through the button below. For an exact estimate, please contact us.
What locations do you visit?
Bearss Veterinary Care is based in New Market, Maryland. We typically provide services for homes in Frederick County and parts of Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties. If you are outside of these areas, we would be happy to discuss the feasibility of coming to your location; however, please understand that additional mileage fees may apply.