A gentle goodbye in the comfort of home
A Promise of Peace: The Paws at Peace Difference
In this moment, you don't just need a medical provider, you need a partner. From your first call to our care coordinators, to planning a beautiful last day with your pet, to the respectful handling of your pet's aftercare, we manage every detail, so you can focus on what matters most.
A human voice, always
We don’t use automated menus. A compassionate person answers every call, ready to listen, answer your questions, and support you before you even commit to an appointment.
Preparation Leads to Peace
We don’t "just show up." Before our veterinarian arrives, we create a thorough, personalized plan for your visit, ensuring our time in your home is focused entirely on your pet and your family.
Uncompromising Expertise
Our veterinarians are selected for their innate compassion. Each undergoes specialized training to provide the grace, patience, and professional presence this moment deserves.
We Walk With You
Our support doesn’t end with the visit. From your first call to the final aftercare arrangements, we hold your hand every step of the way, ensuring you never feel alone.
The process includes:
Personal Consultation
We begin with a private, compassionate conversation. Our care coordinators listen to your pet’s history, answer every logistical question, and discuss pricing with total transparency, ensuring you feel fully prepared and supported before we arrive.
Creating a Sanctuary
We want this goodbye to feel like a reflection of your pet’s life. Our veterinarian arrives quietly, settling in slowly to ensure your pet is comfortable. You may choose any space—your bed, the couch, your arms, or a favorite outdoor spot. We encourage you to honor your pet with music, candles, readings, or personal rituals.
Pre-visit sedation (cats)
If you think there is a chance your cat may be scared or react to a small needle, we offer an extra layer of peace. With a brief teleconsult, we can prescribe oral pre-medications to be given before we arrive. This ensures your pet is already resting in a deep state of relaxation by the time our veterinarian enters your home. Schedule a teleconsult now.
A peaceful, unhurried transition
Our priority is a fear-free, pain-free experience. We avoid IV lines and physical restraint, focusing instead on gentle comfort. After a sedative allows your pet to drift into a deep, peaceful sleep, we administer the final medication.
Dignified Aftercare and Keepsakes
We honor your shared bond with a complimentary clay paw print and clipping of fur. If we are handling aftercare for you, we wrap your pet in a beautiful shroud and transport them respectfully. With your permission, we also notify your primary veterinarian of your pet's passing.
Flexible Farewell
Closure should never be rushed. You will have a few minutes to say your goodbyes before transport. If you need more time, we are happy to arrange a separate transport time to ensure you have all the time you need.
Preparing for your appointment
Guide for Dogs
Ensure your dog's final moments are as calm as possible with our step-by-step preparation guide.
Guide for cats
Cats have unique needs. Learn how to create a sanctuary for your feline companion.
An important note for cat parents...
Is your cat nervous or fearful of strangers? Do you think they might react to a small needle? For many cats, the kindest way to start this journey is with a pre-visit oral sedative. This allows them to be resting comfortably before our veterinarian even walks through the door. A brief Medication Planning Teleconsult can be performed to arrange for these prescriptions in advance.
But how will I know when it's time for euthanasia?
This is the most difficult question any pet owner faces. It is rarely a single moment, but rather a journey of small changes. You don't have to carry the weight of this decision alone—we are here to help you find clarity.
Pricing
Euthanasia - $499
Our home euthanasia process is unhurried, gentle, and deeply peaceful. Our veterinarian will arrive quietly and meet your pet wherever they feel most comfortable - on their favorite bed, a cozy blanket, or right in your lap.
We begin with a sedative, allowing your pet to drift into a deep, comfortable sleep over about ten minutes. Then we administer a second medication which allows them to pass.
A handmade clay pawprint and a lock of fur are included as a keepsake. If you elect cremation, you will have time for a final, private goodbye, after which we handle transport with the utmost dignity and care.
- Weekends and evenings, certain locations with extended travel, and pets > 100 lbs are subject to an additional fee.
- Behavioral euthanasia is performed on a case-by-case basis for $549. For more information about behavioral euthanasia click here
Private Aquamation
Aquamation is a gentler, more environmentally friendly process than traditional flame cremation. When you choose private aquamation, your pet is aquamated in a private chamber without any other pets. Your pet is safely returned home in 10-14 days.
| Weight | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 49 pounds | $349 |
| 50 to 99 pounds | $399 |
| 100-149 pounds | $499 |
| 150-199 pounds | $599 |
| 200+ pounds | Please inquire |
- Pricing includes your choice of one of three beautiful urns. If you are looking for something unique, custom urns are available at an additional price.
Communal Aquamation
Aquamation is a gentler, more environmentally friendly process tahn traditional flame cremation. When you choose communal aquamation, your pet's ashes are respectfully scattered on beautiful Mill Creek Farm in upstate New York.
| Weight | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 49 pounds | $199 |
| 50 to 99 pounds | $249 |
| 100-149 pounds | $299 |
| 150-199 pounds | $399 |
| 200+ pounds | Please inquire |
Hospice, Comfort & Guidance
Our experienced, compassionate veterinarians provide expert hospice guidance - from managing pain and comfort to helping you discern when the time is right.
Virtual hospice & guidance consult – $199
50-minute, unhurried video consultation with a veterinarian. We will review your pet’s symptoms, discuss medication and comfort strategies, and have an honest conversation about their quality of life to guide you to know when the time is right for goodbye.
In-home palliative & comfort assessment – $549
We come to you to assess your pet in the comfort of their home. We establish a personalized comfort protocol and medication strategy, providing the clinical clarity you need to navigate their care and confidently determine when the time is right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know when it's time?
This is one of the hardest decisions you may ever have to make. While sometimes there is a terminal illness and it is clear your pet is suffering, more often, it is not so clear cut. Often, there is a slow decline over weeks to months. Frequently, there are good days and bad days. Assessing some objective criteria can be helpful.
Some of the signs that it may be time include:
- Loss of appetite, especially in a pet that is normally a good eater or if it is accompanied by significant weight loss
- Difficulty walking or difficulty getting up or down, especially if there is pain or if your pet is starting to get sores from being unable to move around
- Incontinence that is leading to your pet frequently soiling themselves, in particular, if your pet is starting to get painful rashes or infections from it
- Nighttime distress that is not responding to medical treatment. Like humans, pets can experience cognitive decline as they get older, which can lead to anxiety and often fear, especially at nighttime. Signs of this may be nighttime crying, howling, pacing, wandering, and panting.
- Chronic, frequent vomiting and diarrhea that is not responding to medical treatment and is accompanied by weight loss
- Chronic pain that is not controlled with medications. Sometimes, this can even manifest as inexplicable aggression towards loved ones.
- Any difficulty breathing that is not responding to medical treatment
- Loss of interest in the things that used to bring joy to your pet, whether that’s playing with toys, going on walks, getting pet, seeing people or other dogs, or getting treats
- The bad days are outnumbering the good days, or the bad days are really bad
For more detailed information, please see our blog post on this subject. We also offer quality-of-life consultations with our doctors. Please click here for more information about our quality-of-life consultations.
How does the process work? What should I expect?
Every situation is different, and our goal is to make this peaceful, beautiful, and free of fear and pain. When we schedule the appointment, we will discuss arriving at your home to ensure our visit causes no fear or stress for your pet. If your pet is scared of strangers, one of our veterinarians can perform a brief teleconsult to prescribe a mild sedative for you to give before the doctor arrives to ensure your pet is relaxed and happy.
The procedure can be performed in a comfortable or special place of your choosing. We usually recommend wherever your pet is happiest and most relaxed. You are welcome to have as many loved ones with you as you like.
Euthanasia is usually a two-step process: first, we inject a sedative under the skin that will cause your pet to fall fast asleep over about 10 minutes. It is a tiny pinprick, just like when your pet gets a vaccine. They usually don’t notice it if we distract them with pets or food (if they want to eat). In cases where pets are more scared of needles, sometimes we will start with an oral sedative that makes them feel happy and very drowsy after about 5 minutes.
Once your pet is fast asleep, we administer an anesthetic agent over 1-2 minutes that causes them to pass away peacefully in their sleep. The entire procedure takes about 10-15 minutes, and it is peaceful and comfortable every step of the way, with no fear and no pain. Throughout the entire procedure, you can be with your pet – hugging and kissing them, talking to them, or the whole procedure can even be performed in your lap.
Once your pet has peacefully passed, the doctor will confirm the passing. We will give you as much time as you need or want to pay your respects and say your final goodbyes. We can also make a beautiful clay pawprint and clip a lock of fur for you if you like. When you are ready, we will respectfully remove your pet from the premises and carry out your aftercare wishes.
How should I prepare for my home euthanasia appointment?
First, I’m going to ask the impossible of you: enjoy the day with your pet. As best as you can, try to give off a calm and loving energy so they can feel happy.
This might mean going to the park or the beach. It might mean hitting up McDonalds, Taco Bell, or Peter Luger’s. This might mean snuggling on the couch (or the bathroom floor) and watching movies. This might mean having human and animal friends visit.
Sometimes, they are hurting and want to be alone, in which case, give them the space they need and don’t force them to do anything. Yes, it sucks.
In addition, there are a few questions you should consider ahead of time: Where do you want it to take place? Who do you want to be present? Are there any special treats you want them to have? Are there any special ceremonies or rituals you want to perform?
Where should it take place?
Most families choose a spot where the pet is most comfortable. This can be a sofa, a pet bed, a human bed, the floor, or right in your arms. We are comfortable working wherever your pet is. One important consideration: we never want them to force them to be anywhere they don’t want to be. You might have visualized the perfect spot, but if that is not where they want to be that day, so be it.
Sometimes, especially with cats, we will start the process wherever they currently are. Cats especially often find new places to spend time that make them feel safe when they are sick. Picking them up and moving them can cause stress. In these cases, we will often give the first calming medications wherever they are, and once the medications kick in and they are feeling pain-free and relaxed, we can move them to a cozy location.
Clients occasionally ask about performing the procedure outside – in a yard, on a balcony, in the park, or on the beach. For some patients, this can be amazing. But for many, it can be overstimulating and can make them less calm and relaxed.
Who should be present?
Anyone who loves your pet and makes your pet happy can be present. I’ve had as many as a dozen family members present. We have a separate FAQ on whether children should be present. It’s an individual decision.
Make sure everyone who wants to be present is there by the time the doctor arrives. The doctor cannot wait for people who have not yet arrived.
What special goodies or treats should I have on hand?
Anything they want! You don’t need to fast them prior to the appointment. The only caveat is not to overdo it before we arrive because if pets are still eating, we distract them with treats when we are giving the sedative.
Some popular treats include ice cream (especially if they are having difficulty chewing or mouth pain), steak (raw or cooked), McNuggets, pizza, sushi, salmon, and tuna.
Many of our patients are no longer interested in food. If this is the case, don’t force them to eat.
Do I want to have any special ceremonies or rituals?
Some clients want to do something special during the process. Some things clients have done include:
- Sprinkle rose petals all around, light candles, or have a beautiful bed surrounded by crystals
- Pray or chant
- Have a religious leader perform a ritual or say some words
- Read stories or poetry
- Play a special playlist
- Watch the pet’s favorite TV show
The only restriction is that it should be something that makes your pet feel happy, calm, and unstressed.
And don’t worry about us. We have everything we need.
My pet is very nervous around strangers or fearful of medical visits. How can we ensure the appointment is peaceful?
We specialize in helping pets who are anxious, fearful, or reactive. For these companions, we recommend a Medication Planning Teleconsult prior to our home visit. During this brief video call, one of our doctors will review your pet’s needs and prescribe a personalized sedation protocol.
By administering an oral or topical sedative in advance, you can ensure your pet is already resting in a deep state of relaxation by the time our veterinarian arrives at your door. Our goal is a truly fear-free experience where your pet’s comfort always comes first.
How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?
We know there is not always much-advanced warning when you need us. We do our best to accommodate same-day and next-day requests. We also have evening and weekend availability. That said, we find that clients and their pets usually have a better experience when there is some planning ahead so that everyone in the family can be there and the process can take place in a slow, patient, and calm manner.
