Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may be struggling with some very difficult questions. If any of your questions are not answered below, please get in touch by clicking the button below or calling us at (917) 694-2890.
How will I know when it's time?
This is a really hard decision. We all – even us veterinarians – need support and guidance to make these decisions. Every family and every pet is unique.
The most reliable way to gain clarity is with a quality of life consultation with a veterinarian. Our doctors will meet with you over a teleconsult (or at your home) and perform a comprehensive assessment. We’ll discuss your pet’s specific condition, all your options, and equip you with the knowledge you need to know when it’s time for euthanasia.
Book a quality of life consultation with a veterinarian.
Common signs that it may be time:
Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss or a loss of interest in food.
Mobility Issues: Difficulty standing, walking, or experiencing pain when moving.
Nighttime Distress: Pacing, howling, or panting at night, which can be signs of anxiety or cognitive decline.
Unmanaged Pain: Chronic pain or medical conditions that no longer respond to medication.
Loss of Joy: No longer showing interest in the things they used to love, like toys, walks, or affection.
The “Good Day” Ratio: The bad days are starting to outnumber the good, or the bad days have become severe.
But it can be an emotional roller coaster, and often it’s not clear cut at all. Objective professional guidance can help you get the peace of mind to know that you did right by your pet in their time of need.
For something a little more detailed about this subject, read Dr. Fragola’s guide to how to know when it’s time for euthanasia.
How does the process work? What should I expect?
Our goal for every patient is to facilitate a transition that is gentle, free of pain or fear, and surrounded by love. We want your pet to feel safe and supported throughout the entire process.
Typically, we are in your home for 30 to 45 minutes. While the procedure itself usually takes about 15 minutes, we never rush; we move at a pace that feels right for you and your pet.
Creating a Safe Environment
The first thing we do upon arrival is ensure your pet feels comfortable with our presence.
For social pets: We offer plenty of treats, affection, and attention.
For shy pets: We enter quietly, allowing them time to grow accustomed to us while we sit and speak with you for a few minutes.
We can perform the procedure wherever your pet is most relaxed—on their favorite bed, a sofa, or even in your lap. For cats who may have tucked themselves away in a “safe spot,” we are happy to go to them rather than moving them. Family members and other household pets are welcome to be present, provided their presence is calming for your pet.
The Two-Step Process
To ensure total comfort, we follow a gentle two-step protocol:
Step 1 – your pet slowly falls asleep: We administer a sedative using a very small needle (similar to a routine vaccination) that causes your pet to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep over about 10 minutes. Most pets hardly notice this, especially if distracted by treats or petting. Within 30 seconds, this medication begins to alleviate pain and relaxation sets in.
A Peaceful Transition: Once your pet is deep asleep, we administer a second medication, and within a few minutes your pet will quietly pass away. You are encouraged to stay by their side—hugging, talking to, or holding them throughout every moment.
If you think your pet may react/be afraid of the first small needle
If you are worried that your pet may be anxious, painful, or reactive to a needle, please let us know. We have specific protocols designed to make the very first step as stress-free as possible.
For Cats: Pre-Appointment Relaxation
Cats who are highly stressed by strangers often benefit from “Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals.”
The Process: We can prescribe a gentle anti-anxiety medication for you to give at home about two hours before we arrive. This helps your cat feel “sleepy and happy” before we even walk through the door, minimizing the chance they react to or are afraid of that first needle.
Requirements: By law, a brief teleconsult is required for us to prescribe this. You can click here to schedule a 10-minute teleconsult prior to your appointment. Alternatively, your pet’s regular veterinarian can prescribe this medication.
For Dogs: On-Site Oral Sedation
For dogs who are fearful of needles or protective of their space, we focus on relaxation the moment we arrive.
The Process: Instead of starting with an injection, we bring a specialized oral sedative. This is a liquid or gel that can be mixed with a high-value treat (like peanut butter or cheese) or given directly by mouth.
The Goal: This medication helps your dog settle into a relaxed state over about 5 minutes, making the subsequent sedative injection much easier and often completely unnoticed.
Next Steps: If you believe your dog would benefit from this “oral-first” approach, simply mention it to your doctor when they arrive or let one of our care coordinators know.
After passing
Once your pet has passed, the doctor will gently confirm they are gone. We can give you a few minute to say goodbye. If you need more than a few minutes, let one of our care coordinators know and we can arrange a separate pick up for your pet later in the day (for a fee).
If you wish, we can create a beautiful clay pawprint and/or a keepsake lock of fur. When you feel ready, we will respectfully transport your pet and carry out your chosen aftercare arrangements with the utmost dignity.
How should I prepare for my pet's home euthanasia appointment?
Preparing for a home euthanasia appointment can feel overwhelming, and many families worry about doing or saying the “right” thing. We’ve created more detailed, species-specific guides to walk you through what to expect and how to prepare:
- For cats: How to Prepare for Your Cat’s Home Euthanasia Appointment
- For dogs: How to Prepare for Your Dog’s Home Euthanasia Appointment
These articles go into detail, but the basics are below:
Spend the day in a way that feels comforting and familiar to your pet. This may include cuddling on the couch or bed, sitting quietly together, spending time outdoors if your pet enjoys it, or doing a few simple “bucket list” activities that are still comfortable for them.
There is no need to fast your pet. If they are eating, they may continue to eat and enjoy treats. Many families choose to offer favorite foods or special treats as part of their goodbye.
You may also choose to create small rituals if that feels meaningful—lighting a candle, saying a prayer, playing music, sharing memories, or simply sitting together in silence. None of this is required, but some families find it grounding.
Decide ahead of time who you would like to be present. Some people prefer a quiet, private goodbye, while others want family members or close friends there for support. Children may be present if you feel it is appropriate, and we are happy to answer questions or help explain what will happen in an age-appropriate way.
When we arrive, our focus is on helping your pet feel safe and relaxed. We move at your pet’s pace, explain each step of the process, and never rush you. You are welcome to hold your pet, sit beside them, or simply be present in whatever way feels right.
There is no perfect way to prepare. Being there, offering comfort, and making decisions out of love is enough.
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 does the cremation process work? How do I know I am getting my pet back?
We have partnered with the highest-rated pet crematory in New York State, Compassionate Care Aquamation. Aquamation, or water cremation, is an environmentally friendly alternative to flame cremation that uses water rather than fire to create the ashes. With aquamation, no fossil fuels are burned, and no greenhouse gasses are released.
With Compassionate Care, you can rest assured that your pet will be treated with dignity and respect at every stage of the process. The moment your pet leaves your home, they will get a unique identification tag that stays with them the whole way through the process, ensuring there can be no mix-ups. After your pet leaves your home, they will be safely and respectfully transported to Compassionate Care’s facility in Oceanside, NY, the very same day, so your beloved pet will never be in storage.
If you choose private cremation/aquamation, your pet will be cremated alone in a chamber without any other pets. Unlike flame cremation, where about 25% of the ash can be lost through the chimney, with aquamation, you get 100% of your pet’s ashes back. In addition, the ashes produced from aquamation are much cleaner, as they are not charred by flames. The color of the ashes can vary depending on a variety of factors, including pigmentation in the skin, pigmentation in the bones, and medications your pet may be taking. You may choose from one of several beautiful urns included in the price. The urn includes a brass plate elegantly engraved with your pet’s name.
If you choose communal cremation/aquamation, your pet will be respectfully cremated, and their ashes will be scattered on a farm in beautiful upstate New York.
One really cool fact about aquamation is that a special liquid infused with nutrients from your pet’s body is produced as a byproduct of the process. This liquid is an incredible natural fertilizer. If you like, you can purchase a bottle to allow your pet to live on and give new life to plants, trees, or flowers.
To read Compassionate Care’s outstanding reviews, click here.
If I am doing private cremation, how do I get my pet's ashes back?
1. You can pick up your pet’s ashes at Compassionate Care Aquamation, which is located in Oceanside, NY, right outside of Queens. Compassionate Care is easily accessible by public transit and is 0.3 miles from the LIRR East Rockaway stop.
2. The ashes can be shipped to you via UPS. A signature is required for delivery to ensure safe delivery. Please note that while we have shipped thousands of packages via UPS and never had major issues, it is a third-party delivery service and cannot be 100% guaranteed.
3. We offer a courier service to hand deliver the cremains to you. When your pet’s ashes are ready to come home, Compassionate Care will call you and arrange a time that is mutually convenient for hand delivery. A driver from Compassionate Care will personally drive the ashes to you and deliver them directly into your hands. They will either meet you at the front door of your home or apartment building, although in some cases, if it is difficult to get to the front door, they will meet you curbside. Delivery times are 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, although weekend deliveries can sometimes be arranged on a case-by-case basis. There is a small fee for this service.
My pet is scared of the vet and/or strangers in the house. How can we make sure this is fear free?
Can my pet eat the day of home euthanasia?
In most cases, absolutely! We want your pet to be as happy as possible on this day. Popular choices include filet mignon, McDonalds, sushi, ice cream, and food from the top restaurants in NYC.
The caveat: don’t overdo it to the point where your pet may be sick or vomit. There are occasional medical conditions where this may be a bad idea. If you have any specific questions about whether your pet can eat on the day of home euthanasia, we recommend contacting your primary veterinarian.
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.
What types of payment do you accept and what is the cost of your services?
We accept Zelle, CareCredit, all major credit cards, and cash. We do not carry change, so if you pay in cash, the exact change is required. For pricing information, please see our individual service pages.
We do not offer payment plans, but CareCredit offers financing terms that allow you to pay over 6 months. Click here to apply for CareCredit.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand things can change on a moment-to-moment basis. However, we ask that if you are going to cancel your appointment, you give us as much notice as possible so we can give your appointment to another family in need. Same-day cancellations are subject to a $200 cancellation fee.
If you are unsure if you and your pet are ready for euthanasia, we recommend you consider scheduling a comprehensive teleconsult with one of our compassionate veterinarians to discuss how to know when it is time to say goodbye.
Why is this so hard?
When I had to euthanize my dog, Alice, I was completely unprepared for the intensity of emotion and grief I would experience. I had never been through such intense emotional and psychological pain in my life. I thought I could not go on without her. And on top of that, I thought I was crazy for thinking these thoughts.
I felt guilty that I failed her — that somehow I should have discovered her terminal cancer sooner and have been able to fix it. I also felt anger at other pet parents for having healthy pets that were not dying. It seemed unfair that my pet should die. And on top of that, I felt ashamed and guilty for experiencing these negative emotions.
People frequently remark that losing a pet is harder than losing a parent or a spouse. And then they feel guilty that they experienced more grief losing their pet than they did when they lost their spouse or parent.
I’ve since come to learn that all these thoughts and feelings are normal. Mourning is a biological process through which we heal from the loss of a deep attachment. We often spend more time with our pets than with any other living thing on the planet and are closer physically and emotionally to our pets than to any other human or animal. The body and spirit need time to heal, and it is normal to experience intense and surprising emotions during this healing period.
We offer several resources to help you navigate this process.
If you are unsure if you and your pet are ready for euthanasia and need medical advice, consider scheduling a quality of life consultation with a veterinarian.
If you need emotional support and want a shoulder to lean on, talk to our compassionate pet loss grief support specialist, Christine Galotti-Noyes, LCSW, VSW, who can help you navigate anticipatory grief, end-of-life decisions, and the aftermath of a loss.
We’re here for you. You don’t have to go it alone.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the five boroughs of New York City (Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island).
Does my pet insurance cover this?
Most pet insurance companies cover euthanasia, and some cover the cost of cremation and travel. Please contact your pet insurance company for specific details.
I am thinking of burying my pet. What do I need to know?
The vast majority of people in the NYC metropolitan area choose to have their pets cremated or aquamated. It is respectful, dignified, and safe.
Occasionally, clients inquire about burying their pets. Burial is a beautiful and natural way to honor your pet, but there are some important things to know if you are considering burial.
First, you need a legal place to bury your pet. Check with local regulations to ensure you are following the law.
Second, the pet needs to be buried AT LEAST 3-4 feet deep so that other animals cannot access them. Patients euthanized with euthanasia solution, if ingested by wild or domestic animals, can cause toxicity and death in the ingesting animal (secondary toxicosis). Cremation/aquamation 100% prevents the possibility of secondary toxicosis. Immediate deep burial of at least 3-4 feet, when performed correctly, can also prevent access by scavenging animals.
It is also important to consider the time of year. In the winter months, the ground can be frozen, preventing burial. If your pet passes away in the colder months, you will need to find a safe place to store them that prevents access by scavengers and leeching of euthanasia solution into the environment. They should be stored in a watertight container (so no euthanasia solution or fluids can seep out) and kept frozen until burial can be performed.
Another option is to have a third-party pet cemetery handle the burial. The cost of burying a pet at a cemetery in the NYC area starts at several thousand dollars. Two local pet cemeteries we recommend are Bideawee Pet Memorial Parks and Hartsdale Pet Cemetery.
A final thing to consider is what to bury your pet in. We love the beautifully handcrafted Sweet Goodbye biodegradable soft pet caskets. They come in two types: gorgeous Cocoons made from premium wool for most dogs and cats and the cozy Cloud for cats and smaller pets. All Sweet Goodbye products are beautiful, eco-friendly, and come in a variety of sizes and a rainbow of attractive colors. To get 10% off of Sweet Goodbye products, visit their website and use code PAWS10 at checkout.
Can you still provide fire cremation?
(And have the word Legacy link here: https://legacypetcrematory.com/ and the word “Hartsdale” link here: https://petcem.com/)
Do pets understand death? Should my other pets be present for euthanasia?
Although we have no way of knowing for sure, as far as we understand, pets do not have a concept of death or mortality. That said, they are highly attuned to emotions and definitely sense when something is wrong with a housemate. They often pick up on the emotions of their owners. They seem to understand that something very significant and sad is happening.
Often, when we are at a euthanasia appointment, a dog that starts off rambunctious sits down quietly or even falls asleep, as if the pet being euthanized falls asleep. They will often try to comfort their grieving owners by snuggling with them or licking them. Cats occasionally will act fearful, and occasionally even hiss, when they see their housemate falling asleep from the sedative or passing away.
Whether or not other household pets should be present is a highly individual decision, and it depends on the temperament of the pet and whether or not the other pet is likely to be disruptive to the process. We would be happy to discuss whether or not it’s a good idea for your particular situation.
How do I talk to my children about the loss of a pet? Should my children be present for the euthanasia?
Deciding whether children should be present for a pet’s passing is a deeply personal choice. In my experience, children often handle the process with surprising resilience and grace, frequently offering comfort to their grieving parents. This moment, while difficult, can serve as a profound and healthy introduction to the concepts of life, death, and the importance of caring for elderly family members.
To help your child process these complex emotions, I often recommend reading together. A gentle and helpful resource is the book “Harry’s Gone” by Stephen and Karen Rusiniak (available on Amazon). It provides a thoughtful narrative specifically designed to help children navigate pet loss.
Ultimately, every child is unique. If you remain unsure about their participation, I recommend discussing your specific situation with your pediatrician or a family therapist.
How do you do this kind of work when it's so sad?
It is very sad. We often cry for our patients. We hug our clients. But it is also incredibly rewarding. Death is inevitable for all of us. We can fight it to the end, or we can accept it and make it painless and peaceful for our pets. We can surround them with love when it comes. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing the love that families share with their pets over a lifetime. It is a privilege and an honor to witness this love. Every day, it reminds us just how special and precious life is and how good humans can be to their animals.
What is your inclement weather policy?
We try to be available 7 days a week regardless of the weather. We will do our absolute best to serve you even in bad weather, but in the case of extremely severe weather that makes driving unsafe, we may have to cancel, in which case we can reschedule as soon as possible or refer you to the nearest emergency room.
Can you recommend any free or extremely inexpensive options for respectful disposal of my pet in NYC?
You can bring the remains of a deceased pet or another dead animal to an Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) drop-off location for cremation.
At the time of this writing, there is a $50 fee for each animal you bring in to be cremated. You can contact ACC for additional information, including accepted payment methods. Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.
I would like to donate my pet’s medicine, toys, bed, or other items. Do you know where I might do this?
Yes, and thank you for wanting to help other animals during your time of grief. Some local organizations in NYC accept gently used pet supplies:
- Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) accepts donations of beds, toys, towels, unopened food, and other supplies. Visit nycacc.org/donate for their current wish list and drop-off info.
- Local rescues and shelters such as Sean Casey Animal Rescue, Bideawee, and Muddy Paws Rescue often accept supplies. It’s best to check their websites or contact them to confirm what they currently need.
- Pet food pantries sometimes accept donations of unopened food, treats, or supplements to support pet parents in need.
- Medications can sometimes be donated to veterinarians or rescue groups, but this depends on the medication type and local regulations. We recommend calling ahead to ask if they can accept what you have.
We’ve also put together a PDF with more information: Pet Donation Guide
Is it normal to feel this overwhelmed by pet loss?
Absolutely. The silence in your home after a loss can be profound, and your grief is a testament to the love you shared. It is completely normal to feel lost or stuck. You do not have to walk this path alone; our role is to provide a gentle, private, and judgment-free space to help you find ways to carry forward.
How can I help my other pets after a loss?
Pets often sense our grief and the absence of their companion. During a counseling session, we can discuss strategies to help your remaining pets adjust to the change in routine and environment, ensuring they feel secure during this difficult transition. Schedule a session to get personalized advice.