04/18/2026
At Home Euthanasia
By Casey Jo
None of us want to think about our precious fur family members being elderly and sick, much less them crossing over the rainbow bridge. But in fact, it is always great to have a plan in place especially if you would want to consider in home euthanasia (IHE).
Dogs and other pets can be terribly frightened of the veterinarian office. Clinics have other dogs and cats that they do not know and the office may feel unfriendly, with the weird smells, being poked, weighed and handled by unfamiliar people, not to mention the scary stethoscope. When your pet gets to a stage where you and your veterinarian can do no more for the pet due to poor quality of life or severe pain, it is very humane to consider euthanasia. Why not consider doing it at your home? We have a few veterinarians in our local area that will respectfully come to your home for IHE and you may have some in your local area. Corrine Brown, DVM states, “This is a very intimate, emotional experience and most people and animals are more comfortable in their own homes, grieving in their own way. IHE allows the family and the pet more peace, more dignity, and more freedom to deal with this very emotional issue.”
The process of IHE is explained by the veterinarian before the decision is made and again once they arrive in your home or the place that you so choose for the IHE. The pet receives an injectable sedative to make him/her feel comfortable. “This is typically a good time for the family, as the pet is calm, not hurting and resting peacefully. Often the family will comment that it is the first time in a long time they could hold or stroke their pet without fear of hurting it,” says Dr. Brown. The next step is another injection to help the pet cross over peacefully. Being there with your pet until the very end is a very special gift you can give him/her. In addition, fur siblings should be there with your passing pet. The fur siblings know death and having them there during the process will help them to know what is going on. Your face as well as any other pets in the home should be the last thing that your passing pet sees because this IS LOVE.
This entire process can be emotional for everyone, even the doctor. “I truly believe that euthanasia is a gift that we can offer so that our pets do not have to suffer at the end of life. Unfortunately, waiting for them to pass on their own can result in the pet suffering unnecessarily. I have learned after doing this for many years that letting them go, even on a good day, is okay,” Tracy R. Pierce, DVM. Dr. Brown says, “Most of the time the pet is in a position where euthanasia is just what it should be - a good death. I see the in-home portion as a tremendous honor. After all, a family is allowing me, a stranger, to not only enter their home, but to attend to their needs at a very vulnerable emotional time. These pets are truly family members and I am allowed to be present at the most intimate time for them. I feel great responsibility to make the experience as gentle and drama-free as possible.”
If IHE is something you did not know about, I am glad you are reading this article. Our pets deserve dignity, respect and love in their last moments and IHE is a way to show them that.
The articles are meant to be informative and a guideline of sorts in caring for pets.
We know many of you out there are experienced and responsible pet owners, maybe you will learn something new or be able to help someone else who is reading the article.
Please be kind in your comments, we will not tolerate any negative or rude comments.
PICTURED: Last month in March, our VP Vicki had to say good bye to Bailey (brown), 17 1/2 years together and it was time.
Bailey had dementia which caused her fear of leaving the house. So instead of causing more fear and trauma, Vicki and her family decided on IHE.
Bailey’s passing was very peaceful. She passed in her Mommy’s arms surrounded by her family including her 4 legged sisters.
Animals know death.
Bailey’s sisters laid by her after her passing. They sniffed her, pawed at her and just laid down next to her.
Heavenly Acres to the home take care of her.
Dr. Tracey Pierce DVM
https://www.piercehousecalls.com
Dr. Corrine Brown DVM
https://www.giftofcompassion.net
Heavenly Acres For Pets
https://www.heavenlyacresforpets.com/?utm_source=google-gmb-maps&utm_medium=gmb-website-button&utm_campaign=locl.io&utm_content=9b693753-acd2-4ef9-b87c-3618ec478406
