After an in home euthanasia, your veterinarian gently takes your pet into their care and handles everything that comes next. You choose the type of cremation, any keepsakes you would like, such as a clay paw print or a small clipping of fur, and how you want to remember your pet at home. Knowing these choices ahead of time can make the day feel calmer.
At Rover Veterinary Care, a real person answers our phone every time, and we are glad to talk through aftercare before you need it. To ask questions, reach out to our team or call (561) 295-7979.
What happens right after an in-home goodbye?
Nothing is rushed. Once your pet has passed peacefully, you can take as much time as you need to sit with them, hold them, and say goodbye.
When you are ready, we prepare your pet for their trip with care. Pets under 30 pounds travel in a wicker basket lined with a soft blanket, riding in the front passenger seat.
Larger pets are wrapped in several blankets and moved on a stretcher. A family member often helps carry them, and if no one is available, Dr. Katie brings an assistant, usually her husband or brother.
These small details matter. They mean your pet leaves your home the way they lived in it, gently and with dignity.
We serve families across Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Hobe Sound. Whether your home is near the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse or tucked along the Loxahatchee River, the same quiet care goes into every visit.
What cremation choices are available for your pet?
Families can choose from private and communal cremation, along with a memorial reef option. Each one honors your pet in its own way, and there is no wrong choice.
Private cremation is for families who want their pet's ashes returned to them. Many people find comfort in keeping those ashes at home, in a favorite room, or in a special place in the garden.
Communal cremation means your pet is cremated with other pets, and ashes are not returned. Some families prefer this simpler option, especially if they plan to remember their pet in other ways, such as a photo, a paw print, or a planted tree.
A memorial reef is another way to say goodbye, especially meaningful for families who love the ocean. For a pet who spent mornings on the beach near Juno or evenings by the water in Jupiter, it can feel like a fitting tribute.
If you are not sure which feels right, we will walk you through each option. You can decide ahead of time or on the day. Learn more about our in-home pet euthanasia services and how we care for your pet.
What keepsakes can help you remember your pet?
Keepsakes give you something you can hold onto. A clay paw print and a small clipping of fur are two of the most meaningful, and both can be made during the visit.
We make clay paw prints after your pet has passed. The clay takes three to five days to air-dry on a flat surface. If several family members are there, we can make two or three, so each person has one to keep.
A woman once asked us if she could keep a bit of hair from behind her cat's ears, where she used to stroke her every night while falling asleep.
We talked about what was possible in terms of keepsakes and other aftercare options, so she could keep the memory of her cat alive for years to come.
If there is a particular spot that meant something to you, just tell us. We are happy to help.
How can you memorialize your pet at home?
In whatever way feels true to your pet and your family. Some memorials are simple, others are more personal, and all of them help keep the bond alive.
Many families create a small space at home with a photo, the clay paw print, a collar, or the urn if they chose private cremation. Others plant a tree, shrub, or flowers in the yard in their pet's memory, choosing a spot where their pet loved to lie in the sun.
You might frame a favorite picture, keep the fur clipping in a small locket or box, or write down a few favorite memories while they are fresh. Children often find comfort in drawing pictures or making cards for their pet.
Some families find meaning in revisiting a favorite place, such as a walk at Riverbend Park or a quiet morning on the beach where their pet used to play.
There is no timeline for grief. Take the time you need, and remember that your pet's memory belongs to you.
Why does planning aftercare ahead of time help?
It means you will not be asked to make big decisions in the middle of a hard moment. When you already know your choices, you can focus on being present with your pet.
Planning ahead does not mean you have to decide everything now. Even a short conversation can help you think through what feels right, from cremation choices to keepsakes. You can also change your mind later.
Our founder, Dr. Katie Matzke, DVM, graduated from the University of Florida in 2013. Our phone is answered by experienced veterinary staff and often by Dr. Katie herself. We offer same-day or next-day visits, seven days a week, from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM, so you can reach us when the questions come up.
If you have questions or want to plan ahead, contact Rover Veterinary Care or call (561) 295-7979. We are here whenever you are ready.