The questions families ask us most.

The only moment your pet might notice is the first injection, given under the skin with a tiny needle like a vaccine. Most pets barely react, and some give a small flinch, about like a mosquito bite. That injection is a blend of medications that brings on a deep, painless sleep within 5 to 10 minutes. Once your pet is fully relaxed and unaware, the second injection is given, and it is not felt.

The entire visit, from when Dr. Katie arrives to when she leaves, is typically 30 to 45 minutes. The procedure itself, from the first injection to the moment your pet passes, is typically 10 to 15 minutes. Most of the visit is time with your pet beforehand. We do not rush.

Wherever everyone is most comfortable. The most common spots are the family room, the lanai, or the yard. A favorite couch, a sunny window, the rug your dog has slept on for years. Your pet picks the spot, and we go there.

Yes, at any age. Dr. Katie is a mom of three and has had children of every age present, from newborns on up. Whether it's right for your child is an individual decision, and we're glad to talk it through with you beforehand. For more, see our guide on helping kids say goodbye.

Yes, and we encourage it when it feels right for your household. Other dogs and cats often understand more than we realize, and being present can help them process the loss in the days that follow.

Hearing is the last sense to go, so we encourage families to speak to their pets, or just to each other, throughout. Hearing the voices of their loved ones is a comfort for pets. Your hand on them is all that matters. We take care of the rest.

It is not cut and dry, and every pet is different. Pets who are still living their day-to-day lives, eating, sleeping well, greeting you at the door, are usually just old. Pets who are suffering tend to stop the normal functions. They lie down a lot without really sleeping, have a hard time settling, pant when they aren't exerting themselves, and their behavior changes.

If you'd like an objective framework, the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care has several quality-of-life checklists. And if you're still unsure, a Comfort Care Assessment can help.

It's an in-person quality-of-life exam. Dr. Katie comes to your home, examines your pet, and spends real time talking with you about the signs and symptoms you've been seeing. A call to schedule one is not a commitment to euthanasia. It is a commitment to your pet. See services to learn more.

When there is a terminal diagnosis and you've exhausted reasonable treatment, any time after that is an okay time to make the decision. Dr. Katie often says: "I have never euthanized a patient too soon, but I have had families wait too long." Usually when a family isn't ready, it's not the pet who isn't ready. Take the time you need, and call us when you want to talk it through.

Completely. And it's worth knowing: you would not be considering this if there were a better option available to you. Euthanasia literally means "good death." When there's a terminal diagnosis and treatment options are exhausted, the ability to give your pet a peaceful end at home, surrounded by family, is a gift. The last one, and a real one.

Sometimes, yes. One example we see often is Idiopathic Vestibular Disease in older pets. Families think their dog has had a stroke, when it's usually an inner-ear condition, with a head tilt, trouble walking, lack of appetite, and rapid eye movements. It frequently just needs supportive care and resolves. A visit to your primary vet is always wise to rule out other conditions. We'd rather you know than assume.

The choice is between private cremation and communal cremation, both through our partner Pet Angel Memorial Center. With private cremation your pet's ashes are returned in your choice of urn, engraved with your pet's name. Communal cremation is Memorial Reefs International, where ashes are incorporated into a living undersea memorial reef garden. See cremation & aftercare for full detail.

Yes. A clay pawprint keepsake is included with every visit, at no additional charge. Children often help press the letters of their pet's name into it.

Same-day or next-day appointments are typical. If you call early in the day, we can often be at your home that afternoon. Evenings, weekends, and holidays are available too, with an after-hours fee. Call (561) 295-7979.

Three Jupiter packages: $450 for the visit, $600 with communal cremation, $700 with private cremation. A clay pawprint is included in all of them. Full pricing and a travel-fee map are on our services & pricing page.

No. We serve most of Palm Beach County north of Boca Raton and into southern Martin County, including Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Tequesta, Hobe Sound, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, Stuart, and Palm City. Check your travel fee by ZIP on the services page.