When I arrive at your door
I text or call you to confirm my ETA as I'm getting on the road. My vehicle is not branded. It is a Rivian, an electric SUV, so I don't pull up announcing what's happening to your whole street.
After parking, I retrieve my vet bag and head up to the front door. I either knock or text you, depending on what you've asked for. Once you let me in, we take a few minutes to introduce ourselves to you and to your pet.
Finding your spot in the house
The most common places we end up are the family room, the lanai, or the yard. Wherever everyone is as comfortable as they can be. Your pet picks the spot they want, and we go there.
If other family members or other pets want to be present, we work with them. Children at any age are welcome. Other dogs and cats often understand more than people realize, and being there can help them process what's happening in the days that follow.
The two-step euthanasia procedure
Before we begin, I explain the whole process so you know what's coming. The euthanasia itself happens in two steps, and both steps are part of the procedure.
The first injection is a combination of four to five medications that produces general anesthesia. It is given either subcutaneously, like a vaccine, or intramuscularly with a small needle, which most pets barely notice. Within five to ten minutes your pet is in a deep, painless sleep, completely relaxed and unaware.
The second injection happens only after your pet is fully asleep and comfortable. It is given intravenously and it is an overdose of a sedative. It is not felt.
"We don't move to the second injection until they are fully comfortable. Hearing is the last sense to go, so I encourage families to speak to their pets the whole time."
"We couldn't have asked for a better passing for our sweet boy, Rodger. Dr. Matzke was gentle and caring with Rodger and honestly, the whole family as well. We will be forever grateful that we got to say goodbye to our guy in his favorite place, surrounded by his favorite people, with a tennis ball in his mouth."Georgia N. · Jupiter family · verified on Google
After your pet has passed
I create a clay paw print keepsake if your family would like one. It is made out of modeling clay and it takes three to five days to air-dry on a flat surface. Sometimes I make two or three when there are a lot of family members present.
This is also the time when I collect fur for a keepsake if you'd like one.
Then I typically give the family a few minutes to say their goodbyes and bring my vet bag back out to my vehicle.
How we transport your pet for cremation
If you've chosen cremation, I step back into the house to transport your pet. How this happens depends on your pet's size.
For pets under 30 pounds, I have a wicker basket lined with a soft blanket. Smaller pets ride in the basket in the front passenger seat of my vehicle.
For larger pets I use my stretcher, with multiple blankets so your pet is swaddled and snug. A family member typically helps me carry the stretcher to the car. When that isn't possible, I bring along an assistant, usually my husband or brother.
How long the visit takes
The entire visit, from the time I arrive to the time I leave, 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.
"She is kind, compassionate, and professional, and she helps make such a difficult moment one of dignity, peace, and grace."Dan R. · Jupiter family · verified on Google
"As they say, if love alone is what she needed to stay with us - our sweet beautiful calico, Dusty, would have lived forever. You made a difficult decision and process so much easier. Most of all, thank you for your dedication and compassion in taking care of our sweet Dusty's last moments with us, her forever loving family."Doug and Diane MacLean · Jupiter family
Ready to schedule a visit?
A real person answers our phone every time. Same day or next day, seven days a week, in Jupiter and the surrounding Palm Beach + Martin Counties.
Not sure yet? Comfort Care Assessment
Not every family who calls is ready to make a decision. For families who aren't sure if it's time, we offer a Comfort Care Assessment. It's an in-person quality-of-life exam where I examine your pet and spend 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.
"I have never helped a family too soon. I have helped families too late."
Common questions
Will my pet feel anything? 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 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.
How long does the visit take? 30 to 45 minutes from when I arrive to when I leave. The procedure itself is 10 to 15 minutes. Most of the time is yours with your pet beforehand.
Can my kids be there? Yes, at any age. Many families choose to have children present. We talk through what feels right for your family on the phone before the visit.
Can my other pets be present? Yes, and we encourage it when it feels right. Other dogs and cats often understand what is happening.
What if I'm not sure it's time? Call us. The phone is answered by experienced veterinary staff and often by Dr. Katie. We also offer the Comfort Care Assessment for families who want an in-person exam before deciding.
