In-Home Euthanasia

Why choose In-Home Euthanasia?

The word euthanasia is Greek for “good death”. In the veterinary clinic setting, euthanasia can be a very stressful experience for the pet and family; from the car ride to and the noise and busy pace of a clinic. Helping your pet into the car and out of the car may be very stressful if mobility has become an issue. Having to grieve for your pet in a public place can be very upsetting. At home, your family is able to grieve in privacy and take comfort in one another. Every pet and family is unique and you can decide how you would like your final moments with your beloved pet to be.

Reasons to be at home include:

  1. Less stress for your pet
  2. Privacy during the appointment
  3. The presence of other pets should you choose
  4. Choice of location
  5. Religious freedoms
  6. Privacy afterwards, on your terms
What if I am struggling to determine whether or not it is time?

We are available to schedule a home quality of life evaluation to help aid you in the decision-making process. Please visit the pricing page for further information.

I am ready to schedule a visit. How do I proceed?

While I do understand the unpredictable nature of disease and do my best to help accommodate those needs…the requests for same-day appointments become scheduled quickly. I do request 1-2 days of prior notice to be more specific with availability. My regular hours, depending on your location, are 9 am-5 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 10 am-1:30 pm. I do not provide service on Sunday.

*This is the general availability and we will be more specific when we contact you.

You will also find all the fees and details provided on this website, which you can refer to here: https://peacefulpathways.com/fees-and-policies/

For a description and details on how we can help with arrangements for aftercare (cremation) services, please refer here:
https://peacefulpathways.com/aftercare-options/

While we understand circumstances can change…we have also listed our cancellation policy: https://peacefulpathways.com/fees-and-policies/

When you are ready to schedule we are here to help. Please call 650-316-5069

Once I've made the decision for in-home euthanasia what other decisions need to be made?

Where and when should euthanasia take place?
In the house or outside, maybe under a favorite tree or favorite place? On your pets bed or any place in your home, your pet chose to spend their time.

Who should be there?
Loved ones who wish to be present, children if you deem appropriate, other pets or friends of your choosing.

What do I want to do for body aftercare?
Private burial, cremation or necropsy, etc. Cremation services are provided either communal or private cremation is available. Please see the aftercare page for more detail.

What to expect?

Initially, we will have a brief phone or email consultation to establish your needs and help answer any questions you may have or discuss any special requests you may have. Upon arrival, Dr. Winnick will go over the paperwork and take care of payment beforehand. She will greet your pet and when you are ready she will administer a sedative to help your pet sleep. At this point, your pet will be free of any pain or suffering they may have been experiencing.

Once your pet is sleeping deeply she will proceed with euthanasia when you are ready. A solution will be given to gently stop the heart. This usually only takes a few moments and she will let you know when your pet has passed. Although your pet’s eyes will remain open and you may hear a few expirations or see muscle twitching; rest assured that your pet has felt no pain and has passed peacefully and gently. You will be able to spend as much private time as needed with your pet before we make the transition to the vehicle if aftercare is desired. During this time we will also make a clay paw print for you to keep.

Full Euthanasia Services Include:

  • Phone consultation
  • Sedation
  • Euthanasia
  • Clay paw print keepsake
  • Pet loss literature
  • Transportation for cremation
  • Memorial posting on our website and facebook page
What if my pet has already passed away at home?

We can help provide transportation for cremation services if desired (subject to availability). You can also refer to the resources page for a listing of cremation services.

Compassionate end-of-life care for your beloved companion

Peaceful Pathways is devoted to ensuring your pet's final chapter is written to include as much comfort and dignity as possible. Please see our service area map below. If you are outside of the area, please contact us for travel rates.

Service Area

San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay communities.
(Currently, we do not provide services in San Francisco City)

Extended travel is possible (may incur an additional fee).

Mailing Address

2625 Middlefield Rd #290
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Hours

Phone Hours
Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm
Sat: 8am - 1pm

Appointment Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 10am - 1:30pm
Sun: CLOSED