What to expect

To begin, let me say that I am sorry you are having to face this decision.  I know how incredibly difficult it is just getting to the decision itself. Navigating the logistics can be complicated as well, but it is my intention to make it as easy as possible.  In preparation, I have compiled a list of considerations below.  I know there is a lot here, but the more we can get these things managed ahead of time, the more we can focus on you and your pet the day of transition. 

The reason I do this work is that I truly believe it is the kind and loving way to help our pets transition.  Performing euthanasia in the home allows you and your pet to rest in comfort and familiarity without the clinic sounds, smells and sights that may trigger fear, anxiety and stress in both of you. You may have as few or as many friends and family present as you wish and we can manage the pace so that it suits you all. That being said, in-home euthanasias are less predictable than in-clinic ones and I am always adapting and evolving to meet the situation at hand. I will do everything I can to make things as peaceful and pain free for you and your pet as I can. 

The visit usually begins with the completion of paperwork. After that we will have a short discussion about the process and how best to suit it to you and your pet. Next a sedative will be given, most-commonly, by injection. There can be some brief discomfort with this but it is over quickly. After that has taken effect and your pet is fully sedated, I will give the final injection. After I have verified that your pet has passed, you will be offered some time alone with your pet if you would like that.

Generally, visits run about an hour but I schedule spaciously as I never want to rush anyone. That said, I can also work more quickly for those individuals that need to just move through. There is no right or wrong pace, only that which is most appropriate for you and your pet.

Fees

Once you have decided on after-care options and filled out and returned a consent form to me, I will put together a statement of fees for you.  I will email this to you prior to the visit.  Payments can be made in the form of check (preferred method) made out to Marin Mobile Vet, or Apple Pay, Venmo, credit card, or cash. If you would like to prepay, you may request a Venmo QR code or credit card link from me. Otherwise, payment will be collected at the time of the visit. 

Generally speaking, the fees are as follows:

Travel fee

Mill Valley - $50

Sausalito, Larkspur, Corte Madera - $75

Outside these areas – $100+, price upon request and based on availability

Plus

Euthanasia Fee

New client euthanasia - $500

Existing client euthanasia - $450

Plus (if I am handling after-care)

Cremation - pets over 100 lbs additional fees may apply

Communal cremation (no ashes returned)  - $200 - $300,

Or

Private cremation (ashes returned in standard cedar urn – no engraving) - $350 - $500

+/- Urn Engraving $50

Plus (if applicable)

Outside of hours fees - $50 and up

Other Considerations

Memorial Items

I can do fur clippings at the visit at no extra charge. Additional memorial items such as ceramic paw-prints, specialized urns, jewelry are available from Koefran – price quotes upon request. The Ceramic paw prints are high-fired, and come with various colors of paint. Click here for a sample. They run $90. You will need to let us know which color you are selecting. 

Pre-visit sedation

If your pet is on any pain/sedating medication at home from your regular vet, please let me know so that we can discuss pre-visit dosing.  Sometimes, if it is possible, giving oral pre-visit medication can relax your pet for the visit. 

Consent form

If you have contacted me and we have booked a visit, then filling out and returning a euthanasia consent form is the next step. This form can be accessed here or may be directly sent to you. Please look this form over as it has some details about decisions that will be need to be made prior to the euthanasia visit.   Once the form has been returned to me, I can confirm the appointment.  Please complete the top parts and the after-care sections but please do NOT initial or sign below the double line.  I will print out the form and bring it with me for signing on the day of the visit. If you need to, you can print out the form and fill it out by hand and return a photo to me. If you choose this option, please keep the paper copy available for signing at the visit.

You will see from the form that you will be signing that your pet has not bitten anyone in the last 10 days as of the date of euthanasia. If at any point, that is not the case, please let me know as soon as possible so we can make adjustments to our plan. 

On the form you will be letting me know if you will be taking the body for private burial or cremation or if I will be handling cremation for you.  If I will be handling it, and you would like a private cremation with ashes returned to you, then please let me know on the form if you would like anything other than a standard cedar box urn.  You can look over options for urns, paw prints and other mementos at www.Koefran.com.  The standard cedar box urn is included in the private cremation fee but for any other options, you will need to contact me for pricing.  If you would like any form of engraving on the urn or other memento, we will need to discuss details as these need to be very specific as to wording, font, etc.  Although the cedar urn is included in fees, cedar urn engraving runs an additional $50. 

If I am handling a private cremation for you, then you will also be deciding about how you would like the ashes returned to you.  Unless you and I have already discussed an alternative, the ashes will be shipped to your home via UPS (no extra shipping fee).  Ashes are generally returned in 2-3 weeks. 

Large Pets

Keep in mind that if I am handling after-care and you have a large pet, there may be some logistical matters.  I am able to handle pets up to 50 lbs on my own, but above that, I may need assistance getting your pet to the car.  Please consider having someone on hand who can help with this if need be and also please let me know if there are particular parking arrangements I need to be aware of.  If your pet weighs more than 100 lbs, we may need to make alternative plans for after-care. 

Insurance

If you have pet insurance for your pet, euthanasia is often a covered cost.  Of course, I can’t speak to any particular coverage, and I do not submit claims but you might consider checking with your insurance provider so you don’t miss out on potential reimbursement.

Lastly, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have.  If you have any rituals you feel drawn to include just let me know and if at any point you feel the need or want for grief counseling, I have resources. 

Again, please excuse all of the practicalities.  My intention is to get all of this out of the way ahead of time so that when the time comes, we can just focus on you and your pet and be as present as possible in this profoundly emotional space. 

Warmly,

Paige