The process for either a cat euthanasia or a dog euthanasia starts with an initial phone call consultation (608.347.1897). During this phone call our client care specialists will discuss your pet’s medical history, diagnosis, quality of life issues, current medications and answer your questions including information about cost.
Our article might be helpful to you: “When is it time“
Our veterinarian will introduce herself to the family and pet. Your pet can be in any area of the house (or yard) where they are most comfortable.
A sedative injection is given quickly, and then your pet is given treats and petted until they fall asleep. Once they are resting comfortably, the euthanasia agent is given; and they will often pass within a few minutes.
Your pet can be taken for cremation or left with the family if you have a special place for burial. Cremation is done at Memorial Pet Services. You may pick up your pet’s ashes at Memorial Pet Services in Madison, or we can arrange to have them shipped to your home. Cost for shipping and handling plus tax in Wisconsin is $33.76, out-of-state is $44.31.
Journeys Home offers offers pet in-home euthanasia service within 1-hour radius of Madison, Wisconsin. This includes but is not limited to surrounding counties: Dane, Rock, Iowa, Jefferson, and Green.
Some places we go:
Dane County: Belleville, Black Earth, Blue Mounds, Brooklyn, Cambridge, Cottage Grove, Cross Plains, Dane, Deerfield, DeForest, Fitchburg, Madison, Maple Bluff, Marshall, McFarland, Mazomanie, Middleton, Monona, Mount Horeb, Oregon, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waunakee, Windsor.
Outside of Dane County: Arena, Barneveld, Baraboo, Beaver Dam, Beloit, Columbus, Dodgeville, Edgerton, Evansville, Fort Atkinson, Hollandale, Janesville, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Lodi, Milton, New Glarus, Portage, Poynette, Prairie du Sac, Reedsburg, Sauk City, Spring Green.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you schedule appointments?
We can sometimes schedule a same-day appointment if we have an available spot open and we hear from you early in the day.
Since there are no guarantees of scheduling a same-day appointment, we encourage families to set up an appointment a day or two ahead of time.
How do you set the fee?
Pet euthanasia fees are based on the size of the pet and the distance traveled. For Dane County, you can get an estimate on line by answering a few questions. We also include sales tax in our fee.
Size: Larger pets require a larger amount of the drugs used (a large dog may require 10 times the amount as a cat) so the fee is higher. Cremation fees vary according to the size of the pet and the cremation options chosen.
Distance: Areas outside of Dane county take our doctors longer and more mileage to drive, so the fees are higher for travel outside of Dane county.
How far in advance do you need me to call for service?
We give first priority to appointments that are scheduled. We will try our best to accommodate people who call same-day.
Every day is different, so we may be available within a few hours when you contact us; or we may not be available until the next day. We understand that sometimes a need for euthanasia arises quickly, and we will do our best to help when we can; but we may need to refer you to a local emergency clinic if we cannot get to your home within a time frame that works for you and your pet.
We have found, after helping families and pets through many euthanasias, that some advance planning can help ensure a peaceful passing during an already extremely difficult time. By scheduling in advance of the appointment we are all better able to coordinate goodbyes for the pet and the people who love him or her, ensure we avoid a crisis or painful event, and make decisions about how to commemorate the pet’s life with a clearer mind.
Should I call if I suspect I will need your service in a week or two?
For pet families that are in the “planning” stages for end of life, and looking into the option of in-home euthanasia, we provide many resources on our website including our quality of life scale, our hours and availability, as well as fees & aftercare options.
If, after reviewing this information, you still have questions or concerns prior to scheduling, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our veterinarians to discuss your pet’s individual situation and plan out the next steps.
What if I need you in the middle of the night?
We are not available during the overnight hours. You should take your pet to the nearest emergency service.
Our regular hours:
Monday – Friday 6:00 am-7:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am-5:00 pm
Will the sedative/ pain reliever/ anesthetic injection hurt my pet?
The drug combination does not sting. However, pets who are very thin may find the initial needle injection uncomfortable. We make every effort to give the combination in an area that is not already painful and to use the smallest needle possible. Pets who are already in pain may be more sensitive to the shot because their nerves are already very reactive. Some cats are already hypersensitive to touch and may react more vigorously than cats without that hypersensitivity. (Cats will frequently twitch their tails in response to petting if their nerves are hypersensitive.)
Why do you use 2 injections instead of 1?
The first injection goes just under the skin – like a vaccine, or insulin injection – and is usually not painful. This drug combination helps the pet relax, be pain free, and fall asleep before the euthanasia drug is given.
We believe this protocol is less stressful for both the pet and the family than placing a intravenous catheter in an awake pet. The pet will gently fall asleep, and the family can say goodbye before the euthanasia drug is given.
Will my pet defecate or urinate afterwards?
Yes, it’s possible, if they have any urine or feces in their system. We place a plastic-lined cotton pad under the pet after they are asleep.
Should my children be present for the euthanasia?
You are the best person to decide if your children should be present for the euthanasia. Young children (under age 5) don’t usually understand the concept that death is permanent, and their presence may make the experience more stressful for their parents. We want you to be focused on your pet, and if taking care of children will distract you from your moments with your pet, we suggest that they not be present.
Can we be outside?
We can be wherever your pet is most comfortable – on a bed, table, couch, or even outside on a blanket (weather permitting).
Should we have you come to our house to meet our pet before the appointment so their last visit is with a familiar veterinarian?
Due to the nature of our work and schedule, we are not able to accommodate a pre-euthanasia meeting with a promise that this same veterinarian would also be the one coming to your home on a short-notice euthanasia appointment.
Our schedule is often changing in order to meet the needs of our patients as well as our amazing group of veterinarians who provide end-of-life care. If you have questions regarding a pre-euthanasia meeting, please reach out to discuss your situation with us on a voice call.
