In-home pet euthanasia — frequently asked questions

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What areas of the greater Sacramento region do you serve?

We provide in-home pet euthanasia throughout the greater Sacramento area, including:

• Sacramento (all neighborhoods, including Land Park, Midtown, East Sacramento, Natomas)

• Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln

• Folsom and El Dorado Hills

• Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova

• Davis and Woodland

• Vacaville, Winters

• Citrus Heights, Antelope, and Fair Oaks

Not sure if we cover your zip code? Call or text us — we do our best to accommodate families throughout the region.

We may be able to cover your area, given time and space in our schedule.  Additional fees will apply.

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What types of pets do you provide this service for?

We serve dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds. Depending on the veterinarian, we may also be able to assist with rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and other companion animals. Please contact us to confirm availability for pets other than dogs and cats.

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The process

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What happens during an in-home euthanasia appointment?

A typical appointment unfolds gently in three stages:

• Arrival and connection (15–20 min). The veterinarian arrives, meets your family and your pet, and takes time to understand your pet's history and what matters most to your family. They are patient, answer questions, and sit with you and your pet to get to know them as well. There is no rush.

• Sedation/Anesthesia (15-30 min). A pre-euthanasia sedative is administered, often in food, to give them a yummy meal. If they are not eating, either oral medication on their gums or an injection will be administered to help them with pain and to get them sleepy.  The next step is to get them fully asleep with anesthesia.  This is a more gradual process, and Dr. Hendrix has found that it benefits both the pet and their family to give you time to say goodbye.  Occasionally, the pet needs us to move quicker, and we can put all the medications together and give it if that is the case, or if the family wants it to move quicker, Dr. Hendrix will discuss it with you when she arrives to make sure that your pet's experience and your experience is the most gentle that we can give.

• Euthanasia. Once your pet is fully sedated and comfortable, the veterinarian administers the final medication intravenously. Your pet passes quietly and painlessly, typically within seconds. The veterinarian confirms passing, and your family is given as much time as you need.

• This process may vary from other experiences you have had. Dr. Hendrix has the longest open practice in the area and extensive experience to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your pet.

• Occasionally, the pet does not follow the typical patterns.  That is ok; they likely lived their lives without following patterns, and Dr. Hendrix will address that at the time of the appointment.  Sometimes they need more medication, sometimes they have to go to the bathroom, whatever it is, we will walk with you to help you understand.

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Is the process painful for my pet?

No. The two-step sedation and anesthesia process is specifically designed to minimize any distress. Dr. Hendrix does not like to give medication in a stressful way to patients, so we try to minimize injections and work with your pet as needed, which will vary based on the individual in front of us. By the time the final medication is given, your pet is fully anesthetized and unaware, so they feel nothing. Many families are moved by how peaceful and gentle the process is.

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How do I know it's the right time?

This is the most difficult question families face. Some signs that may indicate your pet's quality of life has significantly declined include:

• Inability to eat, drink, or stand without assistance

• Uncontrolled pain or labored breathing that cannot be managed

• Loss of interest in people, activities, or surroundings they once loved

• Chronic vomiting, incontinence, or inability to maintain basic hygiene

• More bad days than good days

• Changes in their emotional quality of life, they are not getting enjoyment out of life, may just be doing things that are the most routine.

• Severe Dental disease

• Progressive frailty, Dementia, or Degenerative Myelopathy

• Cancer that has progressed, is bleeding, and they are having labored breathing

• Progressive arthritis, they are limping, struggle to get up or lie down, pace around a lot (can be a sign of pain)

• Seizures that have occurred more frequently or more than 1 in a 24-hour period, especially if these are new.

• Bleeding, especially if it is from a cancer/tumor.

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Every individual family is different. We offer separate quality-of-life consultations to help your family thoughtfully consider this decision. There is no judgment — only support. 

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Practical questions

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How quickly can I get an appointment in the Sacramento area?

We do our best to offer same-day or next-day appointments for families in urgent need. In most cases, we can schedule within 24–48 hours. Evening and weekend appointments are available. If your pet is in crisis, please call us directly — we will do everything we can to be there quickly.

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How much does in-home euthanasia cost in Sacramento?

In-home euthanasia in the Sacramento region typically ranges from $350 and up for the service itself, depending on your location, the time of day, and the provider. Aftercare (cremation or burial) is usually quoted separately.

We have bundled our costs together to make it easier for people to find and know exactly what they are getting. 

We hope no family should have to choose a stressful clinic visit because of financial constraints. We have both in-home and in-office costs to help provide care at the cost point you need.  We use Scratchpay if you need assistance with costs.  https://scratchpay.com/

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What aftercare options are available?

After your pet passes, we offer or coordinate the following options:

• Private cremation — your pet is cremated individually, and ashes are returned to you, typically within 7–14 days

• Communal cremation — a more affordable option; ashes are not returned to you

• Home burial — this may or may not be legal in your location. You need to check with your City or Municipality to see what the burial regulations are.  The medications we use remain active in the body for potentially years and can pose a biohazard to wildlife and other pets.

• Paw prints and fur clippings — memorial keepsakes, available upon request

We work with our trusted Caring Pet Crematory in Sacramento to ensure your pet receives dignified care. They are locally owned and operated and provide care for your pets in a manner similar to the human standard of care. https://www.caringpetcrematory.com/

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Can children and other pets be present?

Yes, and many families find it meaningful to be together. Children and other pets may be present if you feel it is appropriate for your family. We recommend preparing children age-appropriately beforehand, and we are happy to talk to you and your children through that conversation.  Dr. Hendrix loves to talk with children.  Children under 5 may not understand what is going on, as they cognitively don't understand the permanence of death.  

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Other pets in the household often benefit from being present, as well.  It can help them understand that their companion is gone and may ease their own grieving process.  Dr. Hendrix has witnessed many animals who understood their companion had passed.  They don't necessarily need to be present in the lead up to the death, so if they are stressed out by strangers, or they overexuberantly love strangers or the family, and you feel they may be disruptive, it is ok for them not to be there for the whole process.  Dr. Hendrix and her team will leave for a time after your beloved pet has passed and give them an opportunity to say their goodbyes without strangers in the house.  There is no right or wrong choice here.

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After your loss

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Is grief after losing a pet normal? Where can I find support?

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Absolutely. The bond between a person and their pet is real, and grief after their loss is a natural and healthy response. You may experience sadness, guilt, anger, or a sense of emptiness — all of these are valid.

Pet loss support resources available to Sacramento-area families include:

• UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline: (800) 565-1526

• ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: (877) 474-3310

• Local pet loss support groups through the Sacramento SPCA, Yolo Cares

• Online support APLB (Animal Pet Loss and Bereavement) https://www.aplb.org/

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Will I receive a certificate of death or veterinary documentation?

This is not typical; however, we can provide written documentation of the appointment and your pet's passing. If you need a formal letter for your landlord, workplace bereavement leave, or another purpose, we are glad to provide that as well.