About Me

This is such a difficult question as a pet-parent, and I struggle with this decision for my own pets. There are so many factors that can impact quality-of-life as our pets age. Some of the many important questions to ask include:

- Are they eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating normally?

- Are they interacting normally with family and other pets?

- Are they able to enjoy their usual activities (fetch, play, walks, training)?

- Are there changes to their nighttime behaviors (waking, restlessness, pacing)?

- Are there signs of cognitive decline and anxiety (wandering, pacing, panting, staring)?

For pet-parents who think it may be time but are unsure, I will provide consultation at the time of the appointment and we can work together to decide if it is the right time to say goodbye. 

For pet-parents who do not feel it is time to say goodbye yet, but see that their pet could use recommendations and medications to provide comfort in the short-term, I recommend a hospice appointment. 

This is something that we will discuss at-length at the time of your appointment, so that everyone feels prepared. The process that we use truly does create that *fall asleep and pass in your sleep* sensation that we wish on all of our loved ones. 

To do this, I use a 2-step injection process. The first medication is given like a flu shot, so it is as low-stress and pain-free as possible. This medication creates a state of relaxation, sedation, and euphoria. I will collect a clay paw-print and lock of hair at this time, should you desire. Once your pet is "floating" and feeling an ease of whatever ails them, I administer the second medication. This second medication is typically given into the vein, and it induces a state of anesthesia before helping your pet to pass. 

If you elect to use our crematory services, your pet will come with me at the end of the appointment. I will help make this transportation smooth, but I do require assistance lifting (1 person) for any pet 40lbs and greater. 

For those slower, age-related changes, we are often able to plan ahead for our pets. This typically means selecting a day that works for your family and your pet's loved ones. But most importantly, this also means selecting a day that is ideally not your furbaby's worst day. Our goal is always to look ahead and prevent suffering to-come.
Appointments are most commonly scheduled by text message or through the online system above. If you'd prefer, we can absolutely set up a phone consultation to discuss your baby's case. 

Sometimes, things change rapidly for our older pets, and we need to move quickly. In that case, I recommend that you text me at (530) 444-4356 to see if I am able to accommodate something same-day.

Due to the nature of mobile work, all appointments are scheduled with an *arrival window* of 1 hour (example: 12:30-1:30pm arrival window). I will always  text you when I'm about 10-20 minutes out as I'm headed your way so that you know when to expect me.

I work on Mondays and Thursdays at Pine Creek Vet, so my appointment availability is only limited by that. I also offer evening appointments, as well as weekends. 

I will make every effort to help you and your pet family during this difficult time. I am typically able to help families same-day, if not within 24 hours. However, we are not an emergency service. If at any point you feel your pet cannot wait, I recommend that you contact your local veterinary hospital. 

There are some good things you can do to prepare for the appointment. First is to consider who will be in attendance - see below for guidance on children and other pets. 

I recommend that you select a location that is comfortable for your pet. This location should allow for us to gather around your pet, typically with a comfortable bed or blanket for them.  Some pet-parents like to surround this area with mementos, toys, and treats that their pet may find comforting.  

I also recommend that you take your pet to the bathroom - if able to do so without causing distress or discomfort to your pet - about 30 minutes prior to the appointment. 

If your pet is on any medications prescribed by their normal veterinarian, continue to give these as prescribed (including pain medications, seizure medications, heart medications, etc).

If your pet is still eating, I recommend thinking about an extra yummy treat that we can give to help them feel comfortable during the first "feel-good" injection. Think burgers, chocolate cupcakes, ice cream, etc. This will be such a special treat for you and your pet to share. 

There is no one right answer; the selection of aftercare is a personal one for the family. Some families like to perform a home burial to keep their pet close. I can help make recommendations on how to do this correctly and respectfully for your pet. 

If you prefer, I do offer cremation services through West Coast Pet Memorial in Sacramento. This is a wonderful group of compassionate and caring people. I trust them with my own pets when they cross the rainbow bridge. They offer both communal cremation - where ashes are spread at sea with a group of other animals - as well as private cremation - where ashes are returned to you individually in the urn of your choosing. 

If you elect for cremation, your pet will come home with me after the appointment, before being transported to the crematory. If your pet is larger than ~30-35lbs, then I will need 1 person able to help me lift my stretcher. If your pet is larger than ~95-100lbs, then we may need 2 people available to help me with my stretcher. 

If you elect help with aftercare services, your beloved pet will come home with me after your appointment.

For communal cremation, your furbaby's ashes are scattered as-sea with a group of other pets. If you would like to provide an email, the crematory can send information on the scattering ceremony: including pictures, location information, and date of ceremony. This is included, but optional. 

For private cremation, your furbaby will be returned home to you with the urn of your choosing. Most commonly, we utilize your local veterinary clinic to help with this. Your beloved pet will be hand-delivered home to me. I then hand-deliver them to your local veterinary clinic. This allows you the flexibility to pick your furbaby up during their normal business hours.
Understandably, some families are either unable to go to their regular vet, or would prefer a different option. I am also able to help you pick up your furbaby directly from my home in Grass Valley at a scheduled time. 

The crematory does also offer shipping directly to your home ($30). This is a tracked shipment with a signature at delivery, and I have not experienced any complications to-date for families that elect this route. The carriers are also aware of the contents of the package, so they know to continue treating your furbaby with respect as they travel back home to you. 

Whether children should be present during your pet's passing is a personal decision that depends on various factors such as the child's age and maturity, the family's preferences, and the specific circumstances. 

Some parents may choose to include children in the process to help them understand and cope with the loss, and I think using clear and correct language is the most appropriate. However, others may choose to shield them from the emotional stress and potential trauma of losing their beloved furry-friend. It is important to make a careful and informed decision with the best interests of both the children and the pet in mind. Seeking advice from a counselor or professional can be helpful in making the decision. 

Other pets are welcome to be present, as long as their presence is not disruptive to the process or to the pet that we are helping to transition. 

At the time of service, I am able to accept: checks, Venmo, Zelle, Google/Apple Pay, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). 

I can also accept Care Credit, but this will need to be processed before your appointment  as their system can be finicky: https://www.carecredit.com/go/273GTX