EUTHANASIA SERVICES

From the initial phone call to the final good-bye, TOBIAS Mobile Veterinary Practice is committed to making the passing of your pet as peaceful and painless as is possible. We are available by phone for any questions you might have concerning end-of-life issues and how to prepare for the euthanasia visit.

On the appointed day, we will call you when we are on our way to give you a precise time of arrival.  Once in the home, we will quickly complete the necessary paperwork so that our attention is focused solely on the comfort of your pet and with helping you and your family through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Euthanasia Services

What is the process of euthanasia?

Pet euthanasia is achieved through an anesthetic overdose. The pet is first given a calming sedative in the form of an injection to the thigh muscle. This is to relieve both pain and fear. It may sting briefly, so distracting them with a tasty treat is helpful. Relaxation, then unconsciousness sets in over the next 5-10 minutes. During this time, you can stroke and comfort your pet as you feel comfortable doing.

When the pet is fully sedated, an IV injection of a potent anesthetic is given.  This drug goes to the brain and shuts it down. Breathing will stop within 30 seconds, followed by the heart slowing and stopping in the next 1-2 minutes. When death has come you may notice that the eyes remain slightly open, the tongue may relax out a little and some muscles may twitch. Occasionally, a few sudden deep breaths occur. This is normal as the body passes. The pet is not aware since the brain has already shut down.

Though the process of euthanasia is fairly quick, we typically allow 30-60 minutes for the visit so that there will be ample time to say farewell.

What is the cost of in-home euthanasia?

The cost of euthanasia varies depending on the size of the pet.  It ranges from $200 for a cat or small dog, to $290 for dogs weighing 100.1-130 lbs.  The $100 trip fee is included in this price. There is an additional mileage charge for those calls out of our normal service area.

What are my options for disposition of the remains?

There are three options to choose from:

1. The pet remains with you to take to a pet cemetery or to bury at home.
   (Please check with your township about any regulations they might have concerning this.)

2. We transport the pet to Abbey Glen/Pet Memorial Services for communal cremation. With this option the ashes are NOT returned to you. Instead, the ashes are interred communally at Faithful Companions Pet Cemetery in Ulster, PA.

3. We transport the pet to Abbey Glen/Pet Memorial Services for an individual cremation and the ashes are returned in a hand-carved hardwood box with a custom engraved brass nameplate.

What is the cost of cremation?

The cost of communal cremation ranges from $105 - $140 and is determined by the weight of the pet. The cost of individual cremation, with the return of the pet’s ashes in a custom wooden box, ranges from $195 - $270. These charges would be in addition to the charge for euthanasia.