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773-750-6468We are available 24/7/365

ASSISTING PET OWNERS
WITH END-OF-LIFE SERVICES



Dr. Sarah Hadzic, DVM, PhD

OUR TEAM

Under the leadership of our chief veterinarian, Dr. Sarah V Hadzic, Paws and Feathers Veterinary Hospital has been serving animal and pet owners in and around the Chicagoland area for a number of years. Her love for animals of all kinds and her recognition of the loving care and treatment they deserve is shared throughout our staff. Whether your furry friend is in need of a routine checkup or a surgical procedure, it will always be treated with the utmost care and compassion.

Compassionate and humane end-of-life services for all animals at an affordable cost

OUR SERVICES

As a pet owner, you have taken on a wonderful responsibility of bringing a pet into your family that brings a great deal of joy to millions of people every day. Unfortunately, it also means that at some point, you have to make the tough, and emotional decisions regarding the health of your companion animal, including how to handle end of life care. All services are performed by professional veterinarians and vet technicians who are available to answer any questions regarding services rendered.


CREMATION


We are incorporated with an industry-recognized cremation company that takes their time handling your animal’s remains.



HOME CONSULTATION


We come to you to discuss your concerns, thoughts or questions surrounding the procedure.



PAW PRINT MEMENTO


Remember your pet with a special, clay paw print memento that comes with all End-of-Life service packages (for an additional cost).


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We try to anticipate questions you might have about our End of Life services and provide the answers here.

  • How will I know it is the right time?
  • Should children be present during the euthanasia?
  • How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?
  • What to generally expect with End of Life Services?
  • How can I be sure I get my pet’s ashes back?
  • Will euthanasia “hurt“?
  • How long does euthanasia take?
  • How does the euthanasia drug work?
  • Why is “in-home” euthanasia recommended over taking my pet to the hospital for this procedure?
  • Am I able to stay with my pet during the euthanasia procedure?
  • Are there preparations or “set-up” requirements needed before an in-home euthanasia?
  • Is the person coming to my home a veterinarian?
How will I know it is the right time?

The answer varies depending on the pet and the disease. You know your pet best and will be able to see specific changes that indicate the time is right, such as:

No longer greeting you when you come home;

No longer interested in food or water;

Incontinence (accidents in the house) or unable to go to the bathroom without falling down;

Lack of grooming (cats and some dogs);

No longer wags his/her tail or holds it down constantly;

Isolates themselves from the people or other pets in the home, particularly in places they usually do not go;

Decreased interest in playing;

Unable to stand or walk on their own;

Change in attitude (depression, aggression, confusion);

Not wanting to do the things they love;

No longer interest in food or water;

Incontinence (accidents in the house) or unable to go to the bathroom without falling down;

Should children be present during the euthanasia?

This decision is to be made by the parents and the parents alone. Some parents have elected to have children at home but in a different room for the sedation and/or actual procedure. Other parents have elected to allow kids present for the whole procedure. It is a deeply personal decision and as a parent, you know your children best.

How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?

In an ideal world, it is best to contact your veterinarian in advance so scheduling can be accommodated for both your family and your vet. We do understand that sometimes the need for these services come within 24-48 hours of services needed but we can usually accommodate such short-notice appointments.

What to generally expect with End of Life Services?

When the doctor arrives, she will greet the pet and allow the pet to get comfortable with her. Often, this entails a lot of sniffing and petting. Then, you will read and sign an authorization form, and take care of payment beforehand, since it’s harder to handle afterwards when emotions can overwhelm you.

Next, the vet will prepare the sedative and administer it to the pet. Great care is taken to minimize even the smallest sensation of the injection. A fresh, small needle is used for the sedative, and your pet will be distracted with petting, soothing words, and/or treats.

While the pet drifts into sleep, the vet will prepare for the final injection and prepare the clay for the paw print impression to be taken after the procedure.

When the pet is fully sedated as determined by the vet, the final injection is given, most typically, in the leg vein. The breathing may become deeper and quicker at first, but then slows down and stops. A couple minutes later, the heart follows.

If you want to spend time with your pet afterwards, simply let the vet know. It is important for you to do whatever you feel necessary to mourn, and the vet always allows enough time so that you should never feel rushed. This is part of the grieving process and everyone is different in how they choose to express it.

If cremation is chosen, the vet then prepares the vehicle, and returns with a stretcher (for larger pets). If using the stretcher, another person is needed to help the vet carry the pet out.

How can I be sure I get my pet’s ashes back?

Your pet goes from the hands of the veterinarian to the hands of the crematorium. There are strict identification procedures in place to ensure that your pet’s ashes are theirs alone. If you’d like more information on how this is handled, feel free to contact us for more details.

Will euthanasia “hurt“?

No, euthanasia does not hurt. The medication used is an overdose of anesthesia and your pet will not feel any discomfort.

How long does euthanasia take?

The whole appointment is typically between 30-45 minutes. The first injection is a heavy sedative that will allow your pet to relax and get very comfortable. The final injection is very fast acting and takes effect in about 30-60 seconds. After, the veterinarian will then step out to give you time alone with your pet. If aftercare is elected, we will then take the pet with us and arrange for the cremation process.

How does the euthanasia drug work?

The euthanasia solution stops all brain function. The brain cannot send signals to the heart or lungs and these organs will slowly stop working. The important part is that the brain is shut off first (like going “under” for surgery).

Why is “in-home” euthanasia recommended over taking my pet to the hospital for this procedure?

Saying goodbye to your pet at home has a number of benefits for both the pet and the family.

We can schedule the appointment when it is convenient for everyone, including afterhours and short-notice.

Your pet will be in their own surroundings, which means less anxiety.

Your pet will be in their favorite location with common smells they are accustomed to.

Reduced stress for pets that are difficult to move.

Other household pets can be present allowing them to heal from the loss of their friend faster.

More family members can be present than in a small vet’s office.

For families that wish to bury their pet, in-home service removes any difficult transportation issues.

The family can be left in peace afterwards to grieve for their friend.

Am I able to stay with my pet during the euthanasia procedure?

Yes, you are welcome to stay for as much of the procedure as you are comfortable with. Some people elect to be present for the entire procedure while others only want to be present for just the sedation. It is your personal decision.

Are there preparations or “set-up” requirements needed before an in-home euthanasia?

No, we want you to focus on loving your pet. If you wish, you might consider having this visit in your pet’s favorite place and some families like to have music, favorite toys, pictures, and other comforting items close by.

Is the person coming to my home a veterinarian?

Yes, we are fully licensed in the State of Illinois.


SERVICE OFFERINGS

Compassionate to the nature of end-of-life services, we offer three affordable options for owners to choose from that fit your needs and comfort level.

Gold

$750

  • At-home visitation and discussion about your concerns, thoughts or questions surrounding the procedure
  • Mild sedation to ease any animal discomfort
  • Euthanasia injection
  • Transportation for cremation services
  • Cremated remains of your pet
Silver

$550

  • At-home visitation and discussion about your concerns, thoughts or questions surrounding the procedure
  • Mild sedation to ease any animal discomfort
  • Euthanasia injection
  • Transportation for cremation services
  • Those who elect this package will not receive the remains of their pet after services are rendered.
Bronze

$400

  • At-home visitation and discussion about your concerns, thoughts or questions surrounding the procedure
  • Mild sedation to ease any animal discomfort
  • Euthanasia injection
  • Choosing this package allows the pet to stay with your family after the procedure has been completed.
  • *Additional charges may apply.
Copper

$250

  • At-home visitation and discussion about your concerns, thoughts or questions
Additional Charges

  • Pets weighing 60-79 pounds $50
  • Pets weighting 80-100 pounds $100
  • Additional charges for pets that over 100 pounds or display aggression $150
  • All after life memorabilia is delivered by hand for $50 (already included in cost)
Paw Print

$30-$50

  • Paw prints are an additional charge. Pricing depends on which form of paw print you wish to have.
  • Paw prints in foam are $40
  • Paw prints in clay are $40.
  • Paw prints in clay with a frame are $90.


Pet Loss Support RESOURCES

There are moments when grief will be revealed at the most unexpected times.
These are a few of our favorite resources for you to use when you need encouragement or when you have a little hope to share with others.



Honor your pet with a special message.

TRIBUTE WALL



PAULIE


Paulie was my best friend and we took him everywhere with us. The world is a little less colorful without him around.



OLIVE


The day I was taking Olive home for the first time, she was 16, deaf and blind. But this picture sums up just how much life she still had to live. She understood she was going home with me and that she once again had a home, and although I only got 2 months with her, this was the happy little face I got to see every morning up to the day we said goodbye.



CECILIA


This is a favorite memory of when Cecilia mistakenly destroyed a friend’s beloved childhood stuffed animal. Based on Cecilia’s expression, we think she may actually have known it didn’t belong to her. Our friend immediately forgave that face. How could you ever be mad at such an adoraBULL pup? Everything she taught us will be with us forever.


Preview some of our after life memorabilia

AFTER LIFE MEMORABILIA


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Paw print in gray frame


Paw print with glossy finish


Cedar urn


Hand-carved rosewood urn


Remembrance urn


Scattering tubes


Gold wreath urn

Thank you for your interest.

CONTACT US

For questions or comments please use the information below.


8AM-10PM

773-750-6468


info@lastkissathome.com


8AM-10PM


Chicago, Illinois, & customers within a 60-Mile radius

    © 2020 Last Kiss at Home: Pet Euthanasia And Cremation Services All Rights Reserved 3674 N Elston Avenue Chicago IL 60618