Near the end of life, even simple things—getting into the car, crossing a lobby, waiting in a busy clinic—can become overwhelming for pets and families. For many, that’s when in‑home euthanasia becomes the kindest option.
At Honor Pet, we bring a calm, fully equipped veterinary visit to your home in Los Angeles. Our goal is simple: a peaceful, unhurried goodbye where your pet feels safe, and you feel fully supported.
Why families choose in‑home euthanasia
Families tell us they choose in‑home euthanasia when:
- Their pet is anxious in the car or at the clinic
- Mobility is limited (arthritis, neurologic disease, advanced cancer)
- They want to avoid lifting, carrying, or stairs
- They want privacy and time for rituals, tears, and quiet
Our role is to handle the clinical parts—and all the logistics—so you don’t have to leave the couch, the bedroom rug, or the sunny spot they’ve always loved.
What we mean by “gentle” medically
Families often worry most about what actually happens medically. Here’s what you can expect with Honor Pet’s in‑home euthanasia:
- No clippers, no IV catheter: We do not shave fur with clippers, place IV catheters, or move your pet from where they’re most comfortable.
- Sedation first: Every appointment begins with a fast‑acting sedative. Your pet will drift into an anesthesia‑level sleep, completely unaware and unable to experience anxiety or discomfort.
- A calm final injection: Once your pet is deeply asleep, we give the final injection—most often into the liver. This allows for a gentler, less abrupt passing over several minutes, giving you time to hold, speak, and breathe with them.
For some pets, a vein injection may still be recommended, in which case passing happens in seconds. Whenever possible, we prioritize organ injection because it better matches how most families want to say goodbye: not rushed, not abrupt, but protected and soft.
If you’d like to read more about professional standards for end‑of‑life care, the AVMA’s Veterinary End‑of‑Life Care Policy is a helpful reference.
How to prepare for in‑home euthanasia (and what we bring)
You don’t have to prepare anything. Truly.
For in‑home euthanasia appointments, our veterinarian brings:
- Soft blankets and absorbent pads
- All medications and supplies for a peaceful, gentle goodbye
- Support for cremation arrangements, if you choose water cremation
- Notification to your primary veterinarian so you don’t have to make that call
You can simply:
- Choose a place your pet already loves (bed, couch, favorite rug)
- Keep lights soft and noise low
- Decide who will be present, and whether children or other pets will join
If you’d like to offer a favorite treat and your pet is still interested in food, it’s absolutely okay. Pain relief and anti‑nausea medications can also be given as usual; they won’t interfere with the euthanasia process and may make the day more comfortable.
Children, other pets, and being present
Whether children or other pets are present is completely up to you.
- Some families invite their children to be there for all or part of the visit, giving them a chance to say goodbye, ask questions, or place a toy or drawing nearby.
- Younger children may prefer to say goodbye before or after the appointment, through a letter, memory box, or small ritual.
We’re here to help you think through what’s right for your family. During the visit, you’re welcome to hold your pet, sit beside them, speak to them, or simply be quiet together. In those early moments before sedation fully takes effect, your pet absolutely feels your touch, your voice, and your love.
What happens after in‑home euthanasia
If you’ve chosen cremation, your pet stays in Honor Pet’s care from start to finish.
- After an in‑home appointment, your veterinarian will gently transport your pet to our Comfort Center in the Los Angeles Arts District.
- We oversee every step of water cremation (aquamation) ourselves. Your pet never leaves our care at any point.
If you choose individual cremation, your pet’s ashes return home in our Honor Box, which includes:
- Sustainable scatter tube
- Fur clipping in a glass vial
- Digital nose print
- Beeswax candle in a keepsake pouch
- Forget‑me‑not seeds
- Personalized Certificate of Water Cremation
- A tree planted in your pet’s honor
If you choose communal cremation, your pet’s ashes will be scattered at Little Whiskers, our ten‑acre hillside sanctuary in Temecula, personally cared for by Honor Pet co‑founder and veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox.
You can visit mylittlewhiskers.com to see where your pet rests and stay connected to them.
You don’t have to do this alone
Grief can feel like heartbreak, numbness, relief, guilt, or all of the above. However it shows up for you, you’re not doing it wrong—and you’re not alone.
Honor Pet offers free pet loss support with our licensed social worker, along with tools and resources to help you navigate the weeks and months after goodbye.