Questions? Call our care team (323) 515-1234
Questions? Call our care team (323) 515-1234
There’s a lot to think about when you’re preparing to say goodbye.
Below, we’ve answered the questions families ask us most, from preparing for your appointment and what happens during euthanasia, to aftercare and who can be there with you.
Here are a few things that may help you prepare for your in-home appointment.
There’s nothing special you need to do to prepare. We’ll take care of every detail so you can simply focus on being with your pet. Choose the place where your pet is most comfortable, whether that’s their bed, the couch, a favorite spot, or wherever they naturally want to be.
Yes. In most cases, there is no need to withhold food, water, or your pet’s regular medications before a euthanasia appointment unless our veterinary team has specifically asked you to. If your pet still enjoys eating, favorite foods and extra treats are absolutely welcome.
You can change your appointment if you need to. Sometimes a pet’s condition changes unexpectedly, and sometimes a family simply needs a little more time. Email, call, or text us at careteam@honor.pet or 323-515-1234, and we’ll help you make any changes. We ask that you let us know of any changes as soon as possible, so that we can be available for another family.
Please let us know ahead of time about anything that will help us understand how your pet likes to be approached or handled. Some pets are nervous around new people, protective of certain parts of their body, or simply do not like being touched. Knowing this in advance helps us prepare and adjust how we approach the appointment and how sedation is given, so we can make things as comfortable and low-stress as possible for your pet.
What to expect during your appointment, from the first few minutes through the time you have together afterward.
We’ll start by getting to know you and your pet. Your veterinarian will talk through what will happen, answer any questions you still have, and give you time to get comfortable before we begin.
Sedation is always given before the euthanasia medication. Your veterinarian will give a small injection, usually under the skin. This is very similar to receiving a vaccine. Your pet may notice a brief pinch or sting from the injection, but within several minutes they will become very sleepy and then deeply sedated. We wait until your pet is fully relaxed and unaware before moving to the next step.
Once your pet is fully sleeping and no longer aware of what is happening, your veterinarian will give the euthanasia medication. This medication causes breathing and the heart to stop. Because your pet is already deeply anesthetized, they are not aware of this part of the procedure. Your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart afterward and let you know when they have passed.
The only discomfort some pets may experience is a brief pinch or sting from the sedation injection. The vast majority of pets have little to no reaction, though how they respond can depend on their temperament, how ill they’re feeling, and any discomfort they may already be experiencing. After the sedation takes effect, your pet is deeply asleep and completely unaware. They will not feel the euthanasia medication or know that it is being given. Comfort is our priority throughout the entire appointment, and we’ll always adjust our approach based on what your pet needs.
There are a few normal physical changes that can happen when the body dies, and knowing about them ahead of time can make them less surprising, should they occur. Your pet’s eyes will usually remain open. You may also see a deeper breath or two, a small muscle movement or twitch, or release of urine or stool. These are normal reflexes and changes in the body after death. They do not mean your pet is conscious or uncomfortable. Your veterinarian will be right there and can explain anything you notice.
Most appointments last about 40-45 minutes. The medical portion itself is relatively short. Most of the appointment is spent talking, getting your pet comfortable, and giving you time together before and after the euthanasia.
Yes. Appointments are scheduled for up to an hour, so there is time to stay with your pet and say your final goodbyes after they have passed. If you would like more time with your pet after their passing, they can remain in the home with you. Some families choose to keep their pet at home for a few additional hours, or even overnight, so they can say goodbye in their own way. When you are ready, you can bring your pet to us at our Comfort Center, and we will continue caring for them through cremation.
No. You can be present in whatever way feels right for you. Some people want to stay beside their pet through every part of the appointment. Others choose to step out before the final medication is given, or have another family member stay with their pet instead. Your pet will be cared for and comforted by us regardless of what you decide.
What happens after goodbye, including cremation, keepsakes, and the ways we can continue supporting you.
If you choose water cremation with Honor Pet, your pet remains in our care from the time you say goodbye through cremation. For in-home appointments, your veterinarian will bring your pet to our Comfort Center following their passing, unless you have chosen to spend additional time with them at home. From there, we will care for your pet according to the aftercare option you have selected.
With individual water cremation, your pet is placed in their own dedicated basket throughout the entire process, ensuring their ashes remain separate from those of other pets. Their ashes are then carefully prepared and returned to you in our Honor Box, along with a collection of meaningful keepsakes. This is the option to choose if you'd like your pet's ashes returned to you.
With communal water cremation, pets are cremated together, and their ashes are not returned to their families. Instead, their ashes are personally scattered by our founder, Dr. Shea Cox, at Little Whiskers, our private 10-acre hilltop nature preserve. www.mylittlewhiskers.com
Water cremation, also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentle, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. Instead of fire, it uses a combination of water, gentle heat, and alkalinity. The process uses significantly less energy, produces no direct emissions from combustion, and returns approximately 20% more ashes than flame cremation. The ashes look and feel much like those from traditional cremation, although they're typically lighter in color and finer in texture.
Your pet’s ashes are returned to you in our Honor Box, which includes:
The Honor Box and its contents are made with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials, soy-based inks, and other thoughtfully chosen materials whenever possible.
Yes. In addition to the keepsakes included in your Honor Box, our online store offers a thoughtfully selected collection of urns, memorial jewelry, and other ways to remember your pet. After your appointment, you'll receive a link to explore the available options. We wait three days before beginning cremation, giving you time to consider what feels right without having to make these decisions during your visit.
For individual water cremation, your pet's ashes are typically ready within 14 days. If you've ordered a personalized memorial item, such as an engraved urn or memorial jewelry, it may take a little longer. We'll let you know as soon as everything is ready.
Yes. Pet loss support is available at no cost to all Honor Pet families. We offer weekly virtual support groups led by Amy, our licensed clinical social worker who specializes in pet loss. Groups are intentionally kept small, giving everyone the opportunity to share, listen, or simply be there with others who understand. Individual support is also available if you'd prefer a private, one-on-one conversation.
Yes. You're welcome to leave a favorite blanket, toy, flowers, letters, or other meaningful items with your pet. These items can stay with them until it's time for cremation. Please know that personal items cannot go through the water cremation process, and we're unable to return anything left in our care with your pet.
How to include the people and pets who are most important to you and your pet.
Yes. Children are always welcome in our Comfort Rooms. We recommend talking with children beforehand about what to expect, using honest, age-appropriate language. Words like "death" and "dying" are often less confusing than saying a pet has "gone to sleep." Children are welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable. They might sit with their pet, draw a picture, write a note, or simply be nearby. Every child responds differently. Some cry, some ask lots of questions, and others move in and out of the moment. All of these responses are perfectly normal.
Absolutely. Other pets are welcome to join you in our Comfort Room. Many families choose to bring their pet's companions along so they can be part of the goodbye, too.
You're welcome to include the people who have been part of your pet's life. Some families prefer a quiet, private goodbye, while others gather children, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. We've welcomed groups of up to 12 people in our Comfort Rooms. Whether you come alone or bring a room full of loved ones, this time is yours.
If someone important can't be there in person, they're welcome to join by phone or video call. They can also be part of the goodbye in other meaningful ways, such as writing a letter, sharing a favorite photo, sending flowers, or having a message read aloud or placed with your pet.
Our curated Honor Box
Your pet’s ashes are returned to you in our Honor Box, which includes:
Whether you have questions about your visit or need help with arrangements, our care team is here to help.
You can also text us at 323-515-1234