We all know how difficult it can be to lose a pet. They are part of our family. They go through the good days and the bad days with us. When it comes time when you feel their quality of life is compromised, let us provide a peaceful alternative to end-of-life care for your pet with hopes of decreasing stress for both you and your pet.

About Dr. Danielle St. Pierre

Ever since I was six years old, I knew I was going to be a veterinarian. As I child growing up in South Florida, I tried to keep every stray cat in my neighborhood. My mother always told me, “One day you can keep as many animals as you want when you are older.” I spent my childhood dreaming of the day her words would be true and exploring my passion for animals.

After high school, I attended the University of Florida and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. I received my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida and graduated in May 2000. It is during this time I met my future husband, a Rhinebeck native. He brought me to visit the Hudson Valley several times and I fell in love with the area. I knew I wanted to return to this stunning place as soon as possible, so after graduation from vet school, we moved to Red Hook. People thought I was crazy, but I wanted to live in a beautiful rural area with the change of seasons that had stolen my heart. The Hudson Valley was where I belonged.

I began my career as a Veterinarian in a mixed animal practice and throughout my six years there, I further realized how valuable pets and animals are to their owners in different situations and all stages of life. Whether a farm animal or a family pet, they are all loved and have a special place in their owner’s lives. I also got married during this time and started a family. Realizing the importance of spending time with my children and my husband, I decided to go part-time at a small animal only practice in Staatsburg, NY.

Always looking to further my knowledge, I found a new respect for Chinese medicine and acupuncture and how it helps further improve the quality of life for pets. I achieved my certification in Veterinary Acupuncture through the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida.

Pets and animals are not just my profession but they encompass every aspect of my life. Currently, my family has three dogs, two cats, 10 canaries, and several chickens, goats, and pigs. I guess my mom was right! My three children are very active in 4H and FFA, which keeps our family very busy. I am hoping through my work and the actions I can show my children the importance of our animals and our environment.

Services and Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you cover?

Dr. St. Pierre covers in-home veterinary visits to pets in the Hudson Valley and the Kingston area including but not limited to Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Tivoli, Kingston, Hyde Park, and Poughkeepsie. Visits farther than 20 miles can be arranged on an individual basis for an additional fee.

How will I know when?

If your pet can no longer experience the things they once enjoyed, cannot respond to you in their usual way, or appears to be experiencing more pain than pleasure, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your cat or dog is terminally ill or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option. Sometimes asking yourself the question, “Does my pet have more bad days than good days?” can help you make the decision.

Because your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for you, it is important that you fully understand your pet’s condition. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the possible effects on your pet’s future that you don’t understand, ask questions that will help you understand. Dr. St. Pierre of Sunny Paws Veterinary Services can also help support you through this difficult process.

How should we schedule?

Sometimes it is difficult to decide when is the right time to schedule the house call. Therefore we can take it on a day by day basis. I do my best to be available on short notice when you decide it is time. If you would like to discuss your pet’s condition, you may call for a free phone consultation. I may be able to help you decide when is the right time or help give advice to help keep your pet more comfortable.

What if the animal is healthy?

Euthanasia might be necessary if a pet has become vicious, dangerous, or unmanageable. Some undesirable and abnormal behavior can be changed so it is important to discuss these situations with your veterinarian or Dr. St. Pierre. You and your family’s safety should always be taken into consideration.

Economic, emotional, and space limitations or changes in lifestyle also may cause an owner to consider euthanasia for their cat or dog. Sometimes it is possible to find another home for the pet and that option should be pursued prior to opting for euthanasia. Euthanasia of healthy pets should be considered only when alternatives are not available.

How do I tell my family?

Family members usually are already aware of a pet’s problems. However, you should review with them the information you have received from your veterinarian. Long-term medical care can be a burden that you and your family may be unable to bear emotionally or financially, and this should be discussed openly and honestly. Encourage family members to express their thoughts and feelings. Even if you have reached a decision, it is important that family members, especially children, have their thoughts and feelings considered.

Children have special relationships with their pets and should not be excluded from the decision-making process because they might seem too young to understand. Preventing children from participating in the process may only complicate and prolong their grief process. Children respect straightforward, truthful, and simple answers. If they are prepared adequately, children usually are able to accept a pet’s death.

Can you walk us through the process of saying goodbye?

When I arrive at the home there will be a short permission form to be signed. This includes selection of care of remains: group cremation, individual cremation, or if you chose to make your own arrangements.

We can choose a place in your home where you and your pet is most comfortable. Your pet can be in their own bed, in your lap or outside under their favorite tree.

When you are ready I will first give a sedative by injection. This injection is similar to getting a vaccine and most pets do not even notice it. The sedative takes approximately five to ten minutes to take effect. At this point your pet will be completely relaxed without pain or anxiety. When you and your pet are ready, I will shave a small amount of hair and place a tourniquet on one of the legs. The final injection is then given in the vein. This second injection takes only a minute or two. I will then listen with a stethoscope and confirm your pet’s passing. I will then offer you additional time in private to say goodbye.

If you prefer not to be involved that is ok. I require no assistance if you choose not to remain in the room. Some people prefer to say goodbye after the sedative and then leave the room.

What happens after?

If you choose cremation I will then take your pet when you are ready. For larger dogs, I will require assistance from a family member. Individual cremations take between approximately two weeks for the remains to be returned to me. My assistant or I will then call you and schedule a time for delivery, pickup or shipping of your pet’s ashes to you.