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.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We send invoices via a link through QuickBooks and accept cash and credit card. Payment is expected prior to services.
