What to expect
Appointment scheduling and planning ahead
Once you have filled out the appointment request form, we will reach out within 24 hours to get your appointment scheduled. Some things to consider before we contact you:
Who would like to be present? (e.g., family, friends, other pets)
Will time off of work or childcare need to be arranged?
Where do you want to gather? (e.g., indoors vs. outdoors if weather permits)
What will make your pet most comfortable? (e.g., sedatives before the appt, personal items, favorite treats)
Are there any special touches would you like? (e.g., readings, music)
How would you like to plan for aftercare arrangements?
Once you have scheduled over the phone with Dr. Decker, please take some time to ask any questions you may have or let her know if there are any specific requests or requirements for you and your family.
On the day of the appointment, please allow 30 minutes within your appointment time for the veterinarian’s arrival.
Upon arrival at your home, Dr. Decker will take the time to acquaint herself with everyone, finalize paperwork, and address any outstanding payments. She will also discuss exactly what will be taking place and answer any possible questions you might have about the process. Her visit at your home typically lasts about about from 30 minutes to an hour.
Arrival
Once your pet is comfortable with Dr. Decker’s presence, the initial sedative will be given to help your pet go into a deep sleep. This is typically an injection, which is given with a small needle in a less sensitive area to minimize any discomfort. Distractions such as love from owners or tasty treats can help pets to feel more at ease during this stage. Within 5-15 minutes, the pet is usually in a deep, anesthetic sleep. Owners are welcome to love on their pets during this time, however they are comfortable.
Once the sedation has taken full effect and owners are ready, a second injection will be given to calmly end their life. This is typically administered through a large vein in the leg or a larger vessel in the belly or chest region. This process is usually quick and painless. After breathing and heartbeats have ceased, Dr. Decker will confirm death with a stethoscope and allow any privacy needed for family.
The euthanasia procedure
After the family has had time with the pet, any paw prints, hair clippings, and other memorial items are prepared.
If you have chosen cremation with Heartland Home Veterinary Care, Dr. Decker will transport your pet directly to the crematorium at that time. She may require assistance for carrying or loading larger animals into her vehicle.
For those who elect private cremation, the pet’s ashes will be prepared and ready within 10-14 days. Dr. Decker encourages owners to explore the resources pages of our website to learn about grief and support available.
Aftercare
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it is time to euthanize my pet?
We all want our pets to have a peaceful ending to their lives, but knowing if it is or isn’t the ‘right time’ isn’t always straight-forward. I think it is often best to put our pet’s needs before our own and consider their daily quality of life. Please see the links below for articles exploring this subject along with scales to assist owners in assessing a pet’s quality of life.
If you are having difficulty making this decision, we always recommend consulting with your regular veterinarian. By understanding your pet’s health concerns, they can guide you further on your pet’s overall health condition, quality of life, their prognosis, or give a timeline for disease progression.
What areas do you provide service for?
Located out of Brownwood, TX, we serve ~30 mile radius. Appointments outside of this are available upon request and additional charges.
Should children be present for the euthanasia?
Every family views the death of a companion animal differently and this is a personal choice that can vary from child to child. If a child is too young to understand what is happening, it may be best for them not to be present. It is best to inform children of what will happen in age appropriate terms and allow them the decision to be present for the procedure or not. See our resources page for an article and book recommendations for children experiencing pet loss.
Should other pets be present for the euthanasia?
In general, other pets should be allowed to be present. Each pet grieves uniquely and owners can help support them through this challenging time. If a pet will be a distraction for the family or does not want to be present, it may be better to place that pet in a separate area until the procedure is completed.
Do I need to be present for the euthanasia?
No, you do not need to be present for the entirety of the appointment, but you will need to be present initially to sign consent forms. Some owners prefer to be present for the initial portion of the procedure, when the pet receives it’s sedation/anesthesia and goes into to a deep sleep. Others prefer to stay through the entire process, until the final euthanasia medication is given. Everyone has a different comfort level and we will work with you and your family.
What types of animals do you care for?
Heartland Home Veterinary Care is primarily for dogs and cats. We do see some exotic species; please contact us directly in order to see if we will be able to provide services. We do not provide care for large animals or livestock.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
We ask that you give 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment. If an appointment is cancelled 2 hours or less in advance, a cancellation fee of $50 will be charged, as this limits our ability to help other families in need of services.
Will you contact my regular veterinarian?
Yes, we will contact the veterinarian provided on the initial appointment request form if you have given us your approval to do so.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We currently accept cash, credit card, debit card, PayPal, Venmo, and ACH bank transfer.