The word euthanasia is Greek for “good death”. It is the elected end of life. Our method of euthanasia at Farewell From Home includes a multistep process to ensure your pet is comfortable and free of pain. We use a sedative followed by the placement of an intravenous catheter to administer an anesthetic that renders them unconscious. This is closely followed by administration of the euthanasia solution. The euthanasia solution is what makes your pet deeply unconscious by stopping their heart and brain function. This solution provides a quick, painless and humane death.

Perhaps the most difficult part of this process is knowing when it is time to put your beloved pet to sleep and the answer varies depending on the pet and the severity of their condition. It helps to acknowledge that this is the most compassionate thing you can do for your beloved pet when their quality of life is hindered. At home euthanasia is a peaceful and humane option if your pet has been given a terminal diagnosis. Once your pet has reached a point medically where they are in pain that can’t be managed or have a condition they cannot recover from, choosing to let them go peacefully, surrounded by love and in their home is a kindness. You know your pet better than anyone, and will recognize specific changes that indicate the right time. This may include: Lack of interest in food or water Incontinence (i.e., accidents in the house) or being unable to eliminate without falling down No longer greeting you when you come home No longer patrolling the yard or protecting their territory Lack of grooming in cats, and some dogs No longer wagging their tail, or constantly holding it down Isolation from the family or other household pets, particularly in places they seldom go Lack of interest in playing Inability to stand or walk on their own Attitude changes, such as depression, aggression, or confusion Not wanting to do the things they enjoy Having fewer good days than bad If you are ever unsure, you can always have a discussion with your regular veterinarian or give us a call to discuss your pet's quality of life. We will never make the decision for you, but can offer support based on our professional expertise.

Saying goodbye to your pet at home has a number of benefits for you and your pet, including: The ability to schedule your pet’s appointment at a time convenient for everyone, including after normal hospital hours, and on short notice Allowing your pet to be in their own surroundings, where they are relaxed and less anxious Allowing your pet to be in their favorite location, with familiar smells Less stress for pets who are difficult to move or have mobility issues The presence of other household pets, which can allow faster emotional healing for housemates after the loss of their friend Allowing more family members to be present than in a small veterinary exam room The ability to bury your pet, if desired, without the challenge of transportation The ability to grieve for your pet in peace and privacy In the veterinary clinic setting, euthanasia can be a very stressful experience for a pet and their family; from the car ride to the clinic to the noise and busy pace inside the building. Helping your pet into and out of the car may be very stressful if mobility has become an issue for pets or their families, and having to grieve for your pet in a public place can be very upsetting. At home, your family is able to grieve in privacy and seek comfort in one another. Every pet and family is unique, with our in home services you can decide how you would like your final moments with your beloved pet to be.

Initially, we will have a brief phone or email consultation to establish your needs. This consultation is meant to help answer any questions and/or discuss any special requests you may have. We will set up a date and time that works well for you and our staff. Upon arrival, our staff will go over paperwork and take care of payment. When you are ready, the doctor will administer a sedative to help your pet relax and reduce any pain they may be experiencing. Once your pet is in a deep sleep, our staff will attempt to place an intravenous catheter to help in administering the remainder of the euthanasia medications. There may be certain circumstances when placing an intravenous catheter is not possible or ideal, in which case our staff will inform you of the best method for your pet. When you are ready, a solution will be given to fully anesthetize your pet. This puts your pet in a state of unconsciousness so that they are not aware of what is going on around them. This is shortly followed by a solution that will gently stop the heart. The anesthesia and heart stopping mediations usually only takes a few moments and our staff will let you know when your pet has passed. Although your pet’s eyes may remain open and you may hear a breath or see muscle twitching, rest assured that your pet has felt no pain and has passed gently and peacefully. You will be able to spend as much private time as needed with your pet before we transition your pet to the vehicle, if aftercare is desired. If you elected private cremation and/or other memorial products, your pet's remains and/or memorial products will be returned to us and we will either deliver or mail your pet back to you.

Unfortunately our expertise is exclusively in veterinary medicine. While we are always here to provide support, we know there are phenomenal mental health professionals out there who are much better equipped to help you during this difficult time. We have included a brief list of grief helpline providers below to assist you. Pet Compassion Careline 24/7 Grief Support Available to All 1 (855) 245-8214 Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Helpline (630) 325-1600 ​Cornell University Pet Loss Support Line M-F 6p-9p & Sa-Su 12p-9p EST (607) 218-7457 ​Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline M-F 6p-9p EST & 24 hour voicemail (508) 839-7966 Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital (970) 297-1242 leave a voicemail

Communal cremation means your pet will be cremated with other pets. Being your pet is not cremated individually, your pet's ashes cannot be returned to you. This process still upholds humane and dignified handling of their remains. Ashes from communal cremation are scattered across the Pacific Ocean in a manner that is consistent with guidelines provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Most pet insurance companies will cover the costs of euthanasia services. However, payment must be received by Farewell From Home staff prior to rendering of end-of-life care services. We are happy to complete paperwork for pet insurance claims so that you can receive reimbursement for our services.

We are a mobile based company, and therefore do not have a brick and mortar facility for drop-off or visitation. All pet bodies are kept in a private mortuary for temporary, humane preservation until they are picked up by our contracted cremation company.

At Farewell From Home we predominantly see cats and dogs for end-of-life services. However, if you have a question about end-of-life care for other species, please call us to see if we are able to assist you. Pricing and availability is variable.

Due to the nature of our mobile business, we do not have the ability to perform diagnostics or provide treatment to pets in your home. If your pet needs medical diagnostics, treatment or surgery we highly recommend making an appointment with your regular veterinarian or establish a relationship with one in a full service veterinary clinic.

Our ability to provide services to patients outside the jurisdiction of the City of Bakersfield is dependent on the availability of our staff. Our staff is generally willing to drive to you, however there are additional travel fees depending on the distance and time frame requested. Please call for pricing.