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Pet In-Home Euthanasia
By Erica Silva

PHOENIX - There are many options to consider when preparing for the death of your pet.

In-home euthanasia is just one route. Some pet owners find the clinic environment to be stressful for their pet, especially in those last moments.

Pet owners who wish for the most comfortable environment possible for their pets have another option: in-home euthanasia.

Euthanasia or "putting your pet to sleep" in a home can be of comfort to pet owners knowing their animals will pass in a comfortable environment surrounded by people who love the animal.

Dr. Michelle Morrison offers in-home euthanasia services and has been working as a licensed veterinarian in Phoenix and its surrounding areas for the ten years.

Dr. Morrison said on the date of appointment, a veterinarian will administer an injection into the vein of an animal.

After the injection, a short period of time will pass before the animals starts to take longer and deeper breaths until all movement ceases. Some animals, although completely unconscious, have been known to continue breathing until they pass shortly after the injection has been administered.

The veterinarian, based on the pet owner's wishes, will then give the pet owner a few minutes with the deceased animal before removing it from the home. In most cases, the veterinarian will also make arrangements for the animal's afterlife, such as cremation or burial.

Alan Gillette, an Arizona State University student, chose in-home euthanasia when his beloved Black Labrador, Nena, fell victim to intestinal cancer.
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"I couldn't bear the thought of Nena spending her last moments on a cold veterinary table. We spoiled that dog all her life so I didn't want her last moments to be any different. It made me feel better that she was able to pass at home surrounded by me and my whole family," Gillette said.

Gillette took comfort in knowing that he could provide gentle death for his pet.

"I cannot tell you how grateful I am for my vet. She truly understood what I was going through and did everything in her power to make sure that the last moments that my family and I spent with Nena were peaceful, and that's exactly what I wanted."

There are many people that provide in-home euthanasia services in the Phoenix metropolitan area. To make an appointment with her, contact Dr. Morrison at (623) 680-9200 or email her at drmimi@pethomeeuthanasia.com. Morrison prides herself on being available and even works most holidays. However, if Morrison is unavailable, she works closely with colleagues who are able to provide the service.