Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Deciding when it is time for humane pet euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions pet owners face. Many families in Fredericton and surrounding New Brunswick communities find it helpful to evaluate their pet’s quality of life.

• Not eating or drinking
• Weakness or lethargy
• Chronic pain not relieved by medication
• Difficulty walking or getting up
• Withdrawal or isolation in parts of the house they don’t usually frequent
• Lack of grooming (especially cats)
• Trouble breathing
• Frequent vomiting or abnormal bowel movements

Pets will adjust and hide signs of pain and discomfort until the late stages of illness.  Often, by the time the signs are very noticeable, the pet’s condition can be at an advanced stage. 

Humane in-home euthanasia can be a compassionate choice when your pet’s quality of life continues to decline.

Many families in the Fredericton and surrounding area choose in-home euthanasia so their pet can remain comfortable in familiar surroundings.

The euthanasia process involves giving an overdose of a concentrated anesthetic. Your pet will experience a relaxing sleepiness and will be calm and pain-free during the actual euthanasia. You and other family members may gather around your pet, comfort it, and say goodbye to your companion and friend.

• Dr. Speizer will first administer a sedative medication to help your pet feel relaxed.
  • If your pet is still eating, we may encourage them to eat a yummy treat or meal at the time of the sedative. For dogs, sliced meat, cheese or bacon can be a good distraction. For cats, tuna, cheese or meat flavoured baby food will sometimes work.
• Once your pet is calm, an injection will be given to get your pet to a level of deep sleep/anesthesia.
  • Sometimes this injection can sting a bit, so we will distract your pet with a treat or vigorous petting. A waterproof pad or blanket will be put under and around your pet as sometimes there can be leakage of a small amount of urine and feces.
• For the final euthanasia solution injection, Dr. Speizer will shave a leg to access a vein. The injection will be given in the leg or the side.
  • The euthanasia solution is a concentrated anesthetic. This drug goes first to the brain and shuts it down (this is pain-free). Sometimes the breathing rate can speed up and then slow and then the heart will slow to a stop. This can happen over a period of 2-15 minutes depending where in the body your pet receives the final euthanasia injection.
• After the heart has stopped, there are a few things that can occur that can be unnerving to witness.
  • The skin can twitch or rarely there can be a ‘Gasp’ / Reflexive Breath or movement. Please rest-assured that your pet does not feel any of these things and they are happening after death has occurred.
  • Finally, please prepare yourself for their eyes to remain open following death.
• We will be in your home for 30-60 minutes.

To arrange in-home pet euthanasia in Fredericton, Douglas, Oromocto, or surrounding New Brunswick communities, follow these steps:

• Review our in-home pet euthanasia and cremation service options. Here’s a summary of the euthanasia process.
• Complete the New Patient Form and pay the initial telemedicine consultation fee
• Meet with Dr. Speizer for a virtual consultation (Zoom or FaceTime)
• Schedule your in-home euthanasia appointment during the consultation
• Complete the Pet Euthanasia Consent Form.
• Choose aftercare options such as private cremation, communal cremation, urns, or keepsakes
• Pay your invoice for the in-home visit
• Prepare for the home visit (for pets over 30 lbs (13 kg), two people may be required for transport assistance)

KindHearted Pet In-Home Euthanasia provides compassionate in-home pet euthanasia services throughout the greater Fredericton region of New Brunswick, including Fredericton, Douglas, Oromocto, and surrounding communities. We travel to homes across the area to help pets pass peacefully in familiar surroundings.

Our service area includes:

• Fredericton
• Cambridge Narrows
• Charters Settlement
• Douglas
• Durham Bridge
• Gagetown
• Harvey
• Keswick Ridge
• Kingsclear
• Lincoln
• Maugerville
• Minto
• New Maryland
• Noonan
• Oromocto
• Richibucto Road
• Rusagonis

If your community is not listed, please contact us — we may still be able to provide in-home pet euthanasia services depending on distance and scheduling.

Please refer to our Service Area Map to determine whether your home is located within our Yellow Zone or Blue Zone (additional Travel Fee). The map helps families in Fredericton, Douglas, Oromocto, and surrounding New Brunswick communities confirm availability and travel fees.

We provide mobile, in-home pet euthanasia throughout the greater Fredericton region of New Brunswick.

Appointment availability for in-home pet euthanasia in Fredericton, Douglas, Oromocto, and nearby communities is typically within a few days.

We typically contact you within one business day after receiving your New Patient Form and payment.

In-home pet euthanasia appointments in Fredericton and surrounding areas are often available within a few days, depending on scheduling and your pet’s needs.

We encourage pre-planning when possible. Scheduling early allows families to choose a calm and meaningful day for their pet’s peaceful passing at home.

To pay for the initial Telemedicine Consultation with Dr. Speizer:

• Complete the New Patient Form
• To pay for Initial Telemedicine Consult click on the link on the Thank-you page that you receive after completing the New Patient Form

To pay for the In-Home Euthanasia with or without Cremation, Specialty urns, keepsakes and pendants, Payment options include:

• Online payment via emailed invoice link
• Credit card
• Interac e-Transfer to kind@khearted.ca (Interac e-Transfer payments may receive a small discount.)
• Checkout through the website service selection page

What are the options for Urns, Keepsakes and Pendants to hold my pet’s ashes?

• When you choose to have your pet’s ashes returned to you (Individual (Private) Cremation), your pet’s ashes will come back in a sturdy temporary box from Cherished Pets that we will deliver to you in 10-18 days.
• Or:
• If you would like the ashes to be returned in an Urn, and/or receive a Keepsake or Pendant in which a portion of the ashes may be placed, please select these options from the Cherished Pets Catalogue. You can order the Specialty Urns/Pendants, as well as a Photo Case Impression Paw Print, on the Available Pet Euthanasia Services page. Cherished Pets will put the ashes in the Specialty Urn, Keepsake or Pendant and wrap these products before we deliver to you in 10-18 days. Our fees reflect the prices of Cherished Pets’ products. To order these, visit the Available Euthanasia Services page.
• You may choose to get a Photo Case Impression Paw Print for your pet when you choose Communal (Group) cremation too.

How can I prepare my home for the Euthanasia Visit?

• Please choose an area that has enough room for your family and Dr. Speizer to move around in. That may involve moving your pet’s favourite bed to the middle of the room.
• For cats, especially those cats that tend to disappear as soon as guests arrive, please confine them in a small room prior to the visit so you know exactly where they are when Dr. Speizer arrives.
• Have your treats and distracting foods ready as we will give the sedation very shortly after arrival in order to reduce anxiety for your pet.
• If you have other pets in the household, it may be best to confine them in another room so that we may focus our attention on the one pet. Some recommend allowing other pets in the household to see the deceased pet after euthanasia. This may shorten the period of adjustment following the loss of your pet.

Most pet owners grieve the loss of a pet. Many of us share a strong bond with our animal companions. For us, a pet is not “just a dog” or “just a cat,” but rather a beloved member of our family, bringing companionship, fun, and joy to our lives. A pet can add structure to your day, keep you active and social, help you to overcome setbacks and challenges in life, and even provide a sense of meaning or purpose. So, when a cherished pet dies, it’s normal to feel racked by grief and loss. Grieving is perfectly normal, and not to be hidden. Here are some resources to help you with the loss of your pet:

• University of Guelph OVC Pet Trust, Pet Loss Support
• Tender Tails – Individual and Group Virtual Pet Loss Support
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
• ASPCA Pet Loss Support
• The Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement
• Ontario Pet Loss
• Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss
  
  
  Books for children:
  
  • ‘The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet’, for ages 4-8, by Patrice Karst
  • ‘When a Pet Dies’, by Fred Rogers
  • ‘Saying goodbye to Lulu’, by Corinne Demas and Ard Hoyt

A POEM FOR THE GRIEVING…
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die…

–Mary Frye

Should children be present during the in-home pet euthanasia?

• Many families find that including children helps them understand and process grief. Every child is different, and parents should decide what is best for their family.
• In-home euthanasia allows children to say goodbye in a familiar and supportive environment.
• Books on pet loss for children:
  • ‘The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet’ for ages 4-8, by Patrice Karst
  • ‘When a Pet Dies‘, by Fred Rogers
  • ‘Saying goodbye to Lulu’, by Corinne Demas and Ard Hoyt

Yes, we can send a note to your regular veterinarian after the Euthanasia to let them know that your pet has passed. Sometimes, in complicated medical cases, we may contact your regular veterinarian prior to euthanasia to review multiple medical conditions and medications. We do this in order to ensure that we choose the best medications for a smooth euthanasia.

Yes, we have a Memorials page where you may post a photo of your pet and a brief memorial text. Please visit our Memorials page for more details. There is no charge for this service.

Please ask us about our military discount. 

KindHearted Pet Euthanasia offers a military discount to those military families that have a Canadian Forces One (CFOne) card.  The discount is applied to the in-home euthanasia portion of our services only.

Privacy policy

KindHearted Pet Euthanasia does not sell or share your personal information with third parties, except where required to deliver services to you. For example, Cherished Pets receives your name and your pet’s name in order to safeguard your pet’s remains.