From that moment on, Dr. Shanan discovered a way to incorporate his interest in the human-animal bond in his daily practice.
“What is unique about my service is my philosophy to make every possible effort to offer options, to connect with the family and to be supportive,” Dr. Shanan said. “It’s all about being offered choices about everything else when pet owners don’t have a choice about the most important thing. They don’t have a choice of a longer, good quality life for their furry family members.”
In his opinion, at-home euthanasia gives the pet, the pet owner, and their family the most options.
At home, the pet’s passing can be shared with as many family members as want to be there; everyone can move freely from room to room; the pet owner is more apt to be himself and to express his feelings; and he won’t encounter or have to interact with strangers in a clinical setting.
At home, there are any number of options of where to say good-bye, including a bed, sofa, or chair. The pet owner can hold his friend or feel the pet is best left where he has chosen to spend his last days, perhaps in a corner or closet. The family has the option of deciding at what pace to proceed.
At home, pet owners may decide to have older children present. If they feel it’s inappropriate or that their children are too young, the service can be done when kids are in school or in the evening after they’ve gone to bed.
Because house calls can be scheduled outside of normal clinic hours, convenience is another factor. Most of the time, when individuals phone Dr. Shanan, they request his services as soon as possible.
“When they make that call, when they’ve reached a decision that their pet is ready, they don’t want to wait three days or a week. I do everything possible to be there when they need me,” Dr. Shanan said. “Grief doesn’t start after death occurs. Grief starts at least as early as when the decision is made. It’s hard to pick up the phone.”
But even after arriving at the pet owner’s home, it’s not too late for them to change their mind.
“It’s never a bad time to postpone. They can make that decision while I’m there. My convenience is not something that comes into play,” Dr. Shanan said.
On average, the procedure takes 30 to 40 minutes. Much of that depends upon how much time is taken between administering the sedative and the euthanasia injection. Afterwards, if a pet owner requests, Dr. Shanan can arrange for either a private or group cremation, or they can make their own arrangements.
The fee for euthanasia at home tends to be higher than at a clinic because the veterinarian’s time, including travel, must be taken into consideration. Dr. Shanan said his fees generally range between $200 and $300, which is usually paid before he leaves.
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