Your Pet’s Final Moments Should Be Filled with Peace
Saying Goodbye Where Your Pet Feels Safe
A Peaceful Goodbye, Right Where They’re Happiest
Saying goodbye to your pet is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Our team has been doing this for a long time, and it never gets easier. Not for you, and honestly, not for us either.
But here’s what we learned early on: where it happens matters. A lot.
Dr. Steve still remembers his first dog, MacGyver, who was his shadow through veterinary school and for several years when he opened his first veterinary hospital in Vermont. When her time came, it was important to me that she be in a comfortable environment surrounded by the people she loved. That experience shaped how All About Town Pet House Calls approaches end-of-life care today.
That’s why we provide in-home euthanasia throughout West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas. Your pet stays in their favorite spot, maybe that sunny patch by the window, or their bed in the living room surrounded by the people they love. No scary car ride. No clinic anxiety. Just peace and familiarity.
Why We Come to You
Here’s the thing about pets: they pick up on everything. The car started. Your nervous energy. That antiseptic smell when you walk through clinic doors. By the time you’re in the exam room, they’re already stressed.
And you know what? You probably are too.
Home euthanasia just makes more sense:
- Your pet stays calm in familiar surroundings (no weird smells or sounds to worry about)
- Take all the time you need there’s no waiting room full of people, no next appointment we’re rushing to
- Perfect for older dogs who can’t handle the car ride, or anxious cats who hate carriers
- The whole family can say goodbye together, in private
It’s a small thing, really. But it makes a huge difference in how peaceful those final moments are.
What Actually Happens Because You Deserve to Know
We get asked about the process a lot. And we understand why it’s scary when you don’t know what to expect. So let us walk you through it, step by step.
Before We Arrive
We’ll talk on the phone first. About your pet’s condition, what you’ve been noticing, whether you’re sure this is the right time (more on that difficult question in a minute). No pressure. Just an honest conversation.
When We Get There
Our veterinarian will show up quietly, calmly. We’ll spend a few minutes just talking about your pet, their personality, maybe some good memories. Your loved one also gets a chance to greet us and get used to having new people in the house. Our team has learned that this part matters. It’s not just a medical procedure; it’s a goodbye.
You pick the spot. Their favorite blanket. The couch where they always napped. Wherever they’re most comfortable.
The Sedation
The first thing we do is give a gentle sedative. This part’s important, it means your pet drifts into a deep, peaceful sleep. No awareness, no anxiety. Just… comfortable. Like they’re taking a really good nap.
We take our time here. There’s no rush. You can hold them, talk to them, just be present.
The Final Injection
Once they’re completely asleep (and we mean really asleep they won’t feel anything), our veterinarian administers the euthanasia solution. It’s quick. Painless. Their heart just slows down and stops. They are completely unaware that this is happening.
Most pets simply look like they’re sleeping. Because in a way, they are, they just don’t wake up.
After
Take as much time as you need. Some families want a few minutes. Others want an hour. Both are completely fine. When you’re ready, we handle the aftercare arrangements, cremation, memorial options, whatever you’ve decided.
We Serve Most of Palm Beach County
We cover West Palm Beach and pretty much everywhere nearby:
Lake Worth • Palm Springs • Riviera Beach • Palm Beach Gardens • Wellington • Royal Palm Beach • Boynton Beach • Delray Beach • Lantana • Jupiter
ZIP codes like 33401, 33405, 33409, 33411, 33415, 33417, 33418 and honestly, if you’re in Palm Beach County and not sure if we can reach you, just call. We’ll make it work.
Dogs, cats, and select other pets. (Have a rabbit or bird? Call and ask if we’ve done more exotic pet euthanasia than you’d think.)
The Hardest Question: How Do You Know It’s Time?
God, we wish we had a simple answer for this one.
After decades of practice, our team has learned there’s no perfect time. No clear moment where everything suddenly makes sense. It’s more like… an accumulation of bad days. When the tough moments start outnumbering the good ones.
Things we tell people to watch for:
- Are they still interested in things they used to love?
- More bad days than good days?
- Pain that we can’t manage anymore, even with medications?
- Not eating, not drinking, just… existing?
- The sad or vacant look in their eyes that doesn’t let up.
You know your pet better than anyone. Trust your gut. And remember: choosing euthanasia isn’t giving up. Sometimes it’s the last gift we can give them relief from suffering.
We can talk through it together. No judgment, no pressure. Just an honest assessment of where things are.
Pricing & Aftercare (The Practical Stuff)
We try to be upfront about costs because the last thing you need during grief is surprise bills. The final fees are based on your pet’s weight. If we know your pets weight in advance then we can provide you with accurate
Base service: Starting at $XXX includes the sedation and euthanasia
Travel fee: Applies to all home visits
Cremation options:Prices vary depending on the weight of your pet and the type of cremation
- Private cremation your pet only, ashes returned to you
- Communal cremation more affordable, no ashes returned
- Home burial support where legally permitted (we can guide you)
Memorial keepsakes:
- Clay paw print
- Small clipping of fur upon request
- Beautiful cedar urns with your pets name on it
What Other Families Have Said
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “IT WAS TRULY A BLESSING TO FIND DR. STEVE. I UNFORTUNATELY HAD TO BRING HIM TWO KITTENS THAT I HAD GIVEN TO MY GIRLFRIEND THAT PASSED AWAY FROM A VERY CONTAGIOUS VIRUS. DR. STEVE AND HIS STAFF WERE SOOOO SINCERE AND BEYOND HELPFUL. THEY EVEN WENT THE EXTRA MILE TO TAKE IN THE LAST KITTEN AFTER HOURS, AND SENT A VERY SINCERE LETTER AFTER OUR LOSS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE.”
Reggie M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I have known and used Dr Steve as my veterinarian for more than 20 years. From first shots, to the final moments, Dr. Steve is there. Oh yeah! House calls rock!!”
Robert S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “There are no better vets anywhere on earth- period, end! Dr Steve, Chris and Kelly are the best of the best! Dr Steve is not an alarmist, and he is an incredible diagnostician. When the time comes for a difficult decision to be made, they are incredibly helpful and supportive. There are no words to describe the many many ways they have been there for me and my fur babies in time of need.”
Marjorie Z
Will my pet feel any pain?
Not really, but let’s be honest. We do have to inject them with a needle. It hurts no more than getting a vaccination or giving a blood sample. Sensitive or overly anxious pets can be given oral pre-medication before we arrive to make them more at ease. The sedative ensures they’re completely asleep before anything else happens. They don’t feel the injection, don’t feel any discomfort. Just peace.
Can I stay with them?
Absolutely. Most people do, and we encourage it if you’re comfortable. Some people can’t handle it emotionally, and that’s okay too. No judgment either way.
What about my other pets should they be there?
Pets have their own way of saying goodbye. Having them present is not necessarily suggested as they usually try to ‘help’. In our opinion we do not believe it’s a good idea for other pets to see us take the life of a housemate.
How long does everything take?
The procedure itself is quick and only takes a few minutes.
Can I prepare anything at home?
A quiet, comfortable spot is all you need. Their favorite blanket or bed. Maybe some soft lighting. That’s it.
Why do you do this for a living?
Somebody has to help families through this, and after decades of experience, our team has gotten pretty good at making sure pets leave this world with dignity and comfort. It’s the least we can do for them.
Grief Support Because This Part’s Real
Pet loss hurts. Like, it really hurts. Anyone who says “it’s just a pet” has never loved one.
We offer:
- Memorial keepsakes (paw prints, fur clippings)
- Grief resource guides
- Referrals to counselors who specialize in pet loss
- A follow-up call if you want one (no pressure)
Your pet felt loved every single day because of you. And they carried that love with them until the very end.
When You’re Ready, We’re Here
You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to do it today if you’re not ready. We can also offer a quality of life evaluation if you are unsure.
But when the time comes and you’ll know we’ll be here to help your best friend cross over peacefully, at home, surrounded by love.
Available throughout most of Palm Beach County
All About Town Pet House Calls Providing compassionate in-home euthanasia services with dignity and respect