Message From Dr. Michael Foster:

 I have been in the field of veterinary medicine since 1998 and have been the proud owner of many pets in my life. I have had the joy of watching a new pet owner bring their pets to me for their first check up. I have enjoyed watching these new additions grow and I see the joy and pride that pet parents are filled with.

In my profession I am fortunate to see all stages of your pets' life. This also means saying goodbye when the time comes.

This is a painful time for my clients as they struggle with the end of life process. Through the years I have had clients ask if I could come to thier home to perform euthanasia, and I have honored their request.

While making that final house call I have observed in many cases the owners and pets are much more at ease with this process in their home. I have made the decision that I am going to make this service more widely available.

People strongly attached to their pets want to be able to say goodbye in familiar surroundings with family and friends, I can provide them the time and emotional space they need for grieving each pet's passing. I am honored when people will allow me to be with them at this most intimate time in their life together.While in home euthanasia is not the answer for everyone, it may be the most peaceful solution for you. Please call me to make arrangements.

Dr. Michael Foster

Our Mission Concerning End Of Life

We at Southview Animal Hospital feel that euthanasia is one of the most important services offered by a veterinarian. Our pets become some of closest companions and members of our family. Saying good-bye is one of the most difficult and important decisions we make on their behalf. To better meet their needs we are offering in home euthanasia services. Our staff is committed to caring about your pet as if it were our own, and we understand that this is a very personal decision.

Some things to consider about our in home services In Home Pet Euthanasia

- What to Expect
Outlined below are some things to expect from a home visit euthanasia. However, if you have any questions, special desires, or need any help whatsoever, please do not hesitate to ask.

-Before We Arrive
Plan to have other family members and pets say goodbye if they will not be present. If you have arranged to have a friend or other family members be with you, it is a good idea to keep them informed of what is going on so they can be prepared to help you and be with you in these final moments. If there is a disagreement among family members regarding any aspect of the procedure, please try to resolve this ahead of time, as pets can sense discord and it may make them uncomfortable during this time.

Since the medications used may sometimes make your pet nauseous, it is best if you don't give a large amount of food within a few hours of the appointment, but a small special treat is perfectly acceptable. If possible, it may also be helpful to take your pet for a bathroom break within 1-2 hours of the appointment.

Find a quiet place where you and your pet will feel most comfortable for the procedure. You may choose a favorite room, a special place in the house, or even somewhere quiet outdoors. If you have a cat or small dog, the procedure can often be done with your pet in your lap. Essentially, anyplace that is comfortable for you and your pet is fine, as long as there is enough light for me to see. If possible, provide a towel, sheet, or blanket beneath the pet that will be comfortable, but okay to be soiled during the process (once a pet has passed, they no longer have the ability to control their bladder or bowels and voiding may occur).

Reassure your pet that they will be all right and let them know that you love them. Some people find it best to explain to them what is going on - that they will be given a shot so they can have an easy transition to end their pain and suffering. Some like to tell their pets that they have done a good job in this life and that their friends will be waiting to welcome them home. Other people like to have some sort of farewell ceremony. Whatever you choose to do, please know that it's okay and perfectly normal to be upset, cry, or sob.

-Once We Arrive
We will need you to sign a form giving us the authorization to perform Euthanasia and ensuring that your pet has not recently bitten anyone. Most people also like to take care of the charges at this time as well. Payment may be made with cash, personal check or with a credit card (please make credit card arangments with our office prior to our visit).

Once the paperwork is completed and you are ready, and you have said your final good-byes, we will inject an overdose of a very powerful anesthetic (a euthanasia solution) into a vein. This shot will stop the heart and respiration, usually within a minute or two. Although your pet will be unconscious, you may continue to comfort and touch your friend throughout the entire procedure and afterwards. Some people prefer not to be present for the final injection, and this is perfectly fine - just let us know your preference.

If you think that any of these things might be uncomfortable for you or your pet, please feel free to discuss this with us, since there are some alternatives available that might work better in your situation.

-Some things to be aware of
In most cases, once the animal is sedated and even after death, the eyes usually remain open, even if someone tries to shut them. Although euthanasia solution induces rapid clinical death, more primitive areas of the brain can sometimes continue stimulating basic reflex activities. For example, the pet may breathe more rapidly, take a few very deep breaths, have muscle tremors or very rarely even have jerking motions. These sights can sometimes be disturbing to watch, but the pet remains unaware and does not feel any discomfort. In most cases, however, the process is quite smooth and pets simply fall asleep, eventually passing away very quietly.

-After the Procedure
Once I have confirmed that the heart and breathing have stopped, you may continue to spend as much time as you need with your pet's remains. If you've elected to have us take care of the remains, just let us know whenever you are ready. We will then take the pet's body for transfer to the pet cemetary for this procedure.

Remember, it is perfectly normal to cry, be sad, and experience all the emotions associated with losing an important family member. Everyone grieves differently, but you should be prepared to enlist the support of your family and friends during this difficult time. If you need additional help, we can provide some information on and referrals for pet loss support - you are not alone! If you have any questions, need help, or just want to talk, please feel free to call us.

-Aftercare Options

A variety of options are available for the care of your pet's body after the euthanasia procedure:

-Making Your Own Arrangements
You may make your own arrangements with a pet cemetery or crematorium. However, please be aware that in most cities there are ordinances that prohibit burying animals, even on your own property. If you do elect to make your own arrangements, just let us know, and no further questions will be asked.

If you choose one of the following aftercare options, we will handle all necessary transfers of the body to the appropriate facility. We will also ensure that your pet's remains are identified properly and handled with dignity and respect at all times. Prices for these options vary depending upon the service selected, type and size of the pet. Please call us for an estimate.

- Private Cremation

Private Cremation is the most popular choice for aftercare and is usually carried out by a cremation service arrange by Southview Animal Hospital. With this option, your pet is cremated individually at a licensed crematorium and the cremains (ashes) are returned to you.

-Mass Cremation
Mass Cremation is also available. It is less costly than private cremation, and is carried out by a cremation service arrange by Southview Animal Hospital. With this option, your pet is cremated with other pets at a licensed crematorium and the cremains (ashes) are not returned.

-Urns, Memorials and Caskets

Urns, memorials and caskets can be ordered from Southview, and are available for an additional charge. Once the process is complete, the cremains will be sent directly to our hospital from the pet cemetery, or we may deliver them to you personally for added security.

If you have other after care options, we will work with you to meet your wishes