Frequently Asked Questions

• We provide in home pet euthanasia (peaceful end of life) services in your pet's most comfortable place. Their own home.

• Our doctors offer the same industry leading level of peaceful end of life services and quality, compassionate care as the national corporations. But with a much more personal touch, and at a more affordable price. Dr. Taro worked for a national in-home euthanasia company, Lap of Love, for almost 3 years. And now he brings that same, unmatched level of care and service to the Paws at Peace/Safe Space Vet business partnership, where both Dr. Taro and Dr. Krissy are committed to providing that same level of quality, compassionate care to the families and pets that they help.

• For pricing, we try to keep our prices comparable to other privately owned euthanasia services in the area. And our pricing is significantly lower than the national home euthanasia corporations, such as Lap of Love.

• Dr. Taro Cuetara (Paws at Peace) and Dr. Kristina Netherwood (Safe Space Vet) have partnered together to allow for coverage of a wider Sacramento area region, increased time and day availability, and lower client costs. Their service locations and availability vary, so they wanted to ensure that as many patients and families as possible are able to find an appointment day and time that best fits their needs. 

We are available by appointment only. To see available appointment days and times go to our "scheduling page." Then select the doctor you were referred to, or whose listed "availability and region serviced" best fits your location, and preferred appointment day and time. Click the "schedule an appointment" link below their name to check that doctor's calendar and specific availability.

•  In general, Dr. Taro has appointments available Monday through Friday, and only during the day. And his possible appointment slots are 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM. 

• In general, Dr. Krissy has appointments available during the evening, and some Saturdays. For these evening and Saturday appointment times an additional weekend/after hours fee may apply (see "Services and Pricing"). 

• Saturday, Sunday, and After Hours (6 PM or later) appointments with DR. TARO: weekend and after hour appointments with Dr. Taro may be available, but only through special arrangement. And an additional weekend/after hours fee will apply (see "Services and Pricing"). If a weekend or after hours appointment is the only option that works for you and your pet, please visit the contact link and reach out to Dr. Taro. He will then get back to you as soon as possible. Usually within 24-48 hours. Initial contact via text message allows for a more rapid response. 

•  If your pet has an urgent need for humane euthanasia services please contact your local emergency (ER) veterinary hospital.

At this time we are only providing euthanasia services for dogs, cats, rabbits, and pocket pets - NO horses or livestock.

• The doctor will call or text to inform you when they start their drive to your home, and they will give you their ETA. They will then call or text again when they are 15-20 minutes away from arriving. For appointment locations within 30 minutes of the doctor's home base they usually only call or text once. This is done to allow you to be more mentally prepared for the doctor's arrival.

• After arriving, the doctor likes to take time meeting your pet, your other pets, and you and your family. They will also visually examine your pet, and address any additional quality of life concerns that you, your family, or the doctor may have. This is done to ensure that the doctor, you, and your family all agree that performing the peaceful end of life as planned is warranted for your pet. And if you or your family are having second thoughts, possibly because your pet is having a relatively good day, that can be discussed and any concerns or apprehensions you have can be addressed. And sometimes this leads to a group decision to cancel or postpone the euthanasia procedure.

• The doctor will then confirm the information provided on the registration form and the euthanasia consent/authorization form. And they will also confirm your elected aftercare option (communal cremation, private cremation, or your own arrangement). This will then allow the doctor to finalize your total costs, and the payment will then be collected/processed. We suggest getting this done before the peaceful end of life procedure so that you can be fully focused on being there with your pet and loving on your pet. And afterwards most families are too upset and grieving to deal with any paperwork.

• Before the procedure, the doctor will give you time to find a nice comfy spot for your baby. Such as on their favorite bed, out in the sunny backyard on the grass, or on your lap/in your loving arms - whatever you wish. The location can even be on carpet or on your own bed, because after your pet is soundly asleep from the initial sedative/anesthesia injection, the doctor will gently place potty pads under your pets hind end. Then any natural pee or BM accidents that may occur are no big deal. And the pads will be changed as needed to keep your pet clean and comfortable.

• The doctor will then administer the initial sedative/anesthetic/pain relieving injection to your pet. Using a calculated dose based on your pet's body weight. It is given into the muscles along the lower back, or under the skin. This injection causes a very brief period of discomfort, from both the needle and a brief stinging sensation from the mixture of chemicals. But this brief period of discomfort is the only discomfort your pet will feel or be aware of throughout the entire procedure. Many dogs show no outward reaction to the brief discomfort, especially if you are feeding them ice cream or another favorite snack during the injection. Or vigorously scratching, rubbing, petting, or loving on them if they have no appetite. Most cats are not happy for several seconds, then they forgive and forget. Also many cats can be distracted by feeding lickable snacks, like Churro or similar liquid pouch snacks. So, if possible, please have your pet's favorite junk food snack available. It is even okay to give dogs the chocolate snack they always wanted. Sometimes in cats, we give an initial injection of only a sedative and pain reliever, which is a combination that is less likely to sting. And this takes the edge off for the second more potent sedation/anesthesia injection that briefly stings. Unfortunately, for many cats the second needle poke hurts more than it helps.  Therefore there is no definitive way to prevent the brief period of discomfort that the sedation/anesthesia injection causes. However, the oral sedatives discussed under the fearful/aggressive pet FAQ are also great options to make the initial injection less noticeable, if you want to take that extra measure to maximize comfort. But this requires getting those oral medications from your primary care veterinarian some day prior to the euthanasia procedure. Which, depending on their policies,  may require the need for an updated exam.

• After the initial injection is administered, the doctor usually gives you and your family time to hold, lay with, or cuddle your pet while they slowly get sleepy, lay down if standing, and fall into a deep sleep/anesthetized state. This usually takes approximately 10-15 minutes. But it sometimes takes a shorter or longer time. The inital injection contains a potent combination of sedatives and an opioid pain reliever, so in severely debilitated patients that are close to passing naturally, this initial injection rarely gives them a gradual peaceful passing while it takes full effect. Based on your pet's condition, the doctor will inform you if they think this is a possibility, so that you can be mentally prepared. But sometimes this gradual peaceful passing after the first injection occurs unexpectedly. Also, in some pets, despite exact body weight dosing of the sedatives, they are only partially sedated after 10-15 minutes, so the initial injection needs to be repeated. However, because they are already partially sedated, the brief stinging discomfort is even less likely to be noticed.

• While you are loving on your pet as they are gradually slipping into a comfortable sleep, and likely into a wonderful dream, the doctor will sit somewhere out of the way and prepare the Crayola Model Magic clay for a paw print.

• Once your pet is comfortably resting, the doctor will assess their level of anesthesia by squeezing paws, etc, to make sure there is no reaction to stimulation. This ensures that your pet will not feel or experience any discomfort from the second intravenous injection. If your pet is sufficiently sedated, the doctor then places potty pads under their hind end for any natural pee or BM accidents that may occur. The doctor then does the complimentary clay paw print and they collect a complimentary hair clipping keepsake (if desired).

• After the keepsakes are finished, the doctor will then gently reposition your pet and your family around your pet to allow for continued cuddling, but also allowing for access to the leg that they feel will best allow the intravenous injection. Which is usually a front leg. When you and your family are ready, the doctor will then clip hair away from a small area on one of your pet's legs, then place a tourniquet on the leg, and using a butterfly catheter administer the second injection that is an overdose of an anesthetic. This injection is administered over approximately 1-2 minutes, and it allows your pet to comfortably pass, usually within 30-60 seconds. Sometimes after several minutes. Due to the initial sedative/pain relief injection and your pet being in a deep sleep like state, none of leg clipping, the tourniquet, or the final injection is felt or noticed by your pet. Your pet only gets deeper and deeper into their sleep like state until they finally take their last breath and their heart stops.

• After your pet's breathing has stopped for 1-2 minutes, the doctor will then carefully listen to your pet's heart with their stethoscope to confirm that it has stopped and that your pet has passed (is at peace).

• After passing, your pet may have several final deep breaths (agonal breaths), even after the heart has stopped. This is part of the natural dying process, and is reflexive in nature, but it can be startling. It is quite uncommon due to the heavy pre-sedation used, but if it does occur, the doctor will explain what is happening. Also they will confirm again that your pet's heart has stopped.

• After passing it is also normal for your pet's eyes to not close completely. However, when we gently squeeze their eyelids closed, they usually remain mostly closed. We also commonly see focal areas of muscle twitching as your pet's muscles release their remaining energy. This is also completely normal. And finally, your pet may urinate and/or defecate after passing, which is also completely normal. And the potty pads under their hind end will be changed out as needed to keep them clean. Keep in mind that walking your pet (if they are able) thoroughly prior to the doctor's arrival time may help prevent the after passing urination/defecation. But that isn't necessary, and this is all just part of the natural process.

• If you wish, the doctor will then give you and your family time and space to be with your pet after their passing. Or if you prefer to no longer be around your pet after the peaceful end of life, we completely understand that feeling as well. When you are ready, the doctor will carefully prepare your pet for transport if you have elected the West Coast Pet Memorial Cremation options. If you have made your own aftercare arrangements, then your pet's body will remain at your home. But please ask the doctor if you need assistance wrapping your pet in a burial sheet, moving your pet to an on-location burial site, or into your vehicle for transport to an alternative crematorium. They will help when possible, but for pet's over 40 lbs, someone in the household will need to provide assistance. 

• For a detailed description of what happens to your pet's body after their peaceful passing please see the answer to the next frequently asked question.

• For families who have made their own aftercare arrangements: After the euthanasia procedure your pet's body will remain at your home. However, please ask the doctor if you need assistance wrapping your pet in a burial sheet, moving your pet to an on-site burial site, or into your vehicle for transport to an alternative crematorium. They will help when possible, but for pet's over 40 lbs, someone in the household will need to provide assistance.

• For families who have elected one of the West Coast Pet Memorial Cremation options: After you and your family have had time to say your goodbyes, the doctor will bring in a medium sized basket (or something similar) and soft blankets (for pets 20 lbs or less) or a medical stretcher and soft blankets (for pets over 20 lbs, and below 100 lbs). They will then carefully and respectfully move your pet into the basket or onto the stretcher, using potty pads to keep your pet clean, then tuck them in with blankets. For any pet on the stretcher, the doctor will need assistance to carry the pet to their vehicle - so please arrange to have someone present who can assist. And for dogs weighing 90-100 lbs, someone who can safely lift up to 50 lbs. Your pet's bundled up body will then be carefully carried to the back area of the doctor's vehicle. They will then take your pet's body and arrange for cremation services with West Coast Pet Memorial. Also shortly after leaving your home, the doctor will enter your pet's information into the West Coast Pet Memorial portal, and a detailed ID tag will be used to carefully maintain your pet's identity. Your pet's body will always be handled in a very careful and respectful manner. 

• For dogs weighing over 100 lbs: When your family is ready, the doctor will escort the West Coast Pet Memorial helpers, who have been waiting out front in their van, into your home. And the doctor will then help them carefully and respectfully move your pet onto their stretcher, and tuck your pet in with blankets. And the West Coast helpers will then carefully carry your pet to their van for direct transport to West Coast Pet Memorial. Your pet's body will always be handled in a very careful and respectful manner.

• Depending on what option you elected for receiving your pet's urn, you will be notified by West Coast Pet Memorial when the urn is ready for pick up at their facility or when the urn is initially shipped via USPS Priority Mail (and a tracking number will be provided). For this purpose, we will provide West Coast Pet Memorial with both your phone number and email address. In both situations, the wait time is approximately 7-10 days, but is often shorter. And the shipment to home usually takes an additional 2-3 days. For shipment to home, please arrange for someone over 18 to be present to sign for the package.

• Yes, but urn upgrades and the purchase of other keepsake items is done directly through our crematory partner (West Coast Pet Memorial Services). And for urn upgrades you will only be charged for the difference in price over the carved Rosewood Urn that comes with our private cremation service.

• Click on this link to reach the West Coast Memorial Products page: www.westcoastpetmemorial.com/memorial-products-2/. Then once you have selected an upgraded urn or memorial keepsake, please contact West Coast directly. And provide them with your pet's name and breed, and your first and last name for pet identification purposes. They will then process your change order and collect your payment.

• Please contact the doctor before scheduling an appointment if you have any concerns about your pet's temperament. Such as their behavior around unfamiliar visitors in your home or around veterinary staff during past hospital visits.

• The doctor can then advise you on a sedation by mouth plan to provide a calming sedative effect in your pet before they arrive at your home. This is critical to minimize your pet's stress level and make them as comfortable as possible. Also to assure the safety of both you and your family, and the doctor, and prevent bite and scratch injuries.

• For by mouth sedation, the doctor will usually recommend talking to your primary care veterinarian about your planned in home euthanasia, and to request by mouth sedation prescriptions for your pet. And please make sure your veterinarian knows that moderate to heavy sedation would be the goal, so that they prescribe a proper higher level dose.

• For CATS we recommend oral GABAPENTIN (liquid or capsules, depending on which form your cat will accept) given 1-2 hours before the euthanasia appointment time. For DOGS we recommend a combination of both GABAPENTIN and TRAZODONE given both the night before and again 1-2 hours before the appointment.

• If the calming oral sedatives mentioned above either cannot be safely administered to your pet, or the level of sedation is not sufficient to allow for you to safely restrain your pet for 30-60 seconds while the doctor administers the initial sedative/anesthesia injection, then safely performing the euthanasia procedure at home is not be a viable option. And the euthanasia should be done in the hospital setting where there will be support staff to safely restrain your pet while the doctor administers an initial sedative injection.

• POSSIBLE MUZZLE USE: For dogs that are excessively anxious or that growl, snarl, or try to bite, at the doctor's discretion they will have you place a muzzle (that they provide) on your dog for 30-60 seconds while they administer the initial sedative/anesthesia injection. In these situations the use of a muzzle is not optional, and it in no way harms or causes your pet any discomfort. However, ideally the by mouth sedatives mentioned above would also be used to make the muzzle placement and initial injection procedures less stressful for your pet. 

• Preventing bites and scratches during the euthanasia appointment is also critical because if a pet bites a human and breaks the skin, as per California State law the pet cannot be euthanized until a 10 day quarantine period has passed. An Animal Services and/or Health Department Officer can approve euthanasia during the 10 day window if the pet is suffering, but after death Rabies testing is then required. Due to these additional requirements after a bite incident, euthanasia at home is not recommended in these situations. Unless the 10 day quarantine has already passed, the pet's Rabies vaccine is current (and the family has certification showing this), and an oral sedative plan is in place for the day of the appointment. And for dogs, a muzzle can also be safely placed.

• Due to the additional planning that is required for a fearful or aggressive pet, euthanasia appointments for these pets is usually not possible on a same day or next day basis. And multiple days will usually be needed to get the sedative prescriptions from your primary care veterinarian. Which may require an updated exam, depending on your primary care hospital's policy.

• If you have any additional questions regarding temperament concerns that have not been addressed, then please reach out to either of our doctors.

• We do perform behavioral euthanasia on a case by case basis, and only after a direct consultation with one of our doctors.

• Because these pet's are commonly also fearful or aggressive, please refer to the FAQ about fearful and aggressive pets, and for information regarding whether a recent bite incident is involved. 

• For payment we accept cash, check, Zelle, or credit cards.

• After the doctor arrives they will meet you, your family, and your pet. They will then confirm your aftercare decision before finalizing the charges and processing the payment. We prefer to process the payment before the euthanasia procedure is performed, because this allows you and your family to not be distracted while loving on and grieving for your pet. A receipt will be emailed to you sometime after the appointment. 

• Cancellations done prior to the appointment time: We understand that it is difficult to make this decision for your pet, and it is commonly a day to day decision, therefore we offer free cancellations prior to us arriving at your home. Please make every effort to contact the doctor to cancel PRIOR to their arrival at your home. We reserve this time in our schedule exclusively for you and your pet, so we ask that you cancel as soon as possible, so that we can possibly help another family in need.

• Cancellations done after the doctor arrives at your home:  After arriving, the doctor will help you and your family decide whether moving forward with the euthanasia is warranted. The doctor will meet and observe your pet, then discuss your pet's quality of life with you and your family. They will then give their profession opinion on whether it is reasonable and fair to your pet to cancel or postpone the euthanasia. For this service a $175 home visit/quality of life consultation fee will apply.