Dignity
Humane pet euthanasia
Compassionate companion
animal euthanasia
Our in-home veterinary practice takes a compassionate approach to end-of-life care and humane pet euthanasia that is sensitive to the significant role your companion plays in your life. We honour your relationship and your strong bond.
We currently serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Tsawwassen/Ladner and West Vancouver.
Understanding companion animal euthanasia
Saying goodbye to your beloved companion often comes far too soon.
The decision to release our family member and best friend from their suffering is never an easy one. We’re here to support you through this difficult process.
Euthanasia is the act of humanely ending an animal’s life. Most often, euthanasia is achieved by administering an anesthetic overdose that will quickly and gently end critical life functions
Euthanasia offers a peaceful, controlled transition to prevent or end suffering when quality of life is no longer sustainable. Planned euthanasia at home also offers the opportunity for all the people, human or otherwise, who have been important in your companion’s life, to be present to say goodbye.
Decision-making
The decision to humanely euthanize a beloved companion is one of the hardest choices a caregiver will face. It can also be the most compassionate.
Despite its loving intent, this decision often brings emotional conflict. Many people hope their pet will “let them know” or “pass naturally.” While this sometimes occurs, natural death in animals is not always gentle and, due to its unpredictable nature, we may not be present in their final moments.
Without intervention, pets may experience significant distress during terminal illness. Euthanasia at home, when performed with sensitivity, allows pets to pass comfortably, often in their caregiver’s arms, surrounded by familiar voices and smells.
It is also an opportunity to celebrate your companion's life. A meaningful goodbye is often a therapeutic way to honour your companion's life.
Guilt, grief, and uncertainty are normal in this process. What helps is knowing that there is no one “right” moment—only the kindest moment within a range of compassionate possibilities.
Some families choose euthanasia as soon as visible discomfort begins, aiming for a peaceful goodbye while some good days remain. Others, with support from their family veterinarian, wait until comfort can no longer be maintained. Both paths can be acts of great love.
Quality-of-life consultations
Mulberry Lane does not offer Quality of Life Consultations. There can be situations where further diagnostic evaluations or treatments for your companion can be pursued that cannot be offered in a home setting. We would then refer you back to your family veterinarian or specialist for support.
Working with your family veterinarian is usually the most cost-effective and time efficient way of pursuing quality of life consultations because they know you and your companion the best.
However, we do provide information about quality-of-life assessments to help guide you in your decision making. [insert link to QoL assessments].
Aftercare preparations
Together, we can discuss how best to arrange for your pet’s body care. Options may include communal or private cremation, a necropsy, or we can leave the remains for personal disposition/burial. Finalizing details before euthanasia will minimize decision-making after.
Grief support
It is important to take care of yourself before, during, and after the euthanasia of your beloved pet. Surround yourself with people who understand your bond and how difficult this loss may be. We will provide you with pet loss resources to assist you in your grief. Remember you are not alone. Your pet is special, and their loss may be overwhelming. They’re a member of your family.