Frequently Asked Questions

PAYMENT OPTIONS: Cash, Credit Cards, Venmo, CashApp, PayPal and Scratch Pay. 3% charge on credit card payment. Payment is due before services are performed to not to detract from the focus of the event. We do not do financing however financing is available through Scratch Pay. Pet owner will need to contact Scratch Pay prior to the event to set up payment.

Pets that weigh greater than 50 pounds—we may need family assistance with transfer. Please allow for adequate parking to assist in a smooth transfer.

There isn't a black and white answer to this question, unfortunately. There are many resoures online with quality of life assessments but there isn't one cookie-cutter approach to answering the ever looming question "Is it time?". If you have a trusted local veterinarian that you have been taking your beloved pet to over the years, they can assess your pet and give recommendations based on their findings. Many times, owners know when it is time - they just need someone to let them know that it is the right decision for their pet.. We also offer a quality of life telehealth consultation to help answer this question. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you would like to consult with Dr. Waldrop on your individual pet's condition. Please note that telehealth is not a replacement for an in-person examination. If Dr. Waldrop has not seen your pet in person, she is not legally allowed to "diagnose" or "prescribe," but will provide general guidance any way that she can. If you have medical records that you would like Dr. Waldrop to review, please email them to peacefulpassagehome@gmail.com at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled telehealth appointment.

Most pets do seem to understand when their housemate is ill and nearing death. They may distance themselves or may cling to their housemate. They also seem to understand that a pet is gone once they have passed away. If the housemate is rowdy, it may be appropriate for them to be outside or in another room during the appointment to provide your pet a calm atmosphere. We always recommend bringing them out afterwards to see their housemate's body. Some pets may not want to approach the body at all, and some pets will sniff it and then walk away. Pets do grieve but seem to have a healthier relationship with death than we do. They require lots of love and attention if they are grieving. If the grieving is extreme, it may be necessary to speak with their regular veterinarian about temporary treatments that may help.

The loss of a pet is often a child's first experience with death. It is important to have open communication and be honest with children who are old enough to take part in the conversation. It is also an opportunity to teach them about your beliefs in the afterlife. We typically recommend asking your child if they would prefer to be present or not at the appointment. It can also be helpful to include your child in making memorial items, such as paw prints, . For very young children who cannot understand death yet, they may be concerned about the family's emotions/reactions and may take the family's focus away from your pet. You ultimately know your child best and can determine what is appropriate for them. Dr. Waldrop is very patient and kind when helping children understand the euthanasia process.

You do not need to make cremation arrangements on your own-we want you to focus on spending meaningful time with your pet. Dr. Waldrop will review the available aftercare options with you during the visit. If you choose cremation, your veterinarian will gently transport your pet and coordinate all arrangements with a licensed crematory on your behalf.

Peaceful Passage partners exclusively with reputable, licensed crematories that handle every pet with dignity and respect. Together, we follow strict identification and tracking procedures to ensure that, with private cremation, the ashes returned to you are your pet's alone. If you have specific questions about cremation practices or would like more details about private cremation, we encourage you to speak with us. We're here to provide transparency and peace of mind as you make this important decision.

Peaceful Passage focuses exclusively on end-of-life care, including hospice consultations and in-home euthanasia. We do not provide routine or preventive veterinary services. For wellness exams, vaccinations, treatment of illness, or other general care, we recommend that your healthy pets continue to see your family veterinarian.