- What are my options if my pet dies naturally?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Will I be able to practice spiritual or religious ceremonies or rituals during the appointment?
- Should my young children be present during the appointment?
- Will you allow my other pets to be present during the appointment?
What are my options if my pet dies naturally?
We are here to help and support you when your pet passes.
Many people wonder what to do when their pet passes, especially if they have a larger animal and are unable to perform an at-home burial. Home to Heaven can help in this situation. We will come to your home and gather your pet for gentle and respectful transportation to a crematory for private or communal cremation.
When your pet passes, you are not focused on what must be done next. That is our job. We make the next steps as easy as possible for you during this difficult time.
When a pet passes naturally, it is a much slower process than euthanasia. There are changes that occur even three months out that will alert you to the fact that the end may be near.
Some of the things you should be watching for include weight loss, less attention to grooming, and increasing dehydration. There are many more signs that you can read about here.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you must cancel your appointment with us, we ask that you please give us at least 3 hours notice. For a cancellation made within 1 hour of the appointment (based on time and distance traveled) we reserve the right to charge a $75 cancellation fee. You must speak with a care coordinator to cancel. Voicemail cancellations may not be received in a timely manner.
Our doctors often travel up to 60 minutes or more for an appointment. If you cancel close to your appointment, the doctor may already be well on the way to your home. This fee covers the transportation costs accrued by the doctor.
A short-notice cancellation also limits our ability to help another family that may have also needed help during your appointment time. Please understand that this fee system is necessary for Home to Heaven to continue providing our excellent and reliable care.
If the cancellation is due to the natural death of the pet during normal business hours, this fee will not be applied.
Will I be able to practice spiritual or religious ceremonies or rituals during the appointment?
We want our families to know that they are free to practice any and all ceremonies or rituals in our presence. Our doctors are open to your spiritual practices and welcome the opportunity to become involved. Please let us know if you have any specific requests that we can accommodate.
Should my young children be present during the appointment?
We welcome anyone that wants to be present for the passing of a beloved pet, including young children. Depending on age, it is often recommended to leave the decision up to the child if they want to be present for part of, or throughout the entire process.
Just like adults, children will often grieve the loss of a beloved pet. Choosing to be present during your pet’s passing may be an important part of that grieving process, allowing your child to say goodbye in his or her own way.
Will you allow my other pets to be present during the appointment?
As mentioned above, anyone is welcome that wants to be present for the passing of a beloved pet, including other family pets. Our goal throughout the appointment is to maintain a peaceful, calm, and comforting setting.
It is better for some pets to be kept out of the room during the euthanasia procedure. Upset or disruptive pets may be brought in afterwards to view the body – a very important part of the mourning process.
Our doctors will do their part to help keep the setting calm and will only ask for another pet to be excused if absolutely necessary.