Arrival

Dr. Ullrich will arrive at your home in her own vehicle. If she is running early or late, she will call you directly at the phone number you provided. Otherwise, she should arrive at your home within 15 minutes of your scheduled appointment.

Paperwork & Payment

Once she arrives, Dr. Ullrich will go over all the necessary paperwork and answer any questions you may have. The goal is complete transparency and she wants to make sure you are as fully informed as you would like to be about the process, including what to expect after death. Please be prepared to sign a cremation authorization as well as a liability release form. This includes an acknowledgement that your pet has not bitten anyone in the last 15 days. Please know the State requires we ask these questions and is not an assessment or opinion of your pet.

This is also when payment will be discussed and made. If you are planning a private or communal cremation, you must pay for both the vet and cremation services. Payment for the euthanasia may be made directly to Dr. Ullrich and the payment for cremation services may be made via cash, check or credit card to Heart’s Companion.

Additional Information

Dr. Ullrich will provide materials including articles about the emotions of euthanasia and dealing with grief. If you have other pets or children, materials about pets and children in grief can be provided.

Decisions  

The next step is to determine how you would like the euthanasia to be performed. It is very important to Dr. Ullrich that the experience be as comfortable for your pet and you as possible. Please do not be shy about expressing what you’d like as you are in control of the area and the situation. Dr. Ullrich may get on the floor with your pet, you can hold your pet during the process, be outside, or in a special location in your home. You are welcome to have as many or as few people present as desired. Children and other pets are welcome and encouraged to be present as long as they are not disruptive to the peaceful process.

Performing the Euthanasia

Wherever you decide to do the euthanasia, Dr. Ullrich will lay out an absorbent pad underneath where your pet will lay. Your pet will be given a sedative which will be administered subcutaneously (under the skin). This will allow your pet to relax and be calm during the process. The sedative will take 5-10 minutes to reach full effect. Some people prefer to use this time petting, loving, and saying goodbye to their pet. Others will read poems or letters. Others desire to sit quietly. It is completely up to you how you will use this time.

When you are ready, Dr. Ullrich will prepare to administer the final injection. She will clip some hair over the vein on the leg & apply a tourniquet. The injection will be given intravenously. Your pet will pass peacefully. At this time, Dr. Ullrich will listen with a stethoscope to ensure your pet has passed. Then, she will gather her things & take them to her car - allowing you some time alone with your pet. When Dr. Ullrich returns, she will bring a stretcher to carry your pet to her vehicle (if your pet is small, Dr. Ullrich will carry your pet out in a blanket) .

After Your Pet has Passed

Depending on the size of your pet, Dr. Ullrich may ask for help lifting your pet onto her stretcher. Your pet will be respectfully carried to Dr. Ullrich’s car. You are welcome to come out to the car with your pet. Once your pet is placed in the car, you will be able to say a final goodbye before she leaves. Dr. Ullrich will transport your pet to Heart’s Companion for cremation services. Heart’s Companion will call you as soon as your pet arrives so you know your pet arrived safely.

If Heart's Companion is Performing Your Cremation

Within 48 hours your pet will be cremated and the cremated remains will be returned to you, unless you have elected to have a Custom Pet Paw Print® made, in which case it will be within 72 hours. A Heart's Companion staff member will call you when it is time for your pet's cremated remains to come home. 

About Dr. Ullrich

Dr. Ullrich graduated from the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and has worked in small animal practice her entire career. Five of those years were at a feline only practice, so she has a special place in her heart for kitties. But, she loves all dogs as well.

Dr. Ullrich’s career has evolved over the years, and she now focuses on palliative, end of life care for precious furry companions.