FAQ

Veterinary hospice care is focused on managing symptoms, rather than curing, and on providing comfort and quality of life for pets that are facing the end of their lives. It's about ensuring your pet is happy and pain-free, and to give families more time to prepare for, and provide, a gentle and peaceful transition to end of life.

The term Euthanasia comes from two Greek words; “Eu” meaning good and “Thanatos” meaning death. Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit their pain and suffering, providing them with a “good death.” It is an alternative to waiting for a natural death which is almost always a slow, painful process. The euthanasia procedure allows our pets to pass with dignity, and with minimal pain and suffering.

Appointments can be made by calling 207-424-2735 or emailing CHV@comfortinghandsvet.com. Dr. Beckett will provide you with a link to confirm your appointment and, for euthanasia appointments, to select your preferences for aftercare services and products, (home burial, communal or private cremation, and to choose an urn if you are requesting private cremation.)

Due to variations in road conditions and traffic, Dr. Beckett’s arrival times may need to be adjusted on the day of your appointment. Dr. Beckett will contact you with as precise an arrival time as possible when he is on his way.

When you make your first appointment you will be provided with a questionnaire to fill out and return to Dr. Beckett.

When Dr. Beckett arrives he will take a full history of your pet’s condition and medical, as well as emotional, needs. He will assess your pet, and discuss with you your goals for comfort care, and your beliefs around end-of-life care. 

Dr. Becket will go over your pet’s current needs, as well as their likely future needs. He will work with you and your family to develop a custom care plan that focuses on pain management, as well as provide education and emotional support for your pet’s caregivers. 

This appointment will generally last 2-3 hours and includes email follow up with Dr. Beckett to answer any questions or any new concerns for up to 30 days following the appointment.

This type of appointment lasts 1-2 hours. It is similar to an initial Hospice appointment but because a full history has already been taken and hospice plan is in place it is usually much shorter in time. Dr. Beckett will re-examine your pet to assess any changes to their condition and discuss any observations you have regarding their symptoms and quality of life. Your pet’s Hospice plan will be modified accordingly and any changes or additions to their medications will be sent to your preferred pharmacy.

After many years of love and companionship you have watched your beloved pet grow and mature to become a member of the family. Making the decision to let them go can be very difficult. Whether they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or the years have simply caught up to them, it may be finally time to say goodbye. Having lost many of his own pets both before and after becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Beckett understands how painful and heartbreaking this decision can be.

Visits to the vet clinic can be stressful for many pets, while others may be too painful or ill to easily make the trip. Comforting Hands exists to provide families the opportunity to say goodbye in a stress-free environment - in the comfort of their own homes, or other location of your choice - surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells.

Appointments are usually 30-60 minutes, but Dr. Beckett encourages pet parents to take as long as they need, there is no rush.

Choose a location where your pet will be most comfortable, whether it be in the yard, or a favorite room, bed, or piece of furniture. Feel free to make the atmosphere as comforting to you and your pet as you wish. Some families prefer to lay out blankets and pillows, light candles, play soft music, or read a poem or prayer. Family and friends are welcome as well.

If your pet still has an appetite, set aside some extra tasty food; favorite treats, steak, deli meat, cheese, milk or tuna for cats, or even chocolate. There are no dietary restrictions before or during a visit.

Set aside two dry towels and a blanket or sheet that Dr. Beckett can keep.

When Dr. Beckett arrives he will explain the procedure, depending on your interest and comfort level. He will discuss any of your concerns, and he encourages you to ask questions at any point during the process. Dr. Beckett strives to be gentle and caring, unrushed and respectful. The pace of the visit will be dictated by the comfort level of you and your pet.

You choose how much or how little you want to be involved in the process. Dr. Beckett’s goal is to support you during this difficult time, and to respectfully follow your wishes.

When the family is ready Dr. Beckett will administer a sedative - either an injection or an oral medication - to help your pet’s passage be calm and peaceful. After 5-20 minutes your pet will become very relaxed and will begin to drift off to sleep. This is when Dr. Beckett will administer another medication to make sure your pet is fully sedated, similar to if they were being prepared to go under anesthesia for surgery.

When your pet is fully sedated and asleep Dr. Beckett administers an injection of euthanasia solution. It is very quick and painless. In some instances your pet may take a “final breath” or may display some muscle twitching. This is a normal body process, and not something they are aware of, as they are already gone.

Dr. Beckett will confirm your loved one has peacefully passed. If you have chosen to bury your pet at home, he will respectfully take his leave. If your pet is going to be cremated he will give you some private time, as much time as is needed, before placing your pet in his vehicle to transport them for cremation. He will also prepare a keepsake if it is wanted; a clay paw or a lock of hair.