3 Ways I’m Different

Regardless of what type of animal you have as a pet, you most likely have an incredibly strong relationship to them.

For many people their pet is their best friend! Unlike humans who can be very unreliable and unpredictable, pets offer all of us uniquely loving predictability. They are always there for you, me, and everyone else who is lucky enough to experience this special bond. Whether you are happy or sad, anxious or depressed, your pet is always there for you. A significant amount of research shows that many kinds of pets can pick up on people’s emotions. For example, dogs often are incredibly intuitive about when their owners need more closeness and love. I have experienced this with my own pets.

That is one reason why, whether you have a dog, cat, turtle, pig, lizard, or bird, thinking about euthanizing them can feel overwhelmingly difficult. As a veterinarian specializing in house calls, I have shared thousands of hours helping pet parents decide whether they should humanely euthanize their pet.

Here are 3 ways I distinguish myself from other veterinarians offering in home euthanasia:

1. 100% of my practice is focused on at home euthanasia
In my opinion, it is better to use a veterinarian who specializes in at-home euthanasia versus using a in home veterinarian who mainly does routine maintenance and care of pets. At-home euthanasia involves a very specific set of specialized skills. For example, things can go wrong during the euthanasia process, and you want a veterinarian who can smoothly and confidently handle any problems that might come up so your pet experiences the highest level of comfort.

2. I understand you may decide the time is not right
It is not uncommon for a pet parent to decide the time is not right for a humane at home euthanasia, even after setting up an appointment with me. Maybe even after I have arrived for the euthanasia at their home. That is completely understandable. I myself have changed my mind when euthanizing many of my own pets over the last 30 years.

There are a variety of reasons for this. But whatever the reason, I know your comfort, and your pet’s comfort are the most important factors!!! And given how monumental this decision can feel like, this process should never be rushed. You must feel the time is right. I fully respect any owner telling me they want to wait. Click here to understand the process and steps I typically use. 

3. I take time to methodically assess Quality of Life (QOL)
Because I have practiced for nearly 3 decades as not only an at-home euthanasia veterinarian but previously also a general practice veterinarian, I have thousands of hours of experience with assessing pet quality of life. In fact, I wrote a blog on how you can assess quality of life.

I know you need to feel your chosen veterinarian will be as comfortable not doing the euthanasia, even if it has been scheduled, as going ahead and doing the euthanasia. Your veterinarian must exude a spirit of collaboration with you, rather than making you feel pressured! That is why a critical component of my style with clients is to walk them through a quality of life assessment checklist if they are unsure if they should euthanize their pet. That checklist helps them methodically think through this complex decision.

I've built a quality of life checklist of common factors to look for you are welcome to view these same factors below:

View my Quality of Life checklist here
3 Ways I'm DifferentDr. Maria vs. Franchise VetsPricing & PaymentPet Quality of Life ChecklistWhat to ExpectGrief Support
"I can’t begin to say enough nice things about Dr. Miller, her demeanor and her professionalism. My beloved cat Van was in the final stages of debilitating malignant thyroid tumors that left him unable to eat and drink in his final days. Dr. Miller’s service of coming to the house to help Van peacefully pass was a relief. Dr. Miller’s comforting actions with Van and her reassurances to me helped make what was already a horrific experience as bearable as possible under the circumstances."
Norris A.
"Dear Dr. Miller, Robbie and I want to thank you for all you kind and gentle care of Chessie, even though you didn’t know her. We feel like you were a special angel sent to make this time a little easier. I wish we had known you longer. Thank you again and God Bless you."
Robbie and Judy G.
"Dear Dr. Miller, Thank you so much for your responsiveness, follow-up and great care of the pooches. We all appreciate your efforts and are lucky to have found you! Its so convenient to have you come to the house and it’s a big stress reliever for the dogs too. Thanks again!!"
Lauri and Peter F.
"Dear Dr. Miller Words cannot express how I feel towards the work that you do. I cannot begin to thank you for helping me through such a trying time. Your love and support made it easier to accept the loss of my dog. You truly are a wonderful and caring person. Thank you for making me feel like a friend."
Nancy M.
"Dr. Maria Miller, a most gentle and caring Veterinarian, provided us with the strength needed when we had to put our Dalmatian, Domino to sleep. He had reached the fullness of his time. His age coupled with his ailments certainly needed a peaceful relief and a quiet rest. Thank you Dr. Miller."
Jim Smith
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