In Home Pet Euthanasia

In Home Pet Euthanasia in the Quad City Area

Our Mission

Hello Harmony Vet is commited to providing a peaceful and gentle parting for your pet in the comfort of home.

Making the decision to part with your pet is never an easy one. This is often one of the most emotinally copmlex times in our lives. We understand and are here for you.

Compassionate care when it counts most

Helping you give your last gift of love: a peaceful and dignified parting in the comfort of their home.

Ready to Book?

If you are ready to book an in home euthanasia, please click below.

If you have more questions or want additional information, please feel free to read on.

Quick guide to your pet Euthanasia questions

What is In home Euthanasia ?

A "Good Death"

Euthanasia litterally means “Good Death”. Euthanasia is a gift we can give our pets to alleviate suffering and pain for the hopelessly sick or injured in a realatively painless manner. Our in home pet euthanasia services provide compassionate, fear free care where you are most comfortable– In your home.

Passing at home

In stead of taking your pet into a veterinary hospital, a doctor comes to your home for euthanasia services. People who choose in home euthansia for thier pets do so for many reasons:

increased pet comfort, hapiness in home
family privacy
house mates can be present
decreased fear, anxiety, and possible pain with transportation.
ability to be outside int their favorite spot

In home euthansia and clinic euthanasia have important similarities: they both provide a pain-free passing by compassionate professionals that want to best for your pet. However, helping your pet pass at home can provide additional privacey and comfort for the family, allow house mates to share in the grieivng process, be less fearful for many pets, and create a truly loving, comfortable, and peaceful parting for everyone involved.

Pets feel safe, comfortable and loved

Most people want their pet to feel safe and comfortable. Many pets are fearful at the vet clinic, or hate car rides. The last thing pet caregivers want is for their beloved furlings to be filled with stress or anxiety. Some people value home privacy over a clinic setting. And many of us humans would prefer to pass peacefully at home and want to give that gift to their pets.

How to know when its time

Every pet-loss journey is different. We all want as much quality time with our beloved furlings as possible. When quality of life deteriorates and there is little hope of recovery, it is time to consider humane euthanasia. When trying to make this decision, we recommend considering some of the following:

People will say you will “know” its time. Please understand, it frequently isn’t that simple. Give yourself some grace and know that is feels un-natural to make this decision for a loved one. However, you are your pet’s champion and you are best suited to make this decision.

Take a quality of life assessment which can provide some objectivity to subjective evaluation of your pet’s wellbeing.

Although our pets can’t talk, they communicate with us all the time. Listen to your pet. Some ways they tell us they are uncomfortable or not doing well are:

Your pet no longer enjoys things they once did, like walks, pets, company, playing, etc
Your pet has more bad days than good.
Your pet is constantly anxious: paces, is restless, has days and nights mixed up.
Your pet has severe mobility issues: falls easily, is risk for being injured due to falls, can’t posture to urinate and defecate

Your veterinarian can help you assess your pet’s quality of life.

Pet Hospice vs Euthanasia

Hospice care is specialized compassionate care for individuals with a terminal illness. The focus shifts from curing an illness to enhancing the quality of life through comprehensive comfort care (palliative care), pain, and emotional management.

Find out more about Pet Hospice and Palliative Care here.

Compassionate Hospice Care

Our wish is to empower pet care givers to make important decisions for their geriatric pets and to alleviate fears while traversing the last part of the journey together. When it is time, we are honored to assist in giving them your last act of love.

What Happens During an In-Home Euthanasia Visit

Before the appointment

Before the appointment, it’s OK to spoil your pet with special dinners, treats, company, etc.

Continue to give your pet’s medications as prescribed. We want them to be as comfortbale as possible.

You are welcome to take pictures, invite family members via video chat, etc.

During the pet euthansia appointment

If you have any doubts, questions, etc, Dr. Rider would be honored to assess your pet and answer any questions you have.

Once you are comfortable in your decision to proceed with in home euthanasia, the veterinarian will confirm your aftercare wishes, take payment and then explain the procedure and answer any additional questions you may have.

Sedation and pain medications are given to the pet to make them comfortable and provide anesthesia before the euthansia medications are given.

Once the pet is completely sedated, the doctor will ask if it is OK to give the euthanasia medication. Once this is given, depending on the route of administration (typically into a vein), the brain cells quickly stop communicating and lead to a peaceful and painless death. Common and normal things you may notice in your pet:

the eyes may remain open
breathing rate or depth may change
less commonly, fine muscle twitches after the pet has passed

The veteriarian will then listen to the heart and confirm that the pet has passed.

Once your pet has passed, you will be given time to say your final good byes.

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In-Home Euthanasia for Dogs, Cats & other Pets

Dog, cats and other pets like rabbits, hedgehogs, turtles, goats, etc may need euthanasia to help end suffering. At Hello Harmony Vet, Dr. Rider is honored to help most species pass peacefully at home. All pets undergoing euthanasia are give sedatives, anxity and pain medication ensuring an anesthetic plane the final injection is given to achieve euthanasia. Different medicatins or drugs may be used depending on what is best for the species and individual.

House mates are welcome to be present. However, fearful, anxious or high energy individuals may do better in a calm area during the procedure and then visit the body afterward.

Aftercare and Cremation Options in the Quad Cities

Cremation is a popular aftercare option as is burial. Burial may be an option depending on your local ordinances.

Private vs Semi-Private vs Group Cremation

Some crematoriums offer 2-3 cremation options.

Private cremation means your pet is cremated by themselves (no other pets) and ashes are saved and returned to pet caregivers.
Semi-private cremation is when several individuals are cremated together, ashes are collected and returned to owners. Semi-private options cannot gaurentee that all or only your pet’s ashes are returned to you. But for some providers, it can be a more economical option to fully private cremation.
Group or communal creamtion is when several pets are cremated at the same time and ashes are not saved or returned.

Cremation Options in the Quad Cities

If you choose, we can assist you in arranging and transporting your pet’s remains to Black Haw Pet Crematorium in Rock Island. Be assured that we will always treat your pet’s remains with respect and dignity every step of the way.

If you prefer to deliver your pet’s remains your self, there are several options:

Black Hawk Pet Cremations 309-283-7747

QC Pet Cremation 563-424-7060

Oakdale Pet Memorial Gardens 563-324-5121

In-Home Euthanasia for Dogs, Cats & other Pets

House mates are welcome to be present. However, fearful, anxious or high energy individuals may do better in a calm area during the procedure and then visit the body afterward.

Serving the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa

We provide in home euthanasia services in Iowa & Illinois sides of the Quad cities, including: Rock Island, Moline, East moline, Silvis, Davenport, Bettendorf, Milan, Le Claire, Eldridge, Colona, Milan, Coal Valley, Orion area, Rapid City, Port Byron, Hillsdale, Geneseo, Muscatine.

If you do not see your area listed, please call or email to see if we can provide services to your area.

In Home Euthanasia Pricing

Includes: Veterinary visit, brief exam, quality of life assessment, consultation regarding euthanasia, pre-euthanasia sedation to aid in a peaceful passing, a gentle euthanasia, ink paw print, keep-sake lock of hair, report to regular veterinarian upon request.

$245 1-50lbs; $260 51-100lbs; $280 101-150 (pets over 150lbs please contact us)

Cremation, aftercare transportation, other keep-sakes (clay paw/nose prints, special urns, etc), after hours and urgent work-ins, and extended service areas are additional. Scroll down for cremation pricing, after hours, extended travel.

We accept cash, credit, debit, and Venmo. At this time we cannot take checks, Care Credit or offer payment plans. Pre-payment is available for services for your convenience, so please let us know if you prefer this.

Appointment Duration

Most appointments take about 45- 60 minutes. We like to take the time to get to know you and your pet a little. Our veterinarians will answer any questions you may have. The euthanasia process, however, can be short in duration. We understand everyone’s needs are different. For some, especially when their friends are in severe pain or very ill, you may wish to address your pets needs more quickly. We can accommodate this as well.

Cremation services

One option is to arrange your own cremation services. Some facilities will pick up your pet’s remains from your home as well for an additional transportation fee ($200-$300). If you are interested in making your own arrangements, some resources are Black Hawk Pet Crematory, Quad Cities Pet Cremation, and Oakdale Pet Memorial.

We can take care of your pet’s remains if you wish. We coordinate with Black Hawk Pet Crematory and are able to transport pets up to 120 lbs. For pets over 70 lbs we need to have you provide at least 2 able-bodied people to assist with moving your pet from your home to the transportation vehicle. For pets over 120 lbs, you will need three people to assist. If this is not possible, special arrangements are required, please call 309-550-9033 or email ridervetservices@gmail.com for more details and so we can help make arrangements for you.

If you choose private cremation with Black Hawk Pet Crematory, your pet will be cremated alone to guarantee you receive your pet’s ashes. If you choose group cremation, the crematorium we use buries the ashes in an ossuary, returning your loved one to the Earth.

Receiving ashes: turnaround time for your pet’s cremation is about 1 week. The crematorium will call you and ashes can be picked up at Black Hawk Crematory.

In Home Euthanasia & Cremation Pricing Summary

Euthanasia (No cremation)

Euthanasia + Group Cremation

Euthanasia + Private Cremation

After hours/ weekend, additional options

Euthanasia (No cremation)

Euthanasia + Group Cremation

Euthanasia + Private Cremation

After hours/ weekend, additional options

Frequently Asked Questions About In-Home Pet Euthanasia

Why consider in home Pet Euthanasia?

Because it is an honor to provide this last loving act with you for your friend. I personally would want to say good bye to my furry friends where they are most comfortable and happy, and that is what I want to do for you too. Although your grief is shared, it truly is humbling to be present and trusted with this final journey with your loved one.

Is in home euthanasia better?

When and where you and your family decide euthanasia is the best treatment for your pet is highly personal. If you are more comfortable in a veterinary clinic, then we recommend you go this route.

However, many people desire saying goodbye to their pets in the privacy and comfort of their home. Not only does it make the experience more personal, but people realize their pet is usually more relaxed and comfortable at home. The idea of knowing a loved one is able to pass where they are most happy: in the living room, the back yard, the bed of the truck seems to put us humans at ease.

Again, this is your family’s decision. At Hello Harmony Vet we want you to know that we support you. If you decide to say goodbye at your home, we hope you will allow us the honor of serving you and your loved one.

What to Expect During the Pet Euthanasia Process

Step 1: Deciding when it's time

People will say you will “know” it’s time. Please understand, it frequently isn’t that simple. Give yourself some grace and know that is feels un-natural to make this decision for a loved one. However, are your pet’s champion, you are best suited to make this decision.

Take a quality of life assessment which can provide some objectivity to subjective evaluation of your pet’s wellbeing.

Although our pet’s can’t talk, they communicate with us all the time. Listen to your pet. Some ways they tell us they are uncomfortable or not doing well are:

Your pet no longer enjoys things they once did, like walks, pets, company, playing, etc

Your pet has more bad days than good.

Your pet is constantly anxious: paces, is restless, has days and nights mixed up.

Your pet has severe mobility issues: falls easily, is risk for being injured due to falls, can’t posture to urinate and defecate

Your veterinarian can help you assess your pet’s quality of life.

Step 2: Book an appointment

Once you have decided that it is time to help your pet pass, you can conveniently book an appointment right on-line.

Note: If you need to reschedule, postpone or cancel your appointment, you can do so using link provided in your confirmation email/ booking confirmation page.

Step 3: Prepare for the appointment

It’s OK to spoil your pet with special dinners, treats, company, etc.

Continue to give your pet’s medications as prescribed. We want them to be as comfortbale as possible

Speaking of comfort, manypeople are tempted to give their pets THC/ marijuana products. Please DO NOT do this. It severely affects the medications the doctor will give and can cause tremors, hyperexcitability, urinary incontinence, twitching and excessive drooling.

Location. Decide where you and your pet will be most comfortable: floor, sofa, favorite bed, closet, outdoors, in your arms, etc. Many pets enjoy being outside and we can certainly accommodate this! However, in inclement weather (raining, dark/dusk, excessive heat/cold, biting insects, etc), we may need to make some adjustments to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Parking. In winter, please be sure parking areas are free of snow and ice as well as walkways and steps to the home. If you are requesting cremation and transportation services, we will need easy and close access to the home. For the safety of our staff, please make sure there is parking in the drive or directly in front of the home no matter what the weather conditions are.

You are welcome to take pictures, invite family members via video chat, etc. However, we simply request you not video film the process.

Step 4: Arrival of the veterinarian

If you have any doubts, questions, etc, the veterinarian would be honored to assess your pet and answer any questions you have.

Step 5: Understanding the Euthanasia procedure

Assessment and answer any questions
Sedation and anesthesia. Your pet will be given two injections. The first contains a pain medication, a sedative and an anti-anxiety medication. This is injected under the skin while your pet is distracted with treats or loving pets from you. it can take 2-10 minutes for your pet to get nice a sleepy.
Euthanasia. The second injection typically goes into the vein and is an overdose of anesthetic. This injection allows your pet to transition and pass peacefully.
The most common things that may occure with pass is a change in respiration, sometiems faster, slower, deeper or more shallow and that the pet may not close their eyes. Rarely you may see very fine muscle fasciculations and energy leave the body. This is all normal. If you have any questions about things you observe, always feel free to ask.
Taking the time to Grieve. After your pet passes, you will be given some privacy. If the doctor is assisting with cremation, you can let them know when you are ready for them to rejoin you.

Step 6: Cremation and After Care

If you choose cremation services, the doctor will take your beloved pet to the cremation facility. The crematorium will call when your pet’s ashes are ready to pick up.

What does Euthanasia mean ?

“Euthanasia” literally means “Good Death”. You can expect the utmost care and attention to detail when we are performing end of life services. Veterinarians are the only licensed professionals gifted with the ability to perform this act. Ending suffering for a terminally ill pet is a gift of love.

Does Euthanasia Hurt ?

No, euthanasia does not hurt. Your furling will be fully sedated. At that point, he/she cannot feel anything, just as if they were going into surgery. Additional anesthetic is given that ceases brain activity and allows the body to painlessly release its energy.

Occasionally with anesthesia, the breathing rate can change: it can increase, decrease, or become deeper or more shallow. These are all normal and do not indicate that your pet is in distress.

How can I prepare ?

The veterinarian will explain the entire process once they arrive. You and your pet will be in control of the pace of the appointment.

Select a place you would like to be with your pet. Pets really enjoy being outdoors, some in the car, others on the couch or the kitchen floor. Wherever you feel your family and pet will be most happy.

A sedative is given to your pet to assist in the ease of transition and to make sure your pet is comfortable. It can take 2-10 minutes for them to get nice and sleepy. Once you and your pet are ready, the final act of euthanasia is gifted. Passing can occur quickly, often within seconds, but may take 2-3 minutes. Your pet is unconscious and cannot feel anything. The veterinarian will then confirm your pet’s passing. After they have transitioned over the Rainbow Bridge, you can spend as much time as you wish with your friend. A paw print will then be made and hair clipped if you desire.

Should my other pets be present?

If you would like your other pets to be present, this is absolutely an option. It is best to keep fearful, skiddish, or rambunctious brothers and sisters in a separate room until their brother/sister has passed, then allow them the opportunity to say good-bye.

Is it OK to have my children present?

This is a very personal family decision. If it is your wish, we are happy to share this experience with all family members. For additional information and resources on this topic, please visit FAQ Children and Euthanasia. There can be hazards having young toddlers present, as there are needles, etc. Young children may also feel the vet is hurting your pet by using needles, etc. The same is true for individuals with Alzheimer’s or certain other cognitive disorders. We strongly recommend that toddlers and those with degenerative cognitive disorders be spared the confusion of losing their pet this way.

Do families have to be present for euthanasia?

There is no right or wrong answer. Being present durring your pet’s euthanasia is a personal decision. Some people want to be there for the entire process. However, others step out of the room and return for a final visitation once the pet is gone.

How much does In-Home pet euthanasia cost?

Pricing depends on the size of your pet, your location outside of the Quad Cities aka travel distance, and what, if any, cremation services you select. We have all of our pricing information listed on this website for your convience! But if you have any questions, do not hesitate to Contact us.

Do you offer services after hours or on weekends

We do not offer emergency services and monitor emails and phone calls M-Th 9-5 and Fridays 9-3. On occasion we can assist with after hours appoints, weekends, or holidays. Sometimes even though we may already be booked, depending on the situation we can squeeze in an additional appointment. Additional fees may apply ($100-200) for these situations and we will let you know if that is the case.

How will my pet's remains be handled ?

You can opt to bury your pet if local ordinances allow this. If you wish to choose this option, we will discuss proper burial methods for euthanized pets.

Cremation is very popular. We can transport your pet’s remains for you to deliver at the crematorium of our choice (pls see prices above). Be assured that we will always treat your friend’s remains with respect and dignity. If you prefer to deliver your pet’s remains yourself, there are several options for these services. You can also arrange for your pet’s remains to be picked up by the crematorium of your choice after the euthanasia (typical transport costs range from $200-300). The following are a list of local services:

https://qcpetcremation.com/ 563-424-7060

https://www.blackhawkpet.com/insight 309-283-7747

https://oakdale-memorial-gardens.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral 563-324-5121

How do I make an appointment?

The easiest way to make an appointment is to either to our contact page and fill out a form or use the “Booking” button at the top of the Contact page to book on-line. You can also call 309-550-9033 (be sure to leave a message stating you need an in-home euthanasia for priority call-back) or email for an appointment at ridervetservices@gmail.com

How much notice is needed?

48 hours notice is ideal. However, we understand that both life and death are unpredictable. A 24 hour notice may not be possible in your situation. We try to be accommodating as possible, but please note we do not offer services 24/7.

Is a deposit required to make an appointment?

No. Deposits not required to make an appointment. We understand life happens and you may need to reschedule an appointment. However, If you need to reschedule an in home euthanasia more than once, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required and applied at the time of the appointment

Pet Grief Resources

The pets in our lives are considered friends, family members, sources of support, and providers of unconditional love. Their loss leads to grieving similar to any other significant loss of life. Grief is a normal, natural process following the loss of a loved one, whether it be human or animal. However, it can be difficult to navigate the emotions associated with grief including the physical effects (like headache, loss, of appetite, exhaustion), emotional effects (anger, guilt, sadness) and the behavioral effects (crying, withdrawal, change of relationships).

It is important that following the loss of a beloved pet, you allow yourself to grieve. Surround yourself with others who understand the bond you had with your companion. Be patient with yourself. If you feel you need additional support following the loss of a companion, please use the following information to obtain supportive, non-judgmental assistance:

CARE Pet Loss Helpline through the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Resources- Iowa Helpline: 855-800-1239 or http://iowahelline.org/

Pet Ministries of St. John Vianney in Bettendorf Iowa Facebook page: https//www.facebook.com/groups/169522759283424

Suicide Lifeline 800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

ASPCA Pet loss hotline 877- GRIEF-10 (877-474-3310)