Peaceful Pets Services

During a phone consultation, we will discuss your pet's condition and quality of life in detail. Your observations and concerns play a crucial role in determining whether an end-of-life decision is appropriate. Factors such as your pet's mobility, eating habits, pain level, breathing, ability to urinate and defecate, and behavior all contribute to this decision. We can also use Quality of Life tests and calendars to help assess your pet's overall well-being. It's important to consider the combination of these factors rather than relying on one aspect alone when making this difficult decision.

We do not. We provide phone consultations with one of our staff who will discuss your pet's current diagnosis and what concerns you are currently having. We will do our best to guide and support you based on our expertise. However, if after arriving at your home and seeing your pet, Dr Yamamoto feels your pet's quality-of-life can be meaningfully improved by certain changes, she will discuss that with you. Please be aware there will be a fee assessed for the home visit/consultation in lieu of euthanasia

It's common for us to wish that our pets could peacefully pass away in their sleep, but that's not often how it happens. The time it takes for a natural passing depends on their specific condition and symptoms. Natural deaths aren't usually quick or painless, and nature doesn't typically provide a gentler alternative. If euthanasia isn't chosen, pets should have intensive at-home care to keep them comfortable, much like hospice care for people. Euthanasia, which means "good death," offers a way for pets to peacefully drift off surrounded by loved ones. Many veterinarians see this as the kindest gift we can give a pet who is in pain or those whose advancing disease process will cause them distress.

We assist with the peaceful passing of dogs and cats and occasionally with rabbits. We are unable to assist with pocket pets and reptiles.

Typically, we need 24-36 hours to ensure we can give your family the time that is needed. If you live outside of Santa Clarita, we recommend calling us 2-3 days in advance. We are closed on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. However, our schedule can vary so we encourage you to look at the calendar of our service dates provided on our CONTACT US page

We understand how important it is to say goodbye to your beloved pet in the most peaceful and loving way possible. Unfortunately, we do not offer after-hours services. To ensure a serene and gentle transition for your pet, we recommend planning ahead to avoid any unnecessary stress or discomfort. This thoughtful approach allows you to create a farewell experience that feels right for both you and your pet, in a setting that is comforting for both of you.

We provide services to the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas. A travel fee may be added based on your location. Please see our map to know if your home falls within our area Service area map

California law has a mandatory 10-day rabies quarantine period of any pet whom has bitten (regardless of the reason or vaccine status). During that time, no healthy pet can be euthanized. If your pet is medically suffering and can not wait through the 10-day period, we recommend you reach out to your primary care veterinarian for help as there are legal steps involved that our service is unable to accommodate.

Whether or not we can help is on an individual basis. Please call our office to discuss your pet's specific situation and behavior

We understand the emotional weight of end-of-life decisions for pets. To help all families, please schedule thoughtfully to avoid last-minute cancellations as that effects our ability to help other families. A $50 fee applies to appointments canceled or rescheduled within 24 hours. Thank you for your understanding as we strive to support you and others during this sensitive time.

When the time comes to say goodbye to our cherished pets, planning ahead can profoundly impact the experience. Here’s why scheduling humane euthanasia, when possible, is often a more compassionate choice compared to waiting for an urgent change in your pet: Peaceful Transition: At our core, we believe in ensuring a peaceful departure for your pet. Scheduling allows for a serene, calm environment free from the stress of an urgent situation. Your pet can pass away in the comfort of their home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and loved ones. This thoughtful preparation makes for a truly tranquil goodbye. Quality Time: Having a set time enables you and your family to spend meaningful moments with your pet. You can create lasting memories and say your heartfelt farewells without the rush or panic that accompanies an emergency scenario. Reduced Suffering: By planning ahead, you prevent your pet from enduring a sudden crisis or prolonged discomfort. This decision can spare them from unnecessary pain and ensure a gentle, pain-free transition. Family Presence: Scheduling also allows all family members, even those who might be distant, to be present and offer their love and support during this important time. It ensures that everyone can share in the farewell and comfort each other. Emotional Preparation: Knowing the time frame helps everyone involved emotionally prepare for the farewell, making the experience less traumatic and more meaningful. It gives everyone the chance to come to terms with the decision and support one another and the pet. We recognize that sometimes situations can become emergent unexpectedly. In those instances, seeking immediate care from an emergency veterinarian or having someone come to your home on short notice may be necessary. However, our goal is to prevent your pet’s passing from becoming an emergency by planning ahead. We understand the difficulty in making the decision to humanely euthanize a beloved pet. We recognize the desire to hold on for every possible moment but consider what those extra days might entail for your pet. A peaceful, at-home farewell surrounded by family is far more compassionate than the stress of last-minute arrangements.

It depends. If your child is older and you’ve been able to discuss your pet’s illness as well as the euthanasia process with them and they want to be present, then they should be. If they choose not to be present during the euthanasia, they can return once your pet has passed to say their final goodbyes if that will help them grieve. Children under the age of 5 do not understand the permanence of death and, in our experience, the parents of these young children are not able to fully focus on their beloved pet as they are also trying to console their young child. Dr. Yamamoto had personally chosen not to have her children present when they were younger — they would say their goodbyes before. Once they were older, she discussed the reasons a peaceful euthanasia of their beloved pet was needed and respected their decision to not be present. Every family and child is unique. You know your child best. We welcome children being present and will help guide you in speaking with them during the process if they choose to be there. We have also put together a handout that can guide you in talking with your children (ex: Avoid euphemisms like "Fluffy is going to go to sleep"), knowing how a child may grieve/react at different ages and books/websites that may help in your discussion: Children & Pet Loss

It's important to consider your other pets' behavior and temperament when deciding whether they should be present during the euthanasia process. If they can remain calm and not disrupt the process, it can be comforting for both you and your pet to be all be together. However, if they are hyper or seeking your attention, it's best to place them in another room. You can bring them into the room after the procedure to help them understand and begin the grieving process. If your pets are not comfortable with new people or situations, it's safer for everyone if they are not present during euthanasia.

No, you do not need to prepare your home for our visit. However, you can think about where you would like the procedure to take place: on their bed, favorite room or outside (weather permitting). Some families like to have photos or their pet's favorite items present or music playing--whatever you feel may bring comfort to you or your pet during this time.

Although the exact time will vary, we are typically in your home for approximately 30 minutes. The euthanasia itself is a fairly quick, peaceful process

We use a tiny needle to give the sedative in your pet's muscle but not unlike humans, every pet has a different sensitivity to that tiny needle prick. If your pet is eating, set aside some of his favorite treats for a distraction while we give the sedative. Overall, the process is peaceful for your beloved pet as they feel they simply drift off to sleep.

A sedative injection is always given prior to euthanasia to allow your pet to relax and be as comfortable as possible. A temporary intravenous (IV) catheter is then placed once your pet is sedate. We use a series of three injections (through the catheter) for the euthanasia -- Propofol (anesthesia), euthanasia solution, and saline (to flush the catheter).

While your pet is relaxing, they can sometimes release urine and/or feces. We will have pee pads with us to minimize the mess and keep them dry.

West Coast Pet Memorial Services - Tuxford location

We will reach out to you in 10-14 days to arrange the delivery of your pet’s cremains and/or keepsakes back home if you are located in Santa Clarita. For families outside of Santa Clarita, your pet’s cremains will be mailed to your home via USPS Priority Mail Express by West Coast Pet Memorial. Please note that delivery will require a signature. If you are not home at the time of delivery, the carrier will leave instructions on your door about how to safely receive your pet’s cremains. They will not leave the package at your door. If you are unable to receive deliveries from USPS or would prefer not to have your pet’s cremains mailed, you are welcome to pick them up from our Castaic office or from West Coast Pet Memorial in Sun Valley.

We use West Coast Pet Memorial in Sun Valley and have entrusted them to cremate your beloved pet in accordance with your wishes. Dr. Yamamoto has had many of her personal pets cremated by them and has a good relationship with both the staff and company since 2011. From their website: This is a common question, and rest assured that your beloved pet is tracked throughout the entire aftercare process. At West Coast Pet Memorial, we use a proprietary tracking system called Paws e-Track™, which tracks your loved one through the pet aftercare journey. Your pet is assigned a unique identification number that is electronically scanned at multiple points through the aftercare process, from your veterinarian’s office and throughout our facility. At West Coast Pet Memorial, we offer 100% traceability and transparency.

Your pet will be cremated with other beloved pets and their ashes will be scattered at sea by Oceans of Love off the California Coast. From their website: Our captain and crew sail off the coast of Southern California into the Pacific Ocean. When the destination is reached approximately 3 miles offshore, ashes are placed into the sea, along with fresh seasonal flowers. In keeping with nautical tradition, the yacht’s bell is rung eight times to say farewell and signify their watch is over.

Although each clay or ink print is unique, here are some examples: