Recent Feedback
My friend is on a fixed income and in very poor health. She lives in a remote area. One of her dogs is very old and very sick. She knows that she needs to be euthanized, but can not afford the services of a vet. Are there any no fee services available that she can use to help her beloved pet? She is agonizing over this and really needs help!
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Dog (Wolf) Gender: Female Age: 14 Name of Animal: Kiva Already Tried: She gave her 300 mg of morphine. She told me it didn't make her sick either, just made her comfortable.
Hi there,She has a few options:1) Contact the local veterinary emergency facilities in the area. Many of them (mine does) will perform a "humane euthanasia" for free so that the animal doesn't suffer.2) Contact the local humane society. If she relinquishes the dog to them, they should be able to perform the euthanasia.3) Search for a local low-cost veterinary facility. Some are subsidized so that the cost of euthanasia is minimal.4) Many areas have mobile veterinarians who can come to your home to perform a euthanasia. There are obviously costs associated with this, but they are likely less expensive than an office visit.Unfortunately, there are no good over-the-counter euthanasia methods that are humane and reliable.Hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.Thanks,Dr. Paul
Experience: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, Veterinary Acupuncture trained, Wildlife and Exotics
Thank you Dr. Paul. I will send her your info. She has seizures and Lyme's disease and his to go in a couple of times a month for pain meds herself. If she lived close to me, I'd try to help her out and take Kiva in myself. I've been through this a number of times in my life. I researched the internet myself and had already come to the conclusion that trying to euthanize at home might be painful for the animal and just make them suffer more.
You're welcome, Stephany.Yes, home euthanasia by a layperson is fraught with pitfalls. If she can afford the home visit, I think that would provide the best option for her and Kiva.Otherwise, her best bet is either the humane society or a local ER if they are willing to perform the euthanasia for free. My ER will do this as a public service for people who can't afford to have it done, so that the animal doesn't have to suffer.Dr. Paul
I forwarded your information to her. She said she will make some calls in the morning. She's very distressed as she delivered Kiva and raised her.
Understandably so. Never an easy thing. You're a good friend to be helping her out at such a difficult time.Dr. Paul
Thank you for all your help, Dr. Paul. I called all over, even got numbers from my vet. The County Animal Shelter would only help if she could bring Kiva to them, whish was impossible. Her remote location made it very difficult all the way around. In the end, her husband had to take Kiva away from the house and shoot her. So sad. I just wanted you to know the outcome.Stephany
Thanks for letting me know, Stephany. I am so sorry to hear about your friend.
Dr. Paul