West Sacramento and Elk Grove California
Compassionate In-home
Euthanasia for Cats and Dogs
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." - anonymous
About Dr. Flinn
Dr. Karina Flinn is a 2003 graduate of UC Davis veterinary school. She spent her first year as a vet doing a medical and surgical internship at a large Chicago-area veterinary hospital. After five years of working graveyard shifts in a busy Chicago ER, it was time to come home to California and settle down. She now works as a spay and neuter surgeon for a Sacramento animal shelter and operates Peaceful Pets. In addition to a rewarding career, she values her time with her kids.
Peacful Pets was started after Dr. Flinn had to say goodbye to her own once-in-a-lifetime dog, Kimi. The loss was difficult, but she felt grateful that the process was smooth and pain-free. Wishing that other owners had access to a quiet and controlled in-home pet euthanasia, she realized that there was a need for caring pet euthanasia service in and around Sacramento. She knows firsthand how hard it is to say goodbye to a special pet and she wants to make the process easier and more peaceful for her clients and their pets. This was a natural fit after years of volunteering for the UC Davis Pet Loss support hotline as a veterinary student. As an intern in Chicago, she was awarded the "Most Compassionate Vet" award and is known for her calm and compassionate bedside manner.
Services & Pricing
Includes doctor's travel* to your home, premedication of your pet with a sedative and pain medication, administration of euthanasia solution, and notification of the euthanasia to your regular vet. Owner handles care of remains.
$400
Includes doctor's travel* to your home, premedication of your pet with a sedative and pain medication, administration of euthanasia solution, transport of pet remains to Caring Pet Crematory, and notification of the euthanasia to your regular veterinarian.
Ashes are not returned to owners following a standard communal cremation. Instead, they are scattered at sea.
- Cats $450
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs) $450
- Medium dogs (20 - 45 lbs) $500
- Large dogs (over 45 - 80 lbs) $550
- Giant dogs (>80 lbs) $600
Includes doctor's travel* to your home, premedication of your pet with a sedative and pain medication, administration of euthanasia solution, transport of pet remains to Caring Pet Crematory for a private cremation, notification of the euthanasia to your regular veterinarian. Ashes may be picked up at
Caring Pet Crematory (4720 Beloit Drive, Sacramento, CA 95838) in approximately 7 days in your choice of a carved rosewood box or a plastic scattering urn.
- Cats $600
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs) $600
- Medium dogs (20 - 45 lbs) $650
- Large dogs (over 45 - 80 lbs) $720
- Giant dogs (>80 lbs) $800
An in-home veterinary visit is for families that need help assessing their pet's current quality of life and have concerns about making the euthanasia decision. We will discuss how the end of life process occurs and any questions or concerns you may have related to this topic. The exam usually lasts 60 minutes. This consultation is not required prior to scheduling an in-home euthanasia.
$290
*Travel Charges: Travel to areas outside of the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento, and Elk Grove may be subject to a $50-$100 surcharge.
FAQs
How much notice do I need to schedule appointments?
We recognize that euthanasia decisions are often last-minute and Dr. Flinn does her best to accommodate all requests. She can sometimes make same-day appointments and often next-day appointments, however availability depends upon her schedule. Some evening and weekend appointments are available.
What do I do if it is an emergency?
Feel free to call Dr. Flinn, but if she is not available you should seek the closest animal emergency hospital. Some Sacramento ERs include Mueller Pet Medical Center (916) 428-9202 and VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center (916) 362-3111.
What should I prepare before an in-home euthanasia?
There is no need to prepare anything specific. Dr. Flinn will bring comfy blankets but if you have a special blanket or pet bed we can easily use that, too. You may continue giving your pet any medications that they may be taking. Feel free to spoil them with special food treats on the day of the appointment.
How do I know when its time?
Making the choice of humane euthanasia for your pet may be one of the most difficult decisions you ever make. Many people hope for their pet to close their eyes and die peacefully in their sleep, but this is rarely the case. Instead, a natural death is often prolonged and upsetting to witness. One way to assess when the time to say goodbye may be near is by marking the days on the calendar with good days versus bad days. To determine a good day versus bad day you need to take into account
multiple things including but not limited to:
- Pain
- Change in attitude (depression, confusion, aggression)
- Difficulty in getting around, incontinence
- Lack of interest in doing the things they love
- Changes in appetite and thirst
You know your pet and their habits better than anyone else so you are ultimately the best person to make the final decision. For help with the decision-making process, you may consider having an objective Quality of Life Assessment performed.
What can I expect for a euthanasia appointment?
We will come to your home to assist you with your pet's peaceful transition. When we arrive, we will greet you and your pet and address any initial concerns you may have. We will go through the necessary paperwork and payment with you. The doctor will discuss all aspects of the procedure and what to expect, then ask what questions, concerns or special requests you may have. Once everyone is prepared, we will administer an injection that will relax and sedate your pet, as well as erase any pain or discomfor they may have. We believe those last moments should be as comfortable and peaceful as possible for them. After your pet is relaxed and comfortable, we will then administer the final medication that will allow your beloved friend to pass away quietly and peacefully. We will respectfully allow you and your family (including housemate pets) to spend adequte time to say farewell, then we will transport your pet for cremation, according to your wishes.
Testimonials
I made the agonizing decision to put my dog to sleep and I wanted to do it at home where my dog would be calm and surrounded by friends. Dr. Flinn called me and went through the procedure, including logistics. When she showed up, she again explained the procedure and told me exactly what to expect. She was so kind to my lab. All during the procedure, she would explain each step and ask me if I was ready.
Dr. Flinn provided wonderful supportive care for this difficult time. I was so happy to be able to leave my frail Penny dozing in the back yard rather than bring her in to the vet office for euthanasia. Dr. Flinn explained thoroughly the process and allowed me plenty of time. I'll miss my little mischief-maker, but am happy to have been able to provide her with such compassionate end-of-life care.
I must say this was the best decision to help with a very difficult decision. We were able to comfortably let our beloved little Angus Young keep from struggling or suffering. The time had come. Dr. Flinn came to our home and in lieu of something tragic or dark it was loving, warm, and compassionate. I would not trade that last afternoon with him for anything. It helped us through and helped his brother too
Contact
Flinn@PeacefulPets.vet