Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most emotionally difficult decisions a family can face. Grief, love, doubt, and responsibility all converge into a single moment, and many people worry deeply about “getting it right.” At Midtown VMC, we understand the weight of this decision, and we want our clients to know that we honor both the bond you share with your pet and the courage required to make this choice.
Euthanasia is, in my opinion, one of the most important services we provide, and it must be done with compassion, skill, and gentleness. A pet’s final moments matter greatly! Planning for that experience ahead of time, before your pet is in crisis, can help ensure a peaceful, intentional, and loving transition.
Most aging or chronically ill pets do not experience a sudden, painless passing at home. Instead, disease often progresses in ways that cause discomfort or distress, situations we have the privilege to relieve. The word euthanasia comes from the Greek eu (“good”) and thanatos (“death”), and our goal is to give pets precisely that: a good death, one filled with comfort and dignity.
In-Hospital Euthanasia at Midtown VMC
Many families choose to say goodbye here in our hospital, and we are honored to provide this service. We strive to make the experience calm, private, unhurried, and centered around your pet’s comfort. We offer:
- A quiet, dedicated space
- As much time as you need with your pet before and after
- Gentle pre-sedation to ensure complete relaxation
- Staff trained in compassionate end-of-life care
- Support in navigating the emotional aspects of the process
For many pets and families, this is the right setting, and we consider it a privilege to be part of such an important moment.
Why Some Families Choose In-Home Euthanasia
Some pets, however, are more comfortable in the familiarity of home—especially if they are anxious travelers, frail, or deeply attached to their environment. For those families, in-home euthanasia can create an exceptionally peaceful and personal experience.
In-home euthanasia allows:
- Equally gentle, fully sedated, pain-free care – exactly as in our hospital
- Resting in a favorite sunny spot or cozy bed
- A peaceful environment with familiar smells and sounds
- Other pets to be present, which can help them process the loss
- Children to come and go as they feel comfortable
- Families to grieve privately and take the time they need
We are very fortunate in Fort Collins to have Dr. Emilea Burton, an independent veterinarian who focuses exclusively on home-based end-of-life care. Many of our clients have used her services and speak incredibly highly of the comfort, compassion, and calm presence she brings to these moments. When families feel their pet would be most at ease at home, Dr. Burton is the person I confidently recommend.
Planning Ahead: A Final Gift of Love
If your pet has a terminal diagnosis, or if you’re noticing changes that make you question their quality of life, please reach out early. These conversations can help you:
- Understand what to expect as disease progresses
- Determine your pet’s comfort level
- Decide when euthanasia might be the kindest option
- Plan where and how you want the experience to occur
These discussions are difficult, and deeply meaningful. You do not have to navigate them alone. We are here to guide you, support you, and honor the bond you share with your pet.
Additional Resources
We are fortunate in Northern Colorado to have the Argus Institute, which offers exceptional support for families facing end-of-life decisions and grief:
https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/argus/
To learn more about in-home euthanasia or Dr. Emilea Burton, visit https://westernskiesvet.com/ or call 970-388-1995.
