Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice to you need to schedule a home euthanasia appointment?
This service is available by appointment. Appointments are preferably scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, however we realize this is not always possible and do our best to accommodate same day appointments.
What areas of Western North Carolina do you service?
We service a 45 minute radius of downtown Asheville. The following locations are typically within this timeframe:
NORTH: Leceister , * Sandy Mush, Alexander, Woodfin, Weaverville, *Hot Springs, * Mars Hill * Barnardsville, *Burnsville
EAST: Swannanoa , Fairview, Black Mountain * Old Fort
SOUTH: Arden, Fletcher, Mills River, * Brevard * Hendersonville
WEST: Candler, Canton, Clyde *Waynesville * Maggie Valley
* = may or may not be within our 45 minute travel radius
We charge a $55 travel fee for visits > 30 minutes for down town Asheville.
For more information click here: TRAVEL FEE
Who do I contact if you are not available or I am outside of your service area?
Dr Lillian Herron provides home euthanasia services in Western North Carolina and the Upstate area of South Carolina. www.drlilianherron.com (828) 674-4946.
PAWS Mobile Veterinary Clinic: (828) 450-3569 – provides veterinary hospice, palliative care and home euthanasia services in Buncombe County.
Lap of Love : (828) 620-1062 – provides veterinary hospice, palliative care and home euthanasia services in Buncombe County and surrounding ares.
Caring Concepts Mobile Veterinary Hospice and Euthanasia Service, PLLC. Dr Laura H. Pearson, DVM serves Caldwell and surrounding counties Monday-Friday by appointment. (828) 292-8289.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
We do not charge a fee if you have to cancel or change your appointment with us. It is helpful if you can let our office know as soon as possible that you may want to cancel or change your appointment so that we can offer this time to other pets in need. PLEASE be sure if you need to cancel or change your appointment that you call (828) 707-4231 and receive confirmation from a staff member that your appointment has been canceled. If you do not receive confirmation from us assume that we have not received your message.
Do I have to arrange for cremation services?
We coordinate transportation to Peaceful Paws Pet Cremations. You do not have to contact the crematory or fill out any paperwork. Cremation fees are paid for at the time of your home euthanasia visit along with the home euthanasia fee.
What if my pet dies at home overnight?
If your pet dies suddenly overnight and you would like to have your pet cremated you can transport your pet to your local veterinary clinic for this service. Please contact your local veterinary clinic for details. If it is after-hours you can transport your pet to any local emergency clinic for cremation services. Additionally the crematories listed below to offer pick up and cremation services.
Pet Cremation Services of Western North Carolina – (828) 693-5220
Carolina Pet Services of Waynesville – (828) 734-6730 or (828) 627-6902
Is a quality of life consultation required for a home euthanasia appointment?
A quality of life consultation is NOT required for a home euthanasia appointment. A quality of life consultation is for those families who would like help and guidance with quality of life assessment and decision making and are not ready to proceed with euthanasia at this time.
What is a quality of life assessment +/- euthanasia appointment?
This type of appointment is for those families who would like guidance with quality of life assessment and decision making. If it is deemed appropriate euthanasia can be performed at the same appointment. If an end-of-life consultation is performed and euthanasia is not elected at that time, families are charged for a quality of life consultation only.
How much notice to you need to schedule a home euthanasia appointment?
This service is available by appointment. Appointments are preferably scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, however we realize this is not always possible and do our best to accommodate same day appointments.
Pets can be buried according with local town ordinances. It is recommended your pet be buried at a depth of four feet away from any water sources or drainage.
Do you provide clay paw prints?
We provide a clay impression of your pet’s paw for all home euthanasia visits free of charge.
What forms of payment to you take and how and when can I pay for the visit?
Payment is due at the time of service. We can take payment at the very beginning or at the end of your visit. We accept all forms of payment including cash, checks and credit cards. If you have scheduled a pet euthanasia appointment with cremation services, we will accept payment at the time of service for both the euthanasia service and the cremation.
How long does it take before I will receive my pets ashes?
Individual pet cremation takes approximately 14 days from our home euthanasia visit. Individual pet ashes can be picked up at your local veterinary office. If you do not have a local veterinarian, please contact our office for other options at (828) 707-4231.
Where will my pets ashes be scattered if I opt for communal cremation?
Pet ashes are scattered in Peaceful Paws’s memorial garden. Here are some pictures of their memorial garden.
How will I know it is my pet’s ashes only?
We place great trust in Peaceful Paws cremation process. They honor each individual pet and take great care to ensure that both communal and individual cremation are carried out with dignity and respect. Specific safeguards are in place to be absolutely sure that when individual pet cremation is performed, individual pet identification is verified throughout the entire process.
What type of container will my pet’s ashes be returned to me in and can I choose a specific container or urn?
Individual pet ashes are returned in a finished wooden box. If you would like a specific urn for your pet, please contact Peaceful Paws at (828) 507-2276.
Do you recommend other dogs and cats be present for the euthanasia process?
Typically we do recommend other dogs and cats be present for the euthanasia process. Most other pets will lie down quietly with us during our visit. We also will allow for time after your pet has passed away for the other furry members of your family to spend time with the deceased pet.
Do you recommend children be present for the euthanasia process?
We recommend you use your discretion in allowing children to be present for the euthanasia process. The process itself is typically very peaceful, however you know your children best. Some families will have children present for the first injection only, while other families have children present for the entire process. Every child is unique in what will help him or her cope best with this difficult loss.
This website has wonderful suggestions for several children’s books dealing with pet loss and chronic pet illness.
Do you provide other mobile services other than veterinary hospice, palliative care and home euthanasia?
We do not provide routine veterinary services and diagnostics, such as vaccinations or lab work. The following mobile veterinary services are currently serving the Asheville area:
Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic: (828) 559-9671
Crossroads Mobile Veterinary Clinic: (828) 490-0344
French Broad Mobile Veterinary Clinic: (828) 412-1181 {North Weaverville, Marshall, Mars Hill, Hot Springs Only}
Best Friends Mobile Veterinary Clinic: (828) 337-8333 {Hendersonville and Buncombe County Only}
What is the difference between veterinary hospice and palliative care?
Veterinary palliative care is similar to veterinary hospice however a limited life expectancy is not necessary. Often veterinary palliative care patients have a life limiting illness and life expectancy is difficult to determine. Both veterinary hospice and palliative care place great emphasis on symptom management and quality of life enhancement. Veterinary hospice care is palliative care at the final stages of life.
For more information about these specific services click here.
How do I prepare for my first veterinary hospice and palliative care visit?
It is helpful to have your pets current medications easily accessible during this time. It is also helpful to have your pets most recent medical records sent to our office in advance. Please contact one of our care coordinators at (828)707-4231 for assistance.