Frequently Asked Questions
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The appointment takes between 1 to 2 hours. We start by walking through the process together, then discussing your preferences, concerns or fears, and lastly aftercare options. We then proceed with an injection under the skin with a very tiny needle that provides gentle relaxation and pain control that allow your companion to rest comfortably where you choose: a warm bed, your lap, or under a favorite tree. Using rubs and treats, most companions do not notice this poke very much at all. After your companion is very soundly asleep, an IV catheter will be placed in the front leg. Your companion is will not feel this. Lastly, the final medication is given via the IV.
We then can memorialize (if you wish) through a clay pawprint, ink nose prints, collecting a lock of fur or other special requests.
Depending on your aftercare selection, either Dr. Young, yourself, or a crematory service will transport your companion’s body for aftercare or burial.
To set up an appointment, please fill out the form at the link below.
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This is an important question and not an easy one. It can be additionally challenging if this is the first time you are contemplating this decision for a companion. It can also be difficult when dealing with a disease or decline that comes and goes or a disease that can potentially have a quick, fatal outcome in the end.
Actually, it is ALWAYS hard, no matter what position you find yourself with your companion.
Dr. Young recommends the folllowing quality of life scale. She finds it to be very helpful in providing a more “objective” viewing, though there is really no such thing as that.
The HHHHHMM Scale:
https://caringpathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/QualityofLifeScale.pdf
The following website from Lap of Love is also very helpful.
If you would like an in-home assessment of quality or a phone consultation, both are offered by this service.
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This service is designed to support the chronically ill, immobile, geriatric, or declining companion where travelling to the home clinic is undesirable due to stress, pain, or fear or for those who just wish to be home for the process. This service is for the humans supporting their companion to whom they are greatly bonded. It is for all who may wish to share a reverential experience around the transition of life to death.
It is not designed for young, aggressive animals with significant behavioral challenges, as Dr. Young is a solo practitioner and is limited in the range of animals that can be safely seen without additional trained assistance.
Sacred Bond is not an on-call emergency euthanasia service. It is a by-appointment service.
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Dr. Young sees companions within a 20 mile radius of Banner Elk, North Carolina. If you are outside of this service area between 20-30 miles and Dr. Young is able to come to you, there is an additional out-of-area service fee of $150.
Unfortunately, we do not see clients outside of a 30 mile radius or clients living in Tennessee.
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Sacred Bond recommends this decision be based on what would be most comfortable for your companion. You are the best judge of that. Ultimately, if your companion is comfortable with the individuals around, anyone you would like to be present can be there. Whether just yourself, a few intimates, or 20+ family members and friends or other fur babies, all are welcome.
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Dr. Young specializes in dogs and cats. However, if you have another type of companion that lives with you (and can fit) within your home, such as a bunny, gerbil, bird, etc., please contact us anyway. We may still be able to help.
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Euthanasia means ‘good death,’ and the process is designed to mimic what it would be like to pass in one’s sleep. The primary discomfort your companion may experience is the needle poke of the sedation, which is given in the same place your pet has received vaccinations. Dr. Young uses VERY small needles, so most animals do not mind very much, especially if distracted by treats and affection. Your companion will then become very relaxed and may even dream. As the medicine works longer, they enter a deeper plane of sedation. Your companion is not paralyzed-they are sedated, just like during a minor surgical procedure.
The rest of the experience is painless. Because your companion is sedated, they do not experience discomfort or fear during an IV catheter placement, which is used to give the final medicine into the blood vessel. This medicine is an overdose of liquid anesthesia that stops neurologic function. This medicine does NOT cause death by a heart attack or by suffocation.
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Yes!
If your companion is still eating, please give food. They also can have any special treat items you would like to provide, things they never got before.
If they are not eating, no need to force that or make them eat.
If their medications make them feel better and they take them easily, please give them or if they require relaxation before the visit. If they hate getting their medications and it is a battle of wills, please skip it.
The goal is to make the morning peaceful, pleasant, and relaxing for them.
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Yes. If you would like to not be present for the process or present for only part of the process, that is perfectly ok. And if there are individuals present you would like to take out during the process, that is ok, as well. This is a space where everyone is honored and free to do what feels best to them.
In our experience, most people who are concerned they will not be able to stay for the process are worried that it will be distressing to themselves or their companions or difficult to watch. As we walk through each portion, they find this is often not the case and the experience was not what they had feared, as our goal is a nearly painless and peaceful transition. In the end, they are happy they stayed. But whether one stays or not, either choice will be respected.
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Yes. If you and your companion have a favorite place on your private property, we absolutely can honor that. If there is a special meaning for you around any personal objects or locations and it can be done, we will do it. The only restriction is to highly public areas where the sensitive nature of this procedure would be problematic.
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That is absolutely ok. This decision can be incredibly difficult to make. If you are unsure, it is ok to cancel the visit or change from a Euthanasia call to a Quality of Life or Pre-planning call instead. These options allow us to discuss your companion together and help set everyone up for making informed decisions around this topic. Sacred Bond’s goal is to create support around this decision making process to where you feel comfortable with the choice and the timing.
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Generally, no. A euthanasia appointment can be set up without these other two options. The only time it is required is if you are aware your companion will be highly fearful and/or highly aggressive. A pre-planning call will allow us to discuss and plan for a less stressful, more gentle visit.
If a pre-planning service call is required, a $75 credit will be applied to the in-home euthanasia service call if utilized in the future.
To set up an appointment, please fill out the form below.
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If your companion’s behavior required a pre-planning call, a $75 credit will be applied to the in-home euthanasia service call fee if it is utilized in the future.
There is no credit applied towards the euthanasia service call for a quality of life service call having been utilized.
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This is usually something we can work within, depending on the level of fear or aggression. Often we will use oral medications that Dr. Young will provide in a pre-planning service call. These allow your companion to feel more relaxed and less fearful of a stranger, especially a veterinarian. This situation does require an initial consultation in the form of a pre-planning service call if you feel your companion will be aggressive and, very occasionally, the euthanasia call turns into this if Dr. Young cannot safely handle the animal.
Dr. Young does not see young, aggressive animals with significant behavioral challenges, as she is a solo practitioner and that situation requires an additional trained professional assistant.
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For cats and dogs, an up-to-date rabies vaccination is usually necessary for an appointment. However, Dr. Young takes this situation on a case by case basis. For example, if you have a medical exemption agreement with your current veterinarian based on your companion’s unique health circumstances (ex. cancer diagnosis, vaccine reactions), those will be honored. Sacred Bond will request proof of rabies vaccination, even if overdue, before setting up an appointment time.
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Dr. Young only sees quality of life and end of life appointments.
She does not perform regular veterinary house calls for wellness or sickness appointments.
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To make an appointment, please fill out the information form below:
https://forms.gle/3ULZxN2T6eZDs5DCA
After the form is submitted, Dr. Young will be in touch to set up a time to chat.
Appointments generally are made at least 12-36 hours out (or longer if desired). Same day appointments can occasionally be seen if the schedule allows and we have already spoken, but this is not the norm.
But please still reach out to check as things can change on a daily basis.
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Generally, Sacred Bond does not schedule appointment times past 2pm. This is because of various logistics that are unique to this type of service and being a one-person team. In the future, we hope to one day be able to offer later appointment times.
This service is unable to provide on-call capability for emergency euthanasia. The soonest Dr. Young can see you will be the first available appointment opening. That could be anywhere from within the next few hours to an opening 48 hours for now—it just depends on the schedule. But if the schedule allows her to get there sooner, she will.
If you have an emergency, please contact ANIMAL EMERGENCY CLINIC OF THE HIGH COUNTRY at 828-268-2833 or your regular veterinarian’s office if it is during their operating hours.
However, if your companion develops an emergency while Dr. Young is present for a euthanasia visit, it will be addressed on site.
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Yes. Sacred Bond will send a notification of our appointment directly to your home veterinary office.
If for whatever reason you do not wish to have this notification sent, that will be respected, as well.
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There are a few options for aftercare services.
Option 1 : Sacred Bond Transport (Transport Fee $100)
After our appointment, Dr. Young will transport your companion and coordinate with the local clinic of your choice for your desired wishes for your companion, either private cremation with ashes and urn returned or cremation with no return of ashes or urn. From there your companion will be respectfully handled by this veterinary clinic and they will bill directly for the selected aftercare election. They will inform you when your companion’s urn is ready to be picked up. General price ranges for aftercare at clinics will vary with different options, but ball park is usually $150-$325.
Option 2 : Owner Transport to Clinic of Choice
You can choose to drive your companion to your clinic of choice for aftercare services. Dr Young will help you set up your companion snugly and safely for travel, if you would like. You then would coordinate directly with your clinic.
Please be sure to check your clinic’s hours of operation, as this may impact the day you would choose for an appointment with Sacred Bond.
For example, if you would prefer a Saturday appointment, but your clinic is closed until Monday and you would still like to transport yourself, this may limit you to considering a different appointment day.
Option 3 : Crematory Service Direct Pick Up
Another option, especially if your companion is over 60 lbs, is to find a local crematory within your area who will coordinate a pick up from your home after we have concluded our appointment. Though is can be location-dependent, the crematory would transport your companion’s body for aftercare directly to their facility. Many of our local clinics use the same few services, as well, so often your companion’s body will be at the same place for aftercare anyway. This option, if available to you, is very convenient for some as it allows for direct pick up from your home. The crematory service will likely charge a fee for transportation, so do expect this in the final cost of aftercare.
Generally you would schedule the pick up time for 1.5-2 hours after the time we set for our appointment. For example, if our appointment starts at 9:30, plan a pick up time for 11 to 11:30. If the crematory service cannot get there at this exact time, that is ok. Dr. Young can help accomodate this with certain options we can discuss in our appointment.
Option 4 : Home Burial
Home Burial is owner coordinated.
Just be sure to dig deeply (3-5 feet) to ensure non-disruption of your companion’s body, as well as safety to other animals that could be harmed if they ingest the medicines we give.
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Transporting your companion yourself is not only a very affordable option, it can also become a way to honor them, as you are seeing them through to the very end of the process.
On our end, Dr. Young will help prepare them for travel in a way that keeps them clean, snug and safe, staying mindful of respecting your vehicle.
Sacred Bond recommends you contact your clinic the day before our appointment or the morning of to handle all choices/payment over the phone. Then, when you arrive, you can just pull into the clinic parking lot, call them to let them know, and someone can meet you outside. This way allows you the space to not have to do “business” or be in a lobby after the actual appointment, when often we want to be focusing on the grief and space needed after this loss.
If you have not called in advance, that is ok. Once you arrive, it is ok to leave your companion in the car while you go inside to let the staff know of your aftercare decisions. Often a clinic member will come get your companion from your vehicle or just ask them to do so, if that is what you would like. They are happy to help you.
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Generally, your companion’s urn will be returned to you within 2 weeks. If you are wanting to check, call your home clinic directly. They will follow-up with you when all is ready.
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Absolutely you can.
There is an important factor to consider when making this decision. The medication that is given during this process can be harmful and cause death in other animals that may ingest it, so a deep grave site (between 3-5ft) is very necessary to prevent this possibility.
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Below are a few on-line resources available for information and support during the grieving process associated with this loss. A particular favorite has been the Monday Candle Ceremony offered by Rainbow Bridge.
Websites:
Sacred Bond’s Companion Celebration and Support Community, an invitation-only group on Facebook for just those who have been seen by Dr. Young.
https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/
https://vmc.vet.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/coping_with_loss_brochure_2024_web.pdf
https://petloss.lapoflove.com/?_gl=1*1vpxiu6*_gcl_au*MTM5NDA1NjU1MS4xNzc5ODIyNjQz
https://caetainternational.com/about/caeta-pet-loss-resources/
www.VeterinaryWisdom.com/petparents
ASPCA Pet Loss Helpline: 877-GRIEF-10 (877-474-3310)
Books (that clients have connected with and recommended):
The Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love Edited by Alice Hoffman
I'm Still Here: A Dog's Purpose Forever and I’m Still Here: A Cat’s Purpose Forever by Cathryn Michon
Children’s books (recommended by clients who had positive experiences with them):
When A Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst
The Rough Patch by Brian Lies
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The total cost will be the In-Home Euthanasia service call plus the cost of aftercare transport, if elected. If a pre-planning call was necessary, a $75 credit will be applied to the total cost.
For example, if you elect for a home burial, the total cost is $375. If you elect to transport your companion after our visit, the cost is $375. If you elect for Dr. Young to transport your companion to your clinic of choice, the total invoice cost will be $375+$100=$475.
Aftercare election is settled through your local clinic of choice and can range from $150-$375, (varies based on size of companion and creamation with return or no return).
If Dr. Young is able to see you outside the service area, there is a out-of-service area fee of $150 that will be applied to your invoice.
We are happy to provide a detailed estimate that will be honored if you would like one.
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Exact cash or check at the time of service is generally preferred. But please note that we do not carry change.
If you desire to use a credit/debit card or ACH, Dr. Young will send you a payment link via email through an invoice.
No payment plans are offered at this time.
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The best way to set up an appointment is to fill out the information form below:
https://forms.gle/3ULZxN2T6eZDs5DCA
The best way to contact Sacred Bond is by email:
DrYoung@sacredbondveterinary.com
Dr. Young will respond to your email within a few hours to 1 business day, except Sundays.
If you are a current client, have an appointment already scheduled, or are a clinician, please email. Dr. Young will be in touch as soon as she is available.
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End-of-life care is a very sensitive and challenging topic. Ideally, there would be a warm and kind person to answer your call directly and set you up for this very personal and private type of service.
However, Dr. Young is a one-person team. There is no one else on staff! The information that the form gathers is needed to assess if Dr. Young can visit you, to build a medical record, to offer an appointment time, and to know your needs for your companion.
So even though filling out a form as a starting point can feel sterile and non-connecting on the front end, the time spent not on a call collecting this information allows Dr. Young to do what we all wish on the back end—which is to spend time in these appointments together face-to-face without any rush or hurry devoting all the attention and love needed to honor each of our companions.
Your understanding and cooperation with this goes a long way, probably more than you may realize. Thank you for helping in this way!
Information Form:
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It is truly important to Sacred Bond that each form submission, email or communication is responded to in a timely manner.
For new clients, please expect a reply email within 24 hours, with the exception of Sunday. If you have not heard back within 24 hours, please check the spam folder. If still no communication, please reach out again, as something has gone amiss.
For scheduled clients with questions or clinicians, expect a response as soon as Dr. Young is available, usually within hours.
In all cases, if you have not heard anything within 24 hours, this is abnormal and something has fallen through a crack. Please check spam and/or reach out again, as the crack may be on our end.
If you leave a voice mail, please note they are only checked weekly.
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Yes, certainly you may reach out! In this way, you can be aware of all your options for your companion when it does come to that time. In addition, Dr. Young is aware of your companion’s situation, as well.
Just submit the information form below and Dr. Young will be in touch.
https://forms.gle/3ULZxN2T6eZDs5DCA
Please note that a scheduled appointment will still be needed in the future for the service and are generally scheduled at least 8 hours in advance.
Sacred Bond does NOT provide on-call emergency euthanasia services.
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If we have spoken and set up an appointment that included transport for aftercare, Dr. Young will arrange to come pick up your companion and honor the aftercare wishes you desired. Please just email to let her know the situation.
(The transportation fee ($100) will apply. If it is Sunday and Dr. Young can come to you, an after hours ($100) and a transportion fee ($100) will apply. If the fees are problematic, we can discuss some other options if needed at the time.)