Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you provide?
We provide end-of-life care, including home euthanasia and assistance with aftercare.
Emergency medical care, diagnostics and treatment, and preventative care are beyond the scope of services we provide.
We provide services for dogs, cats, and some small mammals.
Will you review my pet's medical records and give an opinion about their diagnosis?
We are happy to discuss quality of life concerns or how to know when it's time prior to making the euthanasia appointment.
We do not offer record reviews or provide second opinions about your pet's medical history and diagnosis. This is beyond the scope of our home euthanasia services.
If you have concerns about your pet's diagnosis or are looking for different treatment options, we recommend consulting with your primary veterinarian or seeking a second opinion from another veterinarian with diagnostic capabilities prior to scheduling an appointment for euthanasia.
What are your prices?
Please see the PRICING page for current costs.
The cost for home euthanasia includes sedation, the euthanasia procedure, a hair clipping if desired, and travel up to 30 miles from our home office.
The cost for cremation through Good Shepherd includes transportation directly after the appointment, a carved wooden urn and a cremation certificate if you choose to have ashes returned to you, and return of ashes and other memorial items back to your home for locations within 30 miles of our home office.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept credit cards, personal checks, cash, and Venmo.
If paying with a credit card, a 3.5% fee will be added to cover the processing fee.
Personal checks should be made payable to Charleston Mobile Vet.
If paying with cash, please have the exact amount as we do not carry change.
What areas do you serve?
We travel throughout southeast South Carolina. Depending on the distance from our home office, extended travel fees may apply. Please see the bottom of the PRICING page for more information.
How long does an appointment last?
On average, appointments last 45 minutes to 1 hour but may take up to 2 hours.
We do not like to rush appointments because we know how important it is for families to spend time with their pets and how hard it can be to say goodbye.
This is my first time euthanizing a pet or having these services at home. What do I do? How do I prepare?
There is no right or wrong way to prepare your family or your pet for euthanasia. Make yourselves as comfortable and relaxed as possible. You and your pet can be in the living room, in a bedroom, in the yard, on the porch, or any other favorite spot. You are welcome to play music or have the television running in the background. You can dim the lights, let in natural light, or light candles. There is no food or water restriction prior to the appointment, so feel free to give your pet any yummy treats, including chocolate if you wish.
You can also hold your pet or have them in your lap throughout the entire appointment. If access is needed to a specific area to deliver medication, we will guide you through it.
You can do whatever makes you and your pet most comfortable. We work around you and will do everything we can to honor your family's wishes.
What if I don't know my pet's weight?
An accurate weight is crucial for calculating precise drug dosages, ensuring a peaceful passing for your pet. If it’s been a while since your pet’s last weighing, please use a scale at home if possible. This can be done by holding your pet and weighing the two of you together, then subtracting your own weight.
We may charge a higher weight class if additional drugs are required due to an inaccurate weight.
Do you sedate my pet prior to euthanasia?
Yes, every pet will be deeply sedated prior to euthanasia. We use three separate drugs or drug combinations for each appointment: first a heavy sedative, then anesthesia, and then the final drug, which is an overdose of anesthesia.
Do I have to be present for the entire appointment?
While the decision to stay with your pet during euthanasia is personal, many owners find it comforting to be present for their pet's final moments.
You don't have to be present for the entire procedure if you don't want to. Staying with your pet until the sedative has taken effect can offer them comfort and reassurance and reduce potential anxiety. You are welcome to step out at any time if it's beyond your comfort level.
Can I take pictures and videos during the appointment or FaceTime with family?
Absolutely.
What crematorium do you use?
We partner with Good Shepherd Pet Services for cremation.
If you choose to use them, we will take your pet with us after our appointment once your family has had time to say goodbye. We then transport your pet directly to Good Shepherd and pass along all required information, so there is no need for you to contact Good Shepherd beforehand unless you wish to.
What if I use a different company for cremation?
If you prefer to use a different company for aftercare services, please coordinate your wishes and any transportation required directly with them.