Please see our "What to expect during at-home euthanasia" page for detailed information about the experience of euthanizing your pet at home.

Please see our "When is the right time to euthanize my pet?" page for help with this decision.

Dr. Leach takes many precautions to ensure that your pet’s experience is as free from distress as possible. These include:

When you call to schedule an appointment, Philip will ask you about your pet’s personality with vets and strangers so Dr. Leach is aware of your pet’s usual reaction to having new people in your home.

At the start of your appointment, Dr. Leach will work with you to determine how best to approach your pet. For some pets, it’s best for her to minimize her presence in the house and approach without speaking or petting; for others, they may like a warm greeting and a treat.

Dr. Leach will also work with you to ensure you and your pet are comfortable. She encourages families to be calm and loving and have their pet in a place that’s comfortable for them. Pets can be on laps, couches, beds, outside — wherever they’d like. You can pet them while Dr. Leach is working through the sedation and euthanasia process to help them feel calm and loved.

Dr. Leach uses high doses of the best drugs that treat/prevent pain and anxiety in her sedative protocol, dilutes medications to make them more comfortable, uses small needles, and give the medications subcutaneously instead of into muscle to avoid discomfort during the sedative process.

Dr. Leach sprays herself and her equipment with calming pheromone spray prior to each visit and always approaches pets in a quiet and calm manner. While the sedative is taking effect, she can play quiet piano music that has been proven to calm pets.

Even with all of the above precautions, please know that all pets react differently, and a small portion of pets still show some fear or discomfort with the sedation process despite best efforts. The reasons vary: some pets are already in pain from existing conditions and want to be left alone; some are scared of or aggressive with new people and veterinarians; some smaller or more sensitive pets may show more discomfort from needles, in which case Dr. Leach may discuss alternative sedation protocols with you to avoid distress for your pet. If your pet attempts to move away during the process, Dr. Leach will advise you to give them space and not to restrain them, since restraining may cause more distress or even injury.

Dr. Leach understands that all pets have different personalities and levels of comfort with people outside of their families, and she is always happy to answer questions or concerns from families before, during or after the procedure if you have concerns.

Prior to Dr. Leach’s visit, you should consider how you’d like to care for your pet’s body afterward. If you want HouseCollar Vet to arrange cremation, we’re happy to do so — there’s no need to worry about making transportation and cremation arrangements with another service. See our cremation services page for details of the different arrangements we can provide. If you choose for us to arrange cremation of your pet, Dr. Leach will gently remove your pet's body after you’ve said your goodbyes at the end of your appointment. 

If you would prefer to use another pet cremation service, you’re welcome to arrange with them to pick up your pet’s body after the euthanasia, and Dr. Andrea will gently leave your pet in your care at the end of your appointment. If you would like to bury your pet's body, please verify the legality based on your city's ordinances.

If you feel unsure about whether home euthanasia is the right decision for your pet, our first recommendation would be to consult your regular vet, since they know your dog or cat best. Assuming your pet has a history with a veterinarian you know and trust, your vet will be able to provide informed guidance on next steps for your pet based on their health history.

If you still feel unsure after consulting with your regular vet, or if you don’t have one, please contact us to discuss your pet’s current health conditions. We’re happy to provide the best guidance we can by phone, text or email, and often we’re able to help pet owners and families make a decision for their pets based on our conversation. If we conclude that having Dr. Andrea provide a separate consultation by phone or in person is the best next step, we can discuss those next steps and costs with you.

Our practice is entirely focused on euthanasia to care for pets at the end of their lives. We don’t provide ongoing care such as vaccinations, check-ups, or emergency treatment — please consult your regular veterinarian for these services, or your nearest emergency veterinary hospital for urgent care.

We offer appointments in most areas of San Diego County. We do not offer appointments in Orange, Riverside, or other neighboring counties.

Home euthanasia prices vary based on travel distance from our location in central San Diego. If you need an appointment in far north, east or south San Diego County, our next available appointments may be further in the future due to travel time required, so please contact us in advance if possible for available dates and times.