In-home veterinary hospice and euthanasia services in northern Virginia and West Virginia

Honor Veterinary Hospice

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.

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We proudly serve pets in Winchester, VA and beyond.

What are your fees?

Please visit our Pricing/Payment page for details.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit card payment at this time. Many of our families elect to provide a card number at the time of scheduling rather than handling finances in the home, however, we are able to accommodate payment at the time of visit as well.
What kind of pets do you treat?
At this time, only cats and dogs. If you are a pet parent to species other than cats or dogs, we encourage you to reach out to local veterinarians that specialize in other species.
Will you communicate with my primary veterinarian for hospice care coordination?
We absolutely plan on and encourage open communication with your primary care veterinarian (and any other specialists your pet may be seeing) to ensure your pet receives the best care possible through proper management of existing therapies and changes/additional therapies as needed. We find that a hospice care team works best when we are all on the same page and working together with the pet’s best interest in mind. On the other hand, we also respect if you would prefer that we not communicate with your primary care veterinarian and ask that you let us know if that is the case.
How will I know when it’s time to consider euthanasia for my pet?

Unfortunately there is no easy or “right” answer to this question. One of the most challenging decisions we will ever have to make is when it is time to say goodbye to our beloved pets. Many hope that their pet will tell them they are ready to go, or that they may pass peacefully in their sleep, but unfortunately this is not always the case. Though our pets cannot speak for themselves, there are many observations we can make as pet parents and care providers that can help guide us in making the decision that may be best for our companion. We are here to support and guide you to ensure you are not alone on this end-of-life journey. You may consider scheduling a Quality of Life consultation with our doctor, or use one of the resources listed here.

Do I need to prepare anything physically for my pet’s euthanasia visit?

We want to ensure you are able to spend as much time as you’d like with your pet prior to our visit. With that being said, there is nothing you need to prepare on our behalf. If there is a particular place you would like to set up blankets or pillows, sounds/scents you would like to have present, or items you would like to have in the room or outdoor area, we encourage you to create the space however feels right to you and your pet. The following is a wonderful article written by a veterinary colleague about some of these personal preparations: https://www.faithfulfriendshomevet.com/pethospiceblog/rituals-and-personalizations-for-home-euthanasia.

My pet is fearful of strangers, can we still schedule?
Please reach out to us directly to discuss the details of your pet’s needs. In most cases, there are steps we can take to lessen the fear and stress of the event for your anxious companion while still prioritizing a peaceful and compassionate end-of-life experience.
Should my other pets be present during the euthanasia visit?
Every pet is different, and we encourage you to base your decision on your knowledge of your pet. We feel it is good for the other pets to be present at one point or another during the visit to allow them time and space to understand what is happening to their friend. Some families choose to keep their pets in another space during the visit to allow for a quiet, calm space. Others choose to bring their pets out to come and smell their friend afterward. This is a decision we are happy to help you navigate as we plan your visit.
Should my children be present for the euthanasia?

This is a personal decision unique to your child and circumstances. Generally speaking, it is encouraged that we discuss the situation openly and honestly with our children and allow them to be a part of the conversation. Please refer to our Grief Resources for additional support.

What aftercare options do I have for my pet?

We partner with Agape Pet Services, a local pet crematory that offers both private (your pet’s ashes are returned to you) and communal (no ashes returned) cremation services. These are the aftercare options available if you choose Honor Veterinary Hospice to transport and care for your pet’s body following euthanasia. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more about their services and memorialization options.

We understand how much peace of mind it can bring to have all the “after” questions answered before you say goodbye. Our priority is that you receive the care that is best for you and your pet. If you would prefer to make other aftercare arrangements, we are happy to support you however we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding aftercare planning!

What are some ways I can honor my pet’s life?

At the time of euthanasia, we offer ink pawprints and a small clipping of fur if you desire. If you choose private cremation, your pet’s ashes will be returned in an urn of your choosing. In addition, there are countless other beautiful memorialization options out there, such as paintings, clay prints, jewelry, garden stones, etc. We have included a few links to some of these beautiful ideas on our Aftercare & Memorialization page.

We know there are so many more questions you may have – please feel free to reach out to us via phone, e-mail, or appointment request form and we will be happy to help however we can!

Where does Honor Veterinary Hospice provide services?
We provide services within a 1-hour radius of our location in Winchester, VA. If you are located outside of this region or are unsure if we are able to travel to your location, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Please note that at this time, this service radius only includes the states of VA and WV (we are not currently licensed to practice in DC, MD, or PA). If you don’t see your nearby VA or WV location listed on our map below, please reach out to us for more information. 

Do you have any questions we have not addressed here? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us via e-mail, telephone, or our online appointment request form.