Codapet - At Home Pet Euthanasia in Frederick, MD Reviews 1

First, the positives: I appreciated the ability to book in-home euthanasia last-minute and over a holiday weekend when my little guy declined suddenly and I needed to act fast. I also appreciated the vet administering the shots while my cat was in my arms, placed a waterproof blanket in my lap, offered for me to carry him to her car afterwards, and gave me a hug before she left. I appreciated all of those things and how difficult her job is. I appreciated that his physical passing was peaceful.

The negatives: The vet was a bit clunky and loud and I had to advocate for more space several times when I should have been able to focus on my cat. She arrived and first put a clipboard of paperwork for me to sign on the chair my ailing, confused cat was. I leaned over to shield him with my arms as she showed me the urn options and explained the 3-shot process.

I knew my cat would go unconscious quickly and wanted to be present with him while he went under. The vet wanted to chat as if I were a colleague about how euthanasia differs between dogs and cats, speaking loudly and distracting me after she administered the first shot. I quickly told her I needed more silence while I was trying to talk to my cat in his last conscious moments. She also spoke to my cat and kissed him on the head, which was well intentioned but failed to consider my boundaries and how this was MY relationship I was losing and how I could not redo this experience.

Perhaps she is used to diffusing some of the tension with humor and chitchat at other appointments, but I did not appreciate it. It should feel like you, the vet, are not even there. I feel this was treated more as a clinical encounter based on her behavior and less of a sacred experience. Don't make your clients/patients advocate for silence and space when they are actively grieving, please.