Questions we hear
every day.

In-home pet euthanasia is a veterinary service where a licensed DVM comes to your home to provide a peaceful, humane end of life for your pet. Rather than making a stressful trip to a clinic, your pet passes in the comfort of their own environment — in their bed, on their favorite couch, or wherever they feel most at ease — surrounded by the people who love them.

Every Gentle Sleep appointment is performed by the same licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine — not a rotating network of contractors. In Georgia, in-home euthanasia must be performed by a licensed DVM, and we take that responsibility seriously. You will always know exactly who is coming to your home.

We serve families throughout the greater Atlanta metro area, including Marietta, Roswell, Woodstock, Canton, Acworth, Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Holly Springs, and surrounding communities. Travel outside our standard service area may be available with a fuel surcharge — text us to find out if we can reach you.

We are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm. Same-day appointments are available when possible — please text us at (404) 208-3608 to check availability.

Yes, when possible. We understand that sometimes a pet's condition changes quickly and families need support sooner rather than later. Text or call us at (404) 208-3608 and we will do our best to accommodate urgent situations.

Yes. We provide in-home euthanasia for both dogs and cats. Please contact us regarding other species — we are happy to discuss your situation.

No. The process is designed to be completely painless and peaceful. We begin with a gentle sedative that allows your pet to become fully relaxed and unconscious before the final injection is ever administered. Your pet will not feel pain or distress.

The medical process itself typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, we do not put a time limit on our visits. We arrive, settle in, take care of any paperwork, and then focus entirely on your pet and your family. We stay as long as you need after your pet has passed.

Absolutely. You are welcome — and encouraged — to stay with your pet throughout the entire appointment. You can hold them, talk to them, and love them right up until the very end. You can also step out at any point if you need to. There is no right or wrong way to be present for this.

Yes. The decision of whether to include children is entirely yours. Many families find that including children — with age-appropriate preparation and honest conversation — helps them process the loss more fully. Our veterinarian is experienced working with families of all sizes and ages.

Occasionally a pet may briefly look around or vocalize with the initial sedative injection. This is normal and passes quickly as the sedation takes hold. Our veterinarian will explain everything as it happens and will not proceed to the next step until your pet is fully and completely sedated.

Pricing depends on the size of your pet and whether you choose to add cremation services. Euthanasia only starts at $375 for pets under 25 lbs. Packages that include communal or private cremation range from $525 to $945. Full pricing is available on our Pricing page.

Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards. We collect payment before the procedure begins so that your family can be fully present afterward without any administrative concerns.

We do not currently offer payment plans. If cost is a concern, please reach out — we are happy to discuss options and help you find the right path for your family.

We offer three options: home burial (your pet's remains stay with you), communal cremation (no ashes returned), and private cremation (ashes returned in a rosewood urn with a fur clipping and paw print). Full details and pricing are on our Pricing page.

Your pet will be wrapped gently in a blanket of your choice. Smaller pets are placed in a basket. Larger pets are carefully secured in a cloth receptacle and transported on a stretcher. Every step is handled with dignity and care.

Yes — home burial is an option we support. If you choose this path, your pet's remains will be left in your care after the visit. Please be aware that local ordinances regarding home burial vary by county and municipality in Georgia, and compliance is the responsibility of the pet owner.

Yes, upon request. We will make a courtesy notification to your family's veterinarian of your pet's passing. Just let us know when you schedule your appointment.

This is the hardest question, and there is no perfect answer. General signs that quality of life has declined include: inability to eat or drink, chronic unmanaged pain, loss of mobility, incontinence, withdrawal from people and activities, and more bad days than good. Our Is It Time? page has a full overview. We also offer a Quality of Life Consultation ($300) for families who want a thorough, in-person evaluation before making a decision.

That is completely okay. You do not need to have made a decision before reaching out. Call or text us and we can talk through what you are seeing, answer your questions, and help you feel more informed — without any pressure toward a particular outcome.

If you are asking this question, it is because you love your pet deeply and want to do right by them. Choosing a peaceful, painless passing for an animal in decline is one of the most profound acts of care a person can give. Most families, with time, come to understand their decision as an act of love — not loss of faith. You are not alone in this.