What to expect
from start to finish.

Every visit is unhurried, compassionate, and guided by a licensed veterinarian with 18 years of experience. Here is exactly what happens from the moment you reach out to the moment we say goodbye.

A peaceful pet resting at home
01

You reach out

Text or call us at (404) 208-3608. There is no script, no intake form, no hold music. Our veterinarian is here to listen — to understand your pet's situation, answer your questions honestly, and help you think through your options without pressure.

If you are not sure whether it is time, that is okay. We have that conversation every day. You do not need to have made a decision before you call.

You are welcome to ask anything. No question is too small, and no feeling is wrong. This is your family's decision, and we are here to support it — whatever it looks like.
02

We schedule your appointment

We will find a time that works for your family — including same-day availability when possible. There is no rushing you toward a date or time that doesn't feel right. You set the pace.

Before the visit, we will go over what to expect so that nothing on the day comes as a surprise. We will also discuss aftercare options — cremation, home burial, keepsakes — so you can have those decisions made in advance, without having to think about them in the moment.

03

Our veterinarian arrives at your home

Our licensed DVM comes to you. No carrier, no car ride, no waiting room. Your pet stays in the place they know — their bed, their couch, their favorite spot in the yard. Wherever they are most at ease is where we will be.

Upon arrival, we will take a few moments to get settled, complete a brief consent form, review aftercare choices, and process payment. Then the focus shifts entirely to your pet and your family.

There is no next appointment waiting. We stay as long as your family needs.
04

A gentle sedative is given first

Before anything else, our veterinarian administers a sedative injection under the skin. This is similar to anesthesia — it allows your pet to become completely calm, deeply relaxed, and free of any anxiety or discomfort before the next step occurs.

The sedation takes effect gradually over 5 to 15 minutes. During this time, your pet may snore softly or take slow, deep breaths. You can stay right beside them — talking to them, holding them, loving them. Many families find this time to be unexpectedly peaceful.

Your pet's eyes will remain open as their muscles relax. This is normal. Our veterinarian will be right there, monitoring closely and gently assessing throughout.

Occasionally a pet may look around or vocalize briefly with the first injection. This passes quickly as the sedation takes hold. Our veterinarian will explain everything in real time.
05

A thorough assessment before proceeding

Once your pet is fully sedated, our veterinarian performs a careful assessment to confirm they are completely unconscious and do not respond to any stimuli. We never proceed to the final step until this is confirmed.

This step exists entirely for your pet's comfort and your peace of mind.

06

A peaceful, painless passing

Once your pet is fully at rest, our veterinarian administers the final injection — an intentional, gentle overdose of anesthesia. It is painless and peaceful. Most pets pass within 5 to 15 minutes.

You can remain at their side through the entire process. Hold them. Talk to them. There is no rush and no wrong way to say goodbye.

"The greatest gift you can give your pet is a peaceful passing, surrounded by the people they love most — in the place where they have always felt safe."
07

After they have passed

We give your family private time to say your final goodbye — as long as you need. There is no hurry.

If cremation is your choice, we will gently wrap your pet in a blanket and transport them with dignity and care to our partner cremation facility. Smaller pets are placed in a basket. Larger pets are carefully secured and transported on a stretcher.

Upon request, we will also make a courtesy notification to your family veterinarian of your pet's passing.

You will never feel
rushed or alone.

Gentle Sleep was built on one belief: that the end of a pet's life deserves the same quality of care as every other part of it. That means time, attention, and a veterinarian who has chosen this work because she believes in it.

Every family experiences this differently. Some need silence. Some need to talk. Some need to step away and come back. All of that is okay. We follow your lead.

One Veterinarian, Every Visit

You will always have the same licensed DVM — not a rotating contractor. Consistency matters during the hardest moments.

No Time Limits

Your appointment does not end when the procedure ends. We stay as long as your family needs to feel ready.

18 Years of Experience

Our veterinarian has guided families through this process since 2012. There is very little she hasn't seen, and nothing she isn't prepared for.

Children and Families Welcome

There is no right or wrong way for a family to gather. Children, elderly family members, everyone who loved this pet is welcome to be present.

Aftercare options,
handled with dignity.

We offer several aftercare options to honor your pet's memory. All arrangements can be discussed before or during the visit — there is no pressure to decide on the spot.

Home Burial

Your pet's remains are left in your care for burial. Local ordinances regarding home burial may apply and are the responsibility of the pet owner.

Communal Cremation

Your pet is transported to our partner cremation facility for communal cremation. Ashes are not returned. A paw print keepsake can be added for an additional fee.

Private Cremation

Your pet is cremated privately and their ashes are returned to you in a rosewood urn, along with a keepsake fur clipping and paw print impression.

View Full Pricing

We Are Here

Ready to talk,
whenever you are.

Whether you have questions about the process or you know it's time, reach out. There is no pressure, no script, and no wrong reason to call.

Text Us Now — (404) 208-3608