FAQs

Nobody can ever tell you when the 'right' time to say good bye will be, but this scale may help draw your attention to some important areas of your pet's life:

Quality of Life Scale

Your veterinarian can be an important resource as you make this decision as well. They've likely known your pet for many years, and their familiarity can help guide you in navigating this decision. Dr. Barnett can also speak with you about your pet's condition and the factors weighing into your decision.

Most importantly, give yourself the time and the permission to grieve. The bonds we share with our animals are very strong, and it hurts to say goodbye. This is a normal thing to experience. Find support in family, friends, and activities that you enjoy. And if you need someone else to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out; there are pet loss support hotlines and groups that can help you work through the grief over the loss of your companion.

Abiding Ties is a wonderful new resource for the community, providing pet loss grief support through Zoom format. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. For more information, click the link above or contact them through the phone or email below.

Abiding Ties Pet Loss Support Group 

This site contains several hotlines and online support groups that may help you work through the complex emotions that come with grieving the loss of a pet.

 This article from Outside Magazine can help articulate what so many may feel around losing their beloved companion--consider having a box of tissues handy as you remember that you aren't alone in your grief.

First, if you have a veterinarian you've worked with over the years, you may ask them if this is a service they offer. If they aren't able to come to your house, call or email us at Northern Winds Veterinary Services and we can discuss what your pet needs and set up a home appointment. While this service may not be available on an emergency or after-hours basis, planning ahead when a health issue is becoming a quality-of-life issue can allow an appointment to be made several hours to several days in advance.

This is a summary of the humane euthanasia process. This may be difficult to read about.

When Dr. Barnett arrives, if your pet is willing to eat, you can feel free to feed him or her as many treats and snacks as they want (even the forbidden ones, like chocolate!). We will fill out some paperwork, and then when you are ready, your pet will receive a cocktail of medications to cause anesthesia, or the loss of sensation and awareness.  This usually takes several minutes, and your pet can continue to enjoy your love, attention, and treats in the minutes before the medications start to affect them. This cocktail will make them totally unconcerned about anything else that happens, as though they are ready for surgery. Only once they are fully unaware of any surroundings will Dr. Barnett then administer a second injection which will stop all brain and body processes permanently. 

Safety for all involved is the most important thing. If you know ahead of time that your animal may not take kindly to Dr. Barnett's care and handling, please contact our office to discuss this, as there are several options which may make the visit less stressful as well as safer for them.

While dogs and cats are the most common pets Dr. Barnett works with, she  also has experience owning and providing veterinary care for a wide range of species, including horses, ruminants, pocket pets, reptiles, and birds. Please contact us to discuss your animal's needs.

While we unfortunately cannot provide services to the surrounding New England states, travel to other parts of New Hampshire or Maine may be possible depending on the schedule. Call to discuss your situation, and we can see if we can provide the care your pet needs. Otherwise, you may be able to find a clinic, emergency/urgent care, or other mobile practice to assist you.

This certainly complicates everything these days, including veterinary care. Dr. Barnett is vaccinated and boosted with the Moderna vaccine. She will wear a mask when she comes into your home if you wish--just ask! You are not required to wear a mask for the visit, but please remember that her health is what allows her to provide care to families and pets in need. If you or any of your household have been feeling ill, exposed to COVID, or have tested positive for COVID or other transmissible respiratory diseases around the time of your appointment, it is vital that you let her know, so that the best course of action can be determined.