I used All City Pet Care West for an in-home euthanasia for my dog, Grace. The vet was kind, and I…read moreappreciate that this service exists, but overall I was very disappointed.
Grace had a very distressing reaction to the sedative. She yelped, fought it, and ran, and it lasted several minutes. During this, there was no reassurance from the vet that this was normal, that Grace was okay, or that she was not in pain. I was left panicking and confused in the middle of saying goodbye.
Afterward, I had to Google what was happening and why she reacted that way, which no grieving pet owner should have to do.
Grace was a very muscular pit bull, and I later learned this reaction is common in muscular bully breeds because sedation can affect them unevenly due to muscle mass and metabolism. This should have been explained to me beforehand.
I also called several times the week before and specifically asked that someone come with the vet to help carry Grace to the car afterward. I was assured this would be provided, but no one came. I had to lift her onto the stretcher and carry her to the car myself, which was extremely difficult emotionally.
Additionally, I was told that I would receive Grace's nose print. The vet said it would be ready when I picked up her ashes. When I picked up her ashes, I was told the nose print would be mailed to me. I still have not received it.
For the cost, I expected better communication, more reassurance during a chaotic moment, and follow-through on what I was told would be provided.