At home end-of-life care, including euthanasia, comfort care, and acupuncture
The human animal bond is a profound and beautiful connection that drives us to care for and alleviate the suffering of our pets.
Our mission is to offer peace and comfort to both pets and their families as we navigate making the best decisions for them.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Anatole France
Services
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Acupuncture is the ancient medical art of inserting needles into specific points on the body that correspond to energy channels or meridians. The energy that flows through these Channels is called Qi (pronounced “chee”). Each of the 12 Regular Channels in the body represent a different organ/body system.
Specific points for needle insertion are chosen along the Channels to affect energy flow and promote healing of the organ/body systems. Even though acupuncture is thousands of years old, modern medicine has proven its positive effect.
Acupuncture can be used to treat almost any condition, but it is most commonly used for pain relief and to improve quality of life for our pets.
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Hospice care is typically employed when a pet has been diagnosed with a terminal illness where a cure isn’t possible.
Palliative care consists of treatments that provide comfort, and manage pain or other symptoms of disease.
These two types of care often go hand in hand in veterinary medicine and can offer extension of a good quality of life for our pets.
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Euthanasia is the process of providing a peaceful and controlled passing to spare our pets the suffering that can occur at the end of life, and during a natural death.
We administer anesthetic medications to calm your pet and allow them to slip into a deep plane of anesthesia where they are unaware, and feel no pain or anxiety. We then administer an additional medication that will result in the peaceful passing of your pet.
We will gently guide you through this process, allowing you to give your dearly loved pet the gift of leaving this life without pain, fear, or suffering.
All services are provided in the comfort of your home
Dr. Heather Smith, DVM, CVA
I have been practicing veterinary medicine in the Puget Sound area since 2003, with experience in small animal general practice, emergency care, mobile practice, relief work, practice growth, and Medical Director roles. Throughout my diverse career, my passion has been supporting pets and their families through the final stages of life.
I find fulfillment in helping ensure pets have a good quality of life, and when that’s no longer possible, helping families give the gift of a peaceful, pain-free passing for their pets surrounded by love. This is the focus I’ve chosen to dedicate my career to.
Resources
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Making decisions about euthanasia and your pet’s quality of life are never easy, but quality of life scales can offer clarity.
Please use the following links to access QOL measurement tools, or call us, and we can discuss your specific situation.
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Our pets are family members, and the pain of their loss can be profound.
Please use the following resources, or reach out to us if you would like support in your grief journey.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988
Tips for talking with children about pet loss
Be honest with your child
Speak about death in terms they can understand, but avoid euphemisms that may be confusing (ex. the pet was “put to sleep”)
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings surrounding the loss
Allow your child to grieve with you, and show by example it’s ok to be sad and cry
If possible, allow your child to say goodbye to your pet
Inform your child’s teachers and caregivers about the loss
Recommended books about pet loss for children
“The Invisible Leash”
“I Miss My Pet”
“Saying Goodbye to Lulu”
“My Pet Memory Book”
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House call* - starts at $50
Acupuncture first treatment - $155
Acupuncture subsequent treatments - $105
Hospice/palliative care treatments - vary by treatment
Euthanasia - starts at $375**
Communal cremation (ashes not returned to you) - starts at $125**
Private cremation (ashes returned to you) - starts at $325**
*House call payment is based on distance from 98012, is collected at the time of booking, and is non-refundable for same day cancellations
**Pricing is based on your pet’s weight
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Please feel free to reach out at any time to start a conversation about choices for your pet.
425-471-9133 (text or call)
Please allow up to 24 hours
for a response
In Memoriam
Send your memories to obituaries@fullcirclevet.org
(Please limit to one photo and 400 characters)
The moment this boy crawled into his mother's lap at the shelter and looked up at her with his sparkly brown eyes, he claimed her heart as his own. Charlie loved people. He also loved being his neighborhood block watch captain, sleeping in on the weekends with his parents, and lying in a warm sun spot on the floor. He was the very best boy. He will be forever loved and greatly missed.