Question 1

What is euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

Euthanasia refers to the intentional act of ending a life in a humane, painless manner. It is performed by a licensed veterinarian who administers an overdose of anesthesia, allowing a peaceful, falling asleep feeling at the end. This decision is typically made when an animal's quality of life is compromised due to severe illness, incurable conditions, significant pain, or advanced age. Euthanasia is a compassionate way to alleviate suffering and provide a peaceful end to life.

Question 2

Why choose Companion Crossroads?

Accepted Answer

Companion Crossroads provides in-home euthanasia to families and their pets who want to say goodbye in a more peaceful, private environment. Allowing a pet to pass in the comfort of their own home reduces stress to both the pet and the family while also providing a more respectful end of life experience. Companion Crossroads is a small local business and not a large corporation. Therefore, families and their pets receive more personal, individualized care with the veterinarian spending at least an hour with each family. We do our best to honor any family traditions and religious customs. Dr Megan with Companion Crossroads also personally provides all cremation services so that your pet's care remains with a veterinarian until safely being returned to you.

Question 3

Does Companion Crossroads offer aftercare cremation services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Megan is the owner of both Companion Crossroads and Green Heart Pet Water Cremation. After the home visit, the veterinarian will directly transport your pet to Green Heart and they will remain under the care of a veterinarian until their ashes are safely returned to you. This is a unique service very different from other mobile services that only Companion Crossroads and Green Heart can provide, ensuring that your pet is fully respected during all stages of care including their afterlife.

Question 4

What areas does Companion Crossroads serve?

Accepted Answer

Companion Crossroads provides service to the greater Denver area including the City of Denver, Arvada, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton, Aurora, Morrison, Westminster, Thornton, Englewood, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and Broomfield. Appointments outside of our standard service area (C-470) including Evergreen, Conifer, Bailey, Idaho Springs, Castle Rock, Parker, Brighton, Longmont, and beyond are available upon request but may be subject to a travel fee. Please call or text for extended service area appointments, as additional travel time is often required.

Question 5

Does Companion Crossroads offer euthanasia for farm animals, exotics, or small pocket pets?

Accepted Answer

Companion Crossroads believes that all animals deserve a respectful passing, however, unique accommodations are often required for these special companions. Please submit an inquiry so that we can determine if Companion Crossroads is the best option for your pet.

Question 6

Does Companion Crossroads offer evening, weekend, or holiday appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Companion Crossroads is able to accommodate appointments outside of normal business hours including evenings, weekends, and some holidays. Please email, call, or text or submit an inquiry to check our after-hours availability on your preferred day. Additional after-hours fee may apply.

Question 7

Can I bury my pet at home?

Accepted Answer

While home burial may feel like a natural or comforting choice, there are important reasons why it is not recommended:

Medication Safety: The medications used to provide a peaceful passing are extremely toxic to wildlife, other animals, humans, and even the water supply if the burial site is disturbed. Curious pets, wildlife, or livestock could be harmed if they come into contact with a buried pet. Burial sites should be at least 4 feet deep and at least 200 feet from any water source, well, or food garden.

Legal Restrictions: In many cities and counties, home burial of pets is restricted or prohibited due to health, environmental, and zoning regulations. It is important to know that what feels private and personal may not be permitted by law.

Future Concerns: Families sometimes find themselves needing to exhume their pet when selling or moving from their home, an emotionally difficult and unexpected situation. Sadly, we have had clients who had to go through this painful process.

Because of these reasons, we generally recommend cremation, which is safe, legal, and provide ashes that you can keep, scatter, or memorialize in a way that can always move with you.

Question 8

What should I expect during my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Making end of life decisions for our companions is incredibly difficult and Companion Crossroads is here to support you through the process. Preparing the family, environment, and pet can help make the transition as peaceful as possible. Please refer to our preparation recommendations for additional information.

Question 9

Can other pets or children be present for the euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

Ultimately it is the decision of the family whether or not they feel it is best to have young children or other pets present. Consideration for your companion's comfort during their final moments should be of top importance while making this decision. Depending on the temperament of your other pets and the age of your child, having them present may provide a more calming environment for your companion. However, it can also cause additional stress for you and your companion if other pets or small children are moving around excessively and making a lot of noise. Companion Crossroads can help guide you through this decision and will honor the request and traditions that are best for your family.

Question 10

Does Companion Crossroads offer behavioral euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral euthanasia is a controversial topic that refers to the difficult decision to euthanize an animal due to severe behavioral issues that ultimately affect the quality of life for the pet or the family. These typically are very aggressive dogs who pose a constant threat to other animals and society. Unfortunately, some families are faced with this decision when medical care, rehabilitation, and behavioral training have failed. Companion Crossroads understands these unique, challenging situations and will work with families under most circumstances. Because special accommodations and extra time are often required to ensure a smooth process for your pet, please submit a detailed inquiry before scheduling online.

Please be advised though that under Colorado Law, Companion Crossroads legally cannot euthanize a pet that has bitten a human or another animal within the past 10 days. Such pets must be quarantined for 10 days or tested for rabies. Please contact your family veterinarian or county animal services for additional information and options.

Question 11

How much does an in-home consultation or euthanasia cost?

Accepted Answer

Companion Crossroads offers in-home euthanasia for for dogs, cats, and small pocket pets. The home care visit $350 ($450 evenings/weekends) for homes within the greater Denver area (inside C-470). A travel fee may apply for homes outside of C-470. This includes the veterinarian traveling to your home within normal business hours and service area, pre-medication/sedation, and euthanasia. Cremation is available for an additional fee. Appointments usually last 45-60 minutes.

An in-home quality of life consultation costs $300 and usually last 45-60 minutes. An additional $100 fee applies if euthanasia is ultimately elected for in-home consultations. A travel fee or after hours fee may be applied for appointments scheduled outside of normal business hours and service area.

Question 12

What forms of payment does Companion Crossroads accept?

Accepted Answer

Companion Crossroads accepts all major credit cards (processed via Square), Zelle, personal checks (made out to Companion Crossroads), and cash (please note that change is not carried). A deposit of $50 is required at the time of booking which will be applied to your final invoice.

Question 13

What happens if I have to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand that circumstances may arise that require you to cancel your in-home appointment. However, to maintain quality care for our clients and open availability for other families in need, appointments cancelled within 24 hours of scheduled appointment are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Please visit our terms and conditions for additional information. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us or submit an inquiry online.

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