Compassionate End-of-Life Care in Sacramento, CA

Supporting You and Your Pet with Dignity, Compassion, and Understanding

End-of-life Care

We're Here For You During This Difficult Time

Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the hardest decisions pet owners face. At Del Paso Veterinary Clinic, we understand the profound bond you share with your pet and the weight of this moment.

Dr. Khabra and our compassionate team provide gentle, dignified end-of-life care that honors your pet’s life and supports your family through this difficult transition. With over 80 years of serving Sacramento families, we’ve helped countless pet owners navigate this painful journey with grace and peace.

You are not alone. We are here to help, guide, and support you every step of the way.

Our End-of-life Care Services

Quality of Life Assessments

How do you know when it’s time? This is the question that weighs most heavily on pet owners’ hearts.

Dr. Khabra provides compassionate quality of life consultations to help you evaluate your pet’s current state and make informed decisions. We discuss:

The Five H’s of Quality of Life:

  • Hurt: Is your pet in pain that can’t be adequately controlled?
  • Hunger: Is your pet eating and drinking normally?
  • Hydration: Can your pet stay hydrated?
  • Hygiene: Can your pet stay clean, or are they soiling themselves?
  • Happiness: Does your pet still enjoy life and engage with family?

 

Additional Considerations:

  • Mobility and ability to stand or walk
  • Breathing comfort
  • Good days vs. bad days ratio
  • Response to treatment
  • Overall dignity and comfort

 

We help you understand where your pet is on this journey. Sometimes medical intervention can restore quality of life. Other times, the kindest gift we can give is a peaceful passing.

Palliative Care & Pain Management

When your pet has a terminal illness but isn’t ready to say goodbye, we provide supportive care focused on comfort:

Pain Management:

  • Medications to control pain from cancer, arthritis, or organ failure
  • Regular monitoring and dose adjustments
  • Multi-modal pain relief strategies
  • Same-day adjustments when needed

 

Symptom Control:

  • Medications to reduce nausea
  • Appetite stimulants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Breathing support when appropriate

 

Nutritional Support:

  • Prescription diets for specific conditions
  • Appetite-enhancing strategies
  • Hand-feeding guidance
  • Fluid therapy when needed

 

Home Care Guidance:

  • Making your pet comfortable at home
  • Managing incontinence
  • Mobility assistance
  • Creating a peaceful environment

 

Our goal is to maximize comfort and quality time together for as long as possible.

Humane Euthanasia

When the time comes, we provide peaceful, dignified euthanasia that allows your pet to pass gently and without pain.

The Process:

Before the Appointment:

  • We answer all your questions by phone
  • You can choose a quiet time
  • Bring family members who want to be present
  • Consider whether other pets should say goodbye

During the Procedure:

Step 1: Comfort & Preparation We give you as much time as you need with your pet. Dr. Khabra will explain the process and answer any questions.

Step 2: Sedation (Optional but Recommended) A gentle sedative relaxes your pet completely. They become drowsy and peaceful, unaware of what’s happening. This ensures they feel no anxiety or discomfort.

Step 3: The Final Injection Once your pet is deeply relaxed (or immediately if you decline sedation), Dr. Khabra administers the euthanasia solution. This medication causes the heart to stop peacefully within seconds. Your pet simply falls into a deep sleep and passes without pain or awareness.

What to Expect:

  • Your pet may take a deep breath or sigh
  • Muscles may relax, causing natural body movements
  • Eyes typically remain open
  • Bladder or bowels may release
  • These are normal, natural processes

 

You may stay with your pet as long as you need. There is no rush. This is your time to say goodbye.

Aftercare Options

We work with trusted pet cremation services and will help you arrange:

Private Cremation: Your pet is cremated individually, and ashes are returned to you in an urn.

Communal Cremation: Your pet is cremated with other pets. Ashes are not returned but are scattered in a respectful location.

Special Memorials: Paw print keepsakes, fur clippings, and other memorial options may be available through cremation services.

Home Burial: If you choose to bury your pet at home, we’ll provide guidance on doing so properly and legally.

Signs It May Be Time

These questions can help guide your decision:

Physical Comfort:

  • Is your pet in pain that medication can’t control?
  • Can your pet breathe comfortably?
  • Is your pet eating and drinking?
  • Can your pet stand, walk, or use the bathroom without distress?

 

Quality of Life:

  • Does your pet have more bad days than good days?
  • Has your pet lost interest in things they once enjoyed?
  • Does your pet seem withdrawn, depressed, or anxious?
  • Is your pet able to rest comfortably?

 

Dignity:

  • Can your pet maintain basic hygiene?
  • Is your pet aware of their surroundings?
  • Has your pet’s personality drastically changed?

 

Your Wellbeing:

  • Are you able to provide the care your pet needs?
  • Is caring for your pet causing significant stress or hardship?
  • Have you done everything you can to help your pet?

 

If you’re unsure, schedule a quality of life consultation. Dr. Khabra will provide honest, compassionate guidance.

Making The Decision

There is no “perfect” time. You may worry about being too early or too late. Most loving pet owners worry they’re acting too soon, when in reality they’ve waited until their pet is suffering.

Consider this perspective: It’s better to say goodbye a week too early when your pet still has dignity, than a day too late when they’re in pain or distress.

Trust yourself. You know your pet better than anyone. If you’re questioning whether it’s time, it probably is.

Dr. Khabra will never pressure you. He will provide medical information and honest assessment, but the decision is always yours.

Preparing For The Appointment

Emotional Preparation:

  • Allow yourself to grieve — this is one of life’s hardest moments
  • Decide who should be present (family members, children)
  • Consider whether you want to be in the room (it’s okay either way)
  • Plan for support after the appointment

 

Practical Preparation:

  • Bring a blanket or favorite toy
  • Consider taking paw prints or photos beforehand
  • Decide on aftercare arrangements
  • Arrange transportation if you’re too emotional to drive

 

For Children:

  • Use honest, age-appropriate language
  • Don’t say “put to sleep” (confusing for young children)
  • Allow them to say goodbye if they wish
  • Prepare them for what will happen
  • Validate their feelings and grief

 

Payment: We handle payment before or after the procedure, whatever is most comfortable for you. We accept CareCredit and ScratchPay for those who need payment assistance.

Grieving Your Pet

Grief is normal and natural. The loss of a pet is a profound loss, and your feelings are valid.

Common Grief Reactions:

  • Intense sadness and crying
  • Guilt over the decision (even when it was right)
  • Anger or numbness
  • Physical symptoms (fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep changes)
  • Sensing your pet’s presence
  • Missing your routine with them

 

Grief Support:

  • Allow yourself to feel your emotions
  • Talk about your pet with supportive friends and family
  • Create a memorial (photo album, planted tree, donation)
  • Consider pet loss support groups
  • Give yourself time — there’s no timeline for grief

 

When to Seek Help: If grief interferes with daily functioning for an extended period, consider speaking with a counselor who specializes in pet loss.

Grief Resources:

  • Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: aplb.org
  • Pet Loss Support Hotline: (855) 245-8214
  • Rainbow Bridge: rainbowsbridge.com

Considering Another Pet

There’s no right timeline for bringing another pet into your home.

You’ll know you’re ready when:

  • You can think about your pet with more joy than pain
  • You have emotional capacity to bond with a new pet
  • You’re adopting for the right reasons (not just to fill a void)
  • You’re excited about the prospect, not just avoiding grief

 

A new pet doesn’t replace the one you lost — they honor their memory by giving another animal a loving home.

End-of-life Care Faqs

Will my pet feel any pain during euthanasia?

No. The sedative ensures they’re completely relaxed and unaware. The final injection works within seconds to stop the heart peacefully. They simply fall asleep.

This is entirely your choice. Many people find comfort in being there. Others find it too difficult. Either choice is okay. Your pet feels loved either way.

If you’re asking this question, it’s probably close. Schedule a quality of life consultation with Dr. Khabra for guidance. Trust yourself — you know your pet best.

That’s completely normal. Dr. Khabra can provide medical perspective on your pet’s condition and quality of life. The decision is yours, but you don’t have to make it alone.

Yes, many people find this helps their other pets understand. They can see and sniff their companion, which may reduce anxiety and searching behavior afterward.

We’ll discuss costs when you call to schedule. Payment can be handled before or after, whatever feels right. We accept CareCredit and ScratchPay for those who need payment options.

You can take as much time as you need with your pet. We’ll handle aftercare arrangements with the cremation service, or you can arrange home burial.

Yes, guilt is one of the most common grief reactions, even when euthanasia was clearly the right decision. You gave your pet the final gift of a peaceful passing. That’s an act of love, not something to feel guilty about.

We perform euthanasia at our clinic where we can provide the most peaceful, controlled environment. We make the process as gentle and private as possible.

Please call us to discuss options. We never want cost to prevent a pet from receiving a humane, peaceful passing.

Why Choose Del Paso For End-of-life Care

Experienced, Compassionate Care Dr. Khabra’s 18 years of experience includes helping hundreds of families through this difficult decision with empathy and grace.

Unhurried Appointments We provide as much time as you need. This is your moment, and we won’t rush you.

Gentle, Peaceful Process We use sedation to ensure your pet is completely relaxed and unaware. The passing is peaceful and painless.

Private, Quiet Environment We provide a calm, respectful setting for this intimate moment.

Honest Guidance Dr. Khabra provides truthful medical information and quality of life assessments without pressure or judgment.

Aftercare Support We handle cremation arrangements and provide grief resources.

Multilingual Support Service in English, Spanish, Punjabi, and Hindi during this emotional time.

Payment Flexibility CareCredit and ScratchPay available for those who need payment assistance.

Trusted Since 1940 Over 80 years of supporting Sacramento families through every stage of their pets’ lives, including the final goodbye.

Reach Out For Support

If you’re struggling with this decision or need guidance, please call us. Dr. Khabra is here to help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and understanding.

Call (916) 925-2107 to discuss quality of life concerns or schedule an end-of-life consultation.

Email: office@delpasovetclinic.com

Visit: 924 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815

We’re here for you when you need us most.

Serving Sacramento & Surrounding Communities

Proudly providing wellness and preventive care for pets in:

  • Del Paso Heights
  • North Sacramento
  • Natomas
  • Robla
  • Arden-Arcade
  • West Sacramento
  • And surrounding neighborhoods