Supporting You and Your Pet with Dignity, Compassion, and Understanding
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.
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:
Additional Considerations:
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.
When your pet has a terminal illness but isn’t ready to say goodbye, we provide supportive care focused on comfort:
Pain Management:
Symptom Control:
Nutritional Support:
Home Care Guidance:
Our goal is to maximize comfort and quality time together for as long as possible.
When the time comes, we provide peaceful, dignified euthanasia that allows your pet to pass gently and without pain.
The Process:
Before the Appointment:
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:
You may stay with your pet as long as you need. There is no rush. This is your time to say goodbye.
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.
These questions can help guide your decision:
Physical Comfort:
Quality of Life:
Dignity:
Your Wellbeing:
If you’re unsure, schedule a quality of life consultation. Dr. Khabra will provide honest, compassionate guidance.
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.
Emotional Preparation:
Practical Preparation:
For Children:
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.
Grief is normal and natural. The loss of a pet is a profound loss, and your feelings are valid.
Common Grief Reactions:
Grief Support:
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:
There’s no right timeline for bringing another pet into your home.
You’ll know you’re ready when:
A new pet doesn’t replace the one you lost — they honor their memory by giving another animal a loving home.
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.
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.
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.
Proudly providing wellness and preventive care for pets in: