Frequently Asked Questions

The loss of a pet is often a child's first experience with death. It's important to have open communication and be honest with children who are old enough to take part in the conversation — it's also an opportunity to teach them about your beliefs on the afterlife. We typically recommend asking your child whether they'd like to be present at the appointment, and it can help to include them in memorial activities like paw prints or a bucket list day beforehand. Very young children who don't yet understand death may instead be concerned about the family's emotions, which can pull focus away from your pet — you know your child best and can judge what's appropriate. Dr. Shantelle is very patient and kind when helping children understand the euthanasia process.

Most pets seem to understand when a housemate is ill and nearing death — some will distance themselves, others cling closer, and most seem to understand once their housemate has passed. If the housemate is rowdy, it may be best for them to wait outside or in another room during the appointment so your pet has a calm atmosphere. We always recommend bringing them in afterward to see the body; some pets sniff and walk away, others linger, but this seems to support their grieving process. Pets do grieve, though often with a healthier relationship to death than we have — they need extra love and attention afterward, and if grieving seems extreme, it may help to talk to their regular veterinarian about temporary support.

Quality of life assessments can help guide this difficult decision — evaluating your pet's pain, appetite, mobility, and behavior over time often makes the picture clearer than any single day. Dr. Shantelle also offers Tele-Advice consultations to talk through your pet's condition with you. Visit our How Do I Know It's Time? page for detailed quality of life resources and guidance.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, Zelle, Apple Pay, and cash, as well as flexible financing through ScratchPay for those who need it. Payment is due before the appointment starts to allow us to focus directly on your pet.

In Missouri, pets must be buried within 24 hours of death. The burial site should not be in an area prone to flooding, and the hole should be no more than 6 feet deep. Pets should be covered with at least 4 feet of soil in St. Charles County, or 2.5 feet in Warren and Lincoln Counties. The site should be at least 50 feet from the property line, 300 feet from a neighboring residence, and more than 300 feet from any body of water such as a stream, lake, pond, or well — our area has significant groundwater contamination potential, so these regulations matter. Always check with your local municipality for any additional restrictions.

In-home euthanasia is $360 and includes paw prints and a fur clipping. Tele-Advice consultations are $75, and Body Care appointments are $150. Cremation ranges from $100-$200 for communal cremation to $250-$350 for private cremation. Financing is available through ScratchPay.

Passing Paws serves St. Charles County (including Wentzville, O'Fallon, St. Peters, Lake St. Louis, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, St. Charles, Weldon Spring, New Melle, Defiance, Innsbrook, Foristell, Flint Hill, Marthasville, and St. Paul), parts of Lincoln County (Moscow Mills, Troy, Foley, Old Monroe, Hawk Point, Elsberry, Winfield), and parts of Warren County (Warrenton, Wright City).

The appointment is a gentle two-step process. First, Dr. Shantelle gives a sedative so your pet can relax peacefully in your presence. Once your pet is fully sedated and comfortable, a second medication is given to gently stop the heart. The entire process is calm and peaceful, and paw prints and a fur clipping are included with every appointment.

Most appointments take approximately 45–60 minutes from arrival to departure. This allows ample time for your family to say goodbye, for the two-step process to be completed gently, and for paw prints and fur clippings to be collected. There is no rush — Dr. Shantelle focuses entirely on your family during this time.

Passing Paws primarily serves dogs and cats. For pets over 35 lbs, additional lifting assistance may be required.