FAQS

The loss of a pet is often a child’s first experience with death. It is important to have open communication and be honest with children who are old enough to take part in the conversation. It is also an opportunity to teach them about your beliefs in the afterlife. We typically recommend asking your child if they would prefer to be present or not at the appointment. It can also be helpful to include your child in making memorial items, such as paw prints, or participate in bucket list activities. For very young children who cannot understand death yet, they may be concerned about the family’s emotions/reactions and may take the family’s focus away from your pet. You ultimately know your child best and can determine what is appropriate for them. Dr. Shantelle is very patient and kind when helping children understand the euthanasia process.

Most pets do seem to understand when their housemate is ill and nearing death. They may distance themselves or may cling to their housemate. They also seem to understand that a pet is gone once they have passed away. If the housemate is rowdy, it may be appropriate for them to be outside or in another room during the appointment to provide your pet a calm atmosphere. We always recommend bringing them out afterwards to see their housemate’s body. Some pets may not want to approach the body at all, and some pets will sniff it and then walk away. Pets do grieve but seem to have a healthier relationship with death than we do. They require lots of love and attention if they are grieving. If the grieving is extreme, it may be necessary to speak with their regular veterinarian about temporary treatments that may help.

Please visit our How Do I Know It's Time? page.

In Missouri, animals must be buried within 24 hours of death. Burial sites shall not be in an area prone to flooding and the hole should be no more than 6 feet deep. The animals should be covered with a minimum of: 4 feet (for St. Charles County) or 2.5 feet (for Warren and Lincoln Counties) of soil. The burial site should be at least 50 feet from the property line, at least 300 feet from the neighbor’s residence, and more than 300 feet from any body of water such as a stream, lake, pond, well, etc. We live in an area with major groundwater contamination potential. If you choose burial for your aftercare, it is important to follow these regulations.

In-Home Euthanasia is $360 and includes paw prints and a fur clipping. Tele-Advice consultations are $75. 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 administers a sedative to help your pet 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. Paw prints and a fur clipping are included with every appointment. The appointment takes approximately 45–60 minutes from arrival to departure — there is no rush, and Dr. Shantelle focuses entirely on your family during this time.

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

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