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FAQ

Services & Logistics

Grey Whiskers provides in-home care throughout Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, and Bearspaw.

If you live just outside these areas, please reach out — I’ll do my best to accommodate you or help connect you with another trusted veterinarian nearby.

Grey Whiskers Veterinary Services is a mobile, appointment-based practice and does not provide emergency or 24-hour veterinary services.

If your pet is in distress, pain, or experiencing an emergency, please seek immediate care from one of the following 24-hour veterinary hospitals:

Calgary Area:

  • 🏥 VCA CARE Centre — 7140 12 St SE, Calgary | (403) 520-8387
  • 🏥 VCA Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre — 1802 10 Ave SW, Calgary | (403) 770-1340
  • 🏥 Trinity Hills 24 Hour Pet Hospital — 80 Na’a Dr SW, Calgary | (403) 233-7888
  • 🏥 Paramount 24 Hour Animal Hospital — 40 Country Hills Landing NW, Calgary | (403) 300-9111

Okotoks Area:

  • 🏥 SAVE – Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency — 322233 15 St E, Foothills County | (403) 995-3270

If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition is urgent, please contact one of the above hospitals for immediate guidance.

Grey Whiskers Veterinary Services focuses on peaceful at-home euthanasia, palliative, and quality-of-life care by appointment only. If you reach out after hours, messages will be returned the next business day.

Euthanasia appointments are generally about an hour, giving everyone time to say goodbye without feeling rushed.

Quality-of-life consultations and other discussions usually take around 30 minutes, though we’ll always take the time you need.

I do my best to respond to every request as soon as possible.

Because I work alone and each visit is unhurried, it may take 1–2 business days to find a time that fits. Urgent cases will always be given priority whenever possible.

I currently see dogs and cats, and I’m honoured to help them and their families through this part of their journey.

Travel within Calgary is included in appointments. 

If you’re farther out, a small travel fee may apply to help cover time and distance.

Care & Comfort

There isn’t. While my focus is on senior and geriatric pets, I also help younger animals facing serious illness or sudden decline. Every pet deserves comfort and dignity, no matter their age.

Many pets become fearful or protective when they’re unwell — that’s completely understandable.

I’ll ask a few questions beforehand to learn about your pet’s triggers, and we can discuss gentle anti-anxiety or calming medications to make the visit as peaceful as possible. My goal is always to keep your pet calm and feeling safe.

Yes, absolutely. You’re welcome to be beside your pet for the entire visit — holding them, talking to them, or simply being present.

Some families prefer to step away for a moment, and that’s okay too. I’ll guide you through each step so you can make the choice that feels right for you.

Pets are very good at hiding pain. You might notice subtle changes — they don’t play as much, hesitate to climb stairs, or seem restless at night.

Sometimes the changes are quiet: eating less, isolating, or seeming “not themselves.”

During a quality-of-life visit, I can gently observe your pet in their familiar space to help you understand what they may be feeling and what options can bring relief.

Little changes at home can make a big difference.

You can place yoga mats or rugs to prevent slipping, add ramps or harnesses for stairs, and make sure food and water are easy to reach.

Gentle, predictable routines and soft bedding can also help your pet rest easier. We can talk through more ideas tailored to your pet’s needs during our visit.

While I’m not a rehabilitation specialist, I can help identify where your pet may be sore or weak and refer you to trusted rehab veterinarians or therapists who can provide a more detailed plan.

Euthanasia Support

This is never an easy question.

There are tools, like the Quality-of-Life Scale, that can help guide your thoughts (I’ll share a link). But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story — your insight as your pet’s family matters most.

Sometimes, choosing euthanasia is not just about ending pain, but about allowing peace and preserving dignity. You don’t have to face that decision alone — I’m here to talk it through with you.

When I arrive, we’ll talk first. I’ll explain every step and answer any questions you have.

Your pet will then receive a gentle sedative, allowing them to relax deeply — often drifting into sleep in your arms or on their favourite blanket.

Once they’re comfortable and unaware, a final medication is given that allows them to pass peacefully.

Sometimes small movements or sounds happen afterward — these are natural reflexes and don’t mean your pet is in pain. The process itself is completely painless.

Yes. Being at home means everyone can say goodbye in their own way — whether that’s sitting nearby, lying beside them, or just quietly watching. Other pets are welcome to be there too, and many families find this helps them understand the loss.

In Calgary, city bylaws require cremation unless a family owns private property that meets burial regulations.

You may choose between:

  • Private cremation, where your pet’s ashes are returned in a chosen urn.
  • Communal cremation, where ashes are respectfully scattered in a memorial garden.

Keepsakes such as paw prints, fur clippings, or memorial jewelry can also be arranged if you wish.

Yes, absolutely. You’re welcome to be beside your pet for the entire visit — holding them, talking to them, or simply being present.

Some families prefer to step away for a moment, and that’s okay too. I’ll guide you through each step so you can make the choice that feels right for you.

There’s no “right” way to prepare — grief comes in waves, even before saying goodbye.

A quality-of-life consultation can sometimes help you feel more grounded in the decision.

Remember, choosing euthanasia is an act of love — a final gift of peace, comfort, and dignity for your companion.

Pricing & Payment

I aim to be transparent and fair with all fees. Because costs vary slightly with distance and aftercare options, I’ll provide a full estimate when you reach out to book an appointment.

Please visit this page to request a pricing guide.

At this time, I’m unable to offer formal payment plans, but please let me know if finances are a concern. I can share information about local assistance programs that sometimes help with end-of-life care costs.

Direct billing isn’t available, but I’ll provide detailed receipts for you to submit to your insurance provider. Many plans will cover some or all costs of euthanasia or palliative care.

Travel within Calgary is included in appointments. 

If you’re farther out, a small travel fee may apply to help cover time and distance.

I accept Debit, Credit (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX), Cash, and Cheque.

Payment is kindly requested at the time of service.