Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re uncertain, Dr. Fasano offers consultations to help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life. There is no pressure to make an immediate decision. We are here to guide you with compassion and honesty so you can make the choice that feels right for your family.

Common signs in cats include hiding more than usual, refusing food or water, rapid weight loss, labored breathing, loss of interest in grooming, and withdrawing from family. Cats are experts at masking pain, so even subtle changes in behavior can be significant. If you notice these signs, Dr. Fasano can help you evaluate your cat’s comfort and quality of life.

Absolutely. Dr. Fasano offers quality-of-life consultations by phone or in person. He will ask about your pet’s daily habits — eating, drinking, mobility, pain level, and engagement with your family — and provide an honest, compassionate assessment. There is never any pressure to make an immediate decision.

Most veterinarians and pet loss experts agree that it is better a week too early than a day too late. Waiting until your pet is in severe distress can mean unnecessary suffering. Choosing to let go while your pet still has some comfort is one of the most selfless decisions you can make. Dr. Fasano is here to help you find the right time.

No. At home pet euthanasia on Long Island with Royal Farewells is a gentle, painless process. Dr. Fasano first administers a sedative so your pet becomes deeply relaxed and unaware before the final medication is given. Your pet simply drifts off to sleep peacefully, without any pain or distress.

A typical at home pet euthanasia Long Island appointment lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. This includes time for Dr. Fasano to explain each step, administer sedation, and allow you and your family to say goodbye without feeling rushed.

Choose a quiet, comfortable space where your pet feels at ease — their favorite bed, couch, or spot in the yard. Have a blanket or towel nearby. There is no medical preparation needed for your pet. Simply focus on being present and giving them your love.

At home pet euthanasia on Long Island allows your pet to remain in familiar surroundings, free from the stress of a car ride and a clinical environment. Your entire family can be present, and there is no waiting room. The medical procedure is the same, but the experience is far more peaceful and private for both your pet and your family.

Yes. Dr. Fasano has experience with pets of all temperaments. At-home euthanasia is often easier for aggressive or anxious pets because they remain in their own environment, which reduces stress. Special protocols are used to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Dr. Fasano uses a combination of sedative and analgesic medications administered by intramuscular injection. These are the same medications used in veterinary hospitals. Within 5 to 10 minutes, your pet will drift into a deep, painless sleep. The sedation ensures your pet is completely relaxed and unaware before the final injection is given.

Yes. At-home euthanasia is available for both cats and dogs. In fact, cats often benefit even more from being at home because they are especially sensitive to the stress of car rides and unfamiliar clinical environments. Being in their own space keeps them calm and comfortable throughout the process.

There is no need to fast your pet or withhold food or water. In fact, we encourage you to spoil your pet with their favorite treats, meals, or snacks before and during the visit. This is a time to focus on comfort and love — let them enjoy whatever makes them happy.

Yes, we understand that end-of-life situations can arise unexpectedly. We do our best to accommodate same-day appointments whenever possible. A same-day fee may apply. Please call us at (516) 646-2172 to check availability.

You can call us at (516) 646-2172 or visit our contact page to reach out. We will walk you through the process and find a time that works for your family.

Royal Farewells is available 7 days a week, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. We offer appointments on weekends and holidays as well. A $125 surcharge applies to weekend, after-hours, and holiday appointments. Please call (516) 646-2172 or visit our appointments page to schedule.

We recommend booking 24 to 48 hours in advance when possible, but same-day appointments are often available. If your pet’s condition changes and you need to reschedule, we are happy to accommodate — there is no charge for rescheduling. Call us at (516) 646-2172 to find a time that works for your family.

Our base euthanasia fee is $525. Additional fees include: weekend or after-hours appointments ($125), same-day or holiday appointments ($125), and giant breed surcharge for pets over 100 lbs ($100). Memorial keepsakes are also available — clay paw prints ($40) and ink paw prints ($20). All fees are discussed upfront so there are never any surprises.

Yes, we accept CareCredit for payment. Regarding pet insurance, coverage for euthanasia varies by provider and plan. We provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please contact your insurer to confirm your coverage before your appointment.

Communal cremation, where your pet is cremated alongside other pets and ashes are not returned, starts at $750 (including euthanasia). Private cremation, where your pet is cremated individually and their ashes are returned to you in an urn, starts at $900 (including euthanasia). Ashes from private cremation are typically returned within 7 to 14 business days.

At-home euthanasia does cost more than a clinic visit, but many families feel the added comfort and privacy are well worth it. You avoid the stress of transporting a sick or immobile pet, emergency room fees, and the anxiety of a clinical waiting room. Your pet gets to pass peacefully in the place they love most — home.

Be honest and use age-appropriate language. Let your children know that your pet is very sick and in pain, and that the doctor is going to help them stop hurting. Allow children to say goodbye if they wish, and reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad. Many families find that being present during the process helps children understand and begin to grieve.

Yes, guilt is one of the most common emotions pet parents experience. It’s important to remember that choosing euthanasia is an act of love — you are putting your pet’s comfort above your own desire to keep them with you. Dr. Fasano is here to support you through this decision and help you find peace with it.

Grief after pet loss is real and valid. Allow yourself to feel sad, and don’t let anyone minimize your loss. Many people find comfort in creating a memorial, writing about their pet, or joining a support group. The ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline at (877) 474-3310 offers free grief counseling. Remember, it takes time — be patient and gentle with yourself.

Many animal behaviorists recommend allowing other pets in the household to see and sniff their companion after passing. This can help them understand what has happened and may reduce behaviors like searching, vocalizing, or waiting by the door. Dr. Fasano can guide you through this process if you choose to include your other pets.

Pet bereavement is absolutely real. The bond between a pet and their family is deep, and losing a pet is a genuine loss that deserves time and space to grieve. While not all employers offer formal pet bereavement leave, many are understanding when you explain the situation. We recommend scheduling your appointment on a day when you can take things slowly afterward.

We offer communal cremation, where your pet is cremated alongside other pets (ashes are not returned), starting at $750 including euthanasia. We also offer private cremation, where your pet is cremated individually and their ashes are returned to you in an urn of your choice, starting at $900 including euthanasia.

If you choose private cremation, yes — your pet’s ashes will be returned to you in an urn of your choice, typically within 7 to 14 business days. With communal cremation, ashes are not returned.

Yes. We offer clay paw prints, ink paw prints, and fur clippings as memorial keepsakes. These can be arranged at the time of your appointment so you have a lasting memory of your beloved pet.

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water-based cremation, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. It uses warm water and alkaline solution to gently return your pet’s body to its natural elements. If you are interested in aquamation, please ask Dr. Fasano about current aftercare options and availability during your appointment.

After private cremation, your pet’s ashes are typically returned within 7 to 14 business days. The ashes will be placed in an urn of your choice and delivered to your home or made available for pickup. Dr. Fasano will keep you informed throughout the process.

Yes, home burial is an option if you have private property. On Long Island, it is generally permitted to bury a pet on your own land. We recommend placing the burial at least 3 feet deep and away from any water sources. If you choose home burial, Dr. Fasano can leave your pet with you after the appointment. Check your local town or village regulations for any specific requirements.

No. There is no additional travel fee for any location within our service area. Whether you are in western Nassau County or eastern Suffolk County, the pricing is the same. Our goal is to make at-home pet euthanasia accessible to all Long Island families.

Yes. Dr. Fasano provides at-home euthanasia services in apartments, condos, townhouses, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes — anywhere your pet calls home. If your building has specific access requirements, just let us know when scheduling and we will make the necessary arrangements.