"If your family is at the hard part of every dog parent’s life where it’s time to say goodbye, this is the place to do it with. I would recommend this service over going to a traditional vets office any day."
Sydney H.

Compassionate, In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Durham Region, Ontario

Supporting families throughout Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, and surrounding areas with gentle, peaceful

end-of-life care at home.

Our team lives and works within Durham Region, caring for pets and their families here every day.

When the time comes to say goodbye, many families want the comfort of home, a familiar space, surrounded by love.

We provide compassionate in-home euthanasia for pets throughout Durham Region, supporting families in creating a peaceful, gentle goodbye at home.

Serving Durham Region
& Surrounding Areas

We serve families across Durham Region, with a primary service area that includes:

Pickering
Claremont
Ajax
Whitby
Brooklin
Oshawa
Courtice
Bowmanville

We also serve many surrounding communities throughout Durham Region and nearby areas when scheduling permits. If you’re unsure whether you’re within our service area, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

"We will always be thankful for the care they gave not just to him, but to us as well. 🤍"
Hayley T.

What to Expect
During an In-Home Euthanasia Visit.

When we visit families in Durham, our goal is simple: to create a peaceful, unhurried space where your pet can feel safe and you can feel supported.

We begin with a gentle conversation. There is always time for questions. Some families in Durham choose a favourite room, a sunny spot near a window, or a quiet place in the yard. We have even helped families to say goodbye at the beach! Others prefer the comfort of the living room where everyone can gather, including other pets. There is no “right” way, only what feels right for your family.

A sedative is always given first so your pet becomes deeply relaxed and peaceful. Once they are fully comfortable, the final medication is administered. The passing itself is quiet and painless.

You will never feel rushed. You may sit with your pet for as long as you need.

If it would be helpful, you can read more about what to expect during the visit on our What to Expect page.

Why Durham Families Choose Greenwood for In-Home Care

As we travel to help pets throughout Durham Region, we hear families telling us the same thing: They want their pet’s final moments to feel familiar.

In-home euthanasia allows your pet to remain in the place they know best, without the stress of a car ride or a clinic setting. For senior dogs who may struggle with mobility, or anxious cats who find travel overwhelming, staying at home can make an enormous difference.

Our team lives and works within the communities we serve, and collectively we bring over 50 years of experience caring for pets in this region.

We understand the deep bond between people and their animals because we’ve spent our lives caring for them, both professionally and personally.

Because we are located in Durham ourselves, we are often able to offer flexible scheduling, including urgent appointments when needed.

Our role is not only medical, it is supportive. We meet you exactly where you are, both physically and emotionally.

When the Time Feels Near

You don't have to navigate this alone

Reaching out can feel incredibly difficult. For many families, it is one of the hardest steps.

Some people connect with us when they are unsure what to do next. Others reach out when they feel the time may be close. There is no perfect moment, and no expectation that you should feel ready.

For many pets, being at home allows them to remain in a familiar, comfortable space, surrounded by the people who love them most. An at-home goodbye often feels calmer and more personal than a clinical setting.

For many families, choosing this path is a way of honouring the life they have shared, with comfort, dignity, and love at the centre of that experience.

Whether you are ready to move forward or simply beginning to explore your options, we are here to support you at your pace, in a way that feels right for you and your pet.

Connect With a Team Member

We’re here to answer your questions and support you in whatever comes next.

"I cannot say enough about the care and compassion we received from Greenwood Vet House Calls..."
Carla C.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when it’s time?

This is one of the hardest questions families face, and there is rarely a single clear answer. Often, it is a combination of changes in comfort, mobility, appetite, and overall quality of life.

There may never be a perfect moment, but we can help you find a peaceful one.

Many families find that their decision is guided not only by what feels right, but also by what no longer feels okay. Moments of distress, discomfort, or crisis can sometimes help clarify what we hope to avoid for our pets.

Choosing a peaceful, supported goodbye at home can sometimes help prevent the need for urgent decisions in a more stressful setting. For many, it becomes a way of protecting their pet from a moment that feels rushed or overwhelming.

If you are unsure, we are always happy to talk things through and help you assess what you are seeing.

What happens during an in-home euthanasia visit?
We begin by taking time to talk with you, answer any questions, and ensure everyone feels prepared.

We then spend a few quiet moments with your pet, observing their comfort, breathing, mobility, and gently confirming what you have been seeing at home. This helps provide a sense of reassurance and peace of mind before moving forward.

Your pet is first given a gentle sedative to help them relax and fall into a deep, comfortable sleep. Once they are fully at rest, the final medication is administered. The process is peaceful and unhurried, allowing you to be present in whatever way feels right.

You can also visit our What to Expect page for a more detailed overview.

Can my family be present?
Yes. You are welcome to include anyone who feels important to be there. Some families choose a quiet, intimate setting, while others include children or close friends. We will support whatever feels most appropriate for you.

Can other pets in the household be present?
Yes, other pets are welcome to be present if that feels right for your family. Some animals choose to stay close, while others may prefer to keep their distance.

For some households, having other pets nearby can feel comforting. In other cases, it may be helpful to have them settled in another room or outdoors during the visit, especially if they are anxious, excitable, or likely to be a distraction. They can always be invited back in afterwards.

We do ask that all pets present during the visit are calm and comfortable with a new person in the home, so that the environment remains peaceful and safe for everyone involved.

If you are unsure what would be best for your household, we are always happy to talk it through with you.

What if my pet is anxious, fearful, or has a history of aggression?
You are not alone in this, and we can often help.

Many pets are more relaxed at home than they are in a clinic setting. For those who are nervous with visitors or have a history of reactivity, we take a thoughtful and individualized approach.

In these situations, we will arrange a call with one of our doctors ahead of time to talk through your pet’s behaviour and develop a plan to help keep them as calm and comfortable as possible, while ensuring everyone’s safety. In many cases, simple adjustments to timing, environment, or pre-visit medication can make a meaningful difference.

There are rare instances where a home visit may not be possible due to safety concerns. If that is the case, we will be honest with you and help guide you toward the safest option.

How quickly can an appointment be arranged?
We strive to accommodate in-home appointment requests within 2 to 3 business days.

In many cases, next-day appointments are available, and same-day visits can often be arranged depending on availability. If your pet’s condition is changing quickly, please let us know and we will do our best to help.

Do you offer pre-planning or consultations before the appointment?
Yes. Many families find it helpful to talk through options in advance, even if the time is not immediate. These conversations can provide clarity and help ensure that when the time comes, decisions feel a little less overwhelming.

What happens after the visit?
After your pet has passed, you are welcome to spend a few quiet moments together if you wish. There is no need to rush, and we will move at a pace that feels right for you.

If you would like keepsakes, such as paw prints or fur clippings, these can be created during this time.

If you have chosen cremation through Gateway Pet Memorial, your pet will be gently carried to the doctor’s vehicle and transported to our doctor's home. They will then be transferred into Gateway’s care, and any items, including ashes, are typically returned to your regular veterinary clinic within one to two weeks.

If you have made other aftercare arrangements, we will support those plans as discussed.

Do you travel outside of Durham Region?
We primarily serve families throughout Durham Region, including Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, and Bowmanville, but we frequently travel to surrounding areas as well. If you are outside our primary area, please reach out and we will let you know if we are able to accommodate your location.

What if I’m not sure it’s time yet?
You are not alone in feeling this way. Many families reach out while they are still trying to understand what their pet needs and what the next steps might look like.

In addition to in-home euthanasia, we offer virtual consultations that can help guide you through this stage. These include Pathway Consultation for palliative care, Crossroads Consultations for quality of life discussions, and GreenLeaf Consultation to explore comfort and symptom management using cannabis products.

These appointments are done by phone or video and are designed to help you feel more informed, supported, and confident in whatever decisions lie ahead.

If you are unsure where to begin, we are always happy to help guide you to the option that feels most appropriate.

How much does it cost?
The total cost depends on a few factors, including your location, the timing of the appointment, and the aftercare option you choose.

We believe in being transparent about fees and will always walk you through the options so you can make a decision that feels right for your family.

You can find a general overview on our Fees & Policies page, or you are always welcome to reach out and we can provide more specific guidance based on your situation.

What if my pet is in distress, or this feels urgent?

If your pet is experiencing sudden or severe distress, we recommend contacting your regular veterinarian or a local emergency hospital for immediate care.

If this occurs during our regular office hours, you are welcome to reach out to us as well. If we are available, we will do our best to help or guide you. If not, your regular veterinarian or an emergency clinic will be the best option to ensure your pet receives prompt care

"If your family is at the hard part of every dog parent’s life where it’s time to say goodbye, this is the place to do it with. I would recommend this service over going to a traditional vets office any day." Sydney H.