Need to talk? Call or text 484-301-0891

In-home pet euthanasia • West Chester, PA

A peaceful goodbye, at home.

Gentle, compassionate end-of-life care that lets your pet remain in the comfort and familiarity of home, surrounded by the people who love them most.

Calm Goodbyes – Your Mobile Vet is an in-home pet euthanasia service in West Chester, PA, led by Ruth Eriksson, VMD, a Penn Vet graduate practicing since 2001. Home visits for dogs, cats, and other companion animals start at $395 and are available in Chester County and parts of Delaware County.

A woman hugging her golden retriever and tabby cat at home
“A calm, unhurried space where you can say goodbye in your own way.”— Dr. Ruth Eriksson
Veterinarian since 2001University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicineIn-home veterinary care since 2018
Gentle support for a difficult day

In-home euthanasia for dogs & cats

Saying goodbye to a beloved dog, cat, or other companion animal is one of the hardest decisions a family can face. Calm Goodbyes provides a private, familiar setting and guides you through each step with clarity, care, and respect.

Calm, clear, and never rushed

What to expect during an in-home euthanasia

Dr. Ruth will explain the process, answer your questions, and move at a pace that feels right for you and your pet.

01

Arrival

You’ll receive a call or text approximately 20–30 minutes before arrival.

02

Conversation

Questions are answered, the plan is reviewed, and necessary forms and payment are handled gently.

03

Comfort

A calming sedative helps your pet relax and fall into a peaceful sleep while you spend quiet time together.

04

Passing

Once your pet is fully relaxed, the final medication is administered gently and peacefully.

05

Farewell

You may take the time you need afterward. If cremation is chosen, transportation to aftercare is arranged.

Dr. Ruth Eriksson
Meet your veterinarian

Dr. Ruth Eriksson

Dr. Ruth Eriksson is the founder and veterinarian behind Calm Goodbyes – Your Mobile Vet. She has practiced small-animal medicine since 2001 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

In 2018, Dr. Ruth began offering in-home veterinary services after seeing how stressful clinic visits can be for some pets, especially near the end of life. She created Calm Goodbyes in 2026 to meet the need for compassionate in-home euthanasia in West Chester and surrounding communities.

Her goal is simple: to give pets a gentle, dignified farewell while giving families privacy, time, and support.

Penn Vet graduate25+ years in practiceIn-home care since 2018
No surprises on an emotional day

In-home euthanasia cost & cremation pricing

Costs are reviewed before the appointment is confirmed.

In-Home Euthanasia

From $395

Includes consultation, travel within the primary service area, pre-sedation, and euthanasia.

Aftercare is not included. If aftercare is not selected, the family is responsible for burial or cremation arrangements.

Cremation & Aftercare

From $150
  • Communal cremation: from $150; ashes are not returned.
  • Individual cremation: from $275; ashes are returned in a carved wooden box.
  • Pricing varies by pet’s weight.
  • Clay paw-print keepsakes are available for an additional fee.

We use Abbey Glen Pet Memorial in West Chester, PA.

Additional fees may apply for same-day care, extended travel, larger pets, additional safety handling, or evening, weekend, and holiday appointments. Payments are arranged directly with Dr. Ruth or a team member, not through this website.

Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

How do I pay?

We accept cash, credit card, and Venmo. Checks are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

A girl gently kissing the head of her senior dog
Quality-of-life guidance

How to know when it’s time

There is rarely one perfect sign that tells a family when it is time. Looking at your pet’s day-to-day comfort can help make the decision more objective.

Comfort & pain
Appetite & hydration
Hygiene
Happiness & engagement
Mobility
More good days than bad

These areas follow the HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale developed by veterinarian Dr. Alice Villalobos: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad.

Use the printable checklist for dogs & cats →

If you are uncertain, you are welcome to call and talk through what you are seeing. You do not have to make the decision without veterinary guidance.

Service area

Serving West Chester & nearby communities

Calm Goodbyes generally serves homes in Chester County and parts of Delaware County within approximately 20–25 minutes of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Travel beyond the primary service area may sometimes be available for an additional fee.

  • Chadds Ford
  • Coatesville
  • Cochranville
  • Downingtown
  • Exton
  • Glen Mills
  • Kennett Square
  • Malvern
  • Paoli
  • Parkesburg
  • Thorndale
  • Unionville
  • West Chester

Not sure whether your home is within the service area? Call or text with your location and a team member can confirm availability.

What you may want to know

In-home pet euthanasia FAQs

How do I know when it’s the right time?

Consider pain or discomfort, appetite and hydration, mobility, breathing comfort, interest in favorite activities, and overall happiness. When difficult days begin to outnumber good days, it may be time to discuss end-of-life care with a veterinarian. Our printable quality-of-life checklist for dogs and cats can help you track these changes.

Will my pet feel pain?

The process is designed to be gentle. A sedative is given first so your pet can become deeply relaxed and comfortable before the final medication is administered.

How long does an appointment take?

Most visits last about 30–45 minutes, but families are not rushed. There is time for conversation, quiet goodbyes, the procedure itself, and discussion of aftercare.

Do you offer same-day, evening, or weekend visits?

Regular hours are Monday–Friday, 9 am–6 pm. Evening, weekend, and holiday visits are available by arrangement, and we do our best to accommodate urgent and same-day requests. Calls and texts are usually returned within a few hours. Additional fees may apply for same-day, evening, weekend, and holiday appointments. If your pet is in distress after hours, please contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

How do I schedule an appointment?

To schedule an in-home appointment, call or text 484-301-0891, or email info@calmgoodbyes.com. Share a few details about your pet, such as whether they’re a dog or cat and their weight, along with your location. If you give us your address, it helps us provide more accurate information.

Can children or other pets be present?

Yes, when it feels appropriate for your family. Some families include children and other pets; others prefer a more private goodbye. Dr. Ruth will support the choice that feels right for you.

Can my pet eat beforehand?

Yes. If your pet still enjoys food, you may offer a favorite meal or treats beforehand.

What should I prepare before the visit?

Choose a quiet, comfortable spot, like your pet’s bed, a favorite room, or outdoors in good weather, and place a soft blanket over a towel. Decide in advance who will be present and which aftercare option you prefer. You’re welcome to offer favorite treats and spend quiet time together. A team member will call or text 20–30 minutes before arrival, and Dr. Ruth will guide you through everything else.

What happens afterward?

You may spend time with your pet for your final goodbye. If you choose cremation, Calm Goodbyes can transport your pet to Abbey Glen Pet Memorial. Individual and communal cremation options are available. For gentle guidance in the days ahead, see our pet loss support resources.

What does in-home euthanasia cost?

Calm Goodbyes’ in-home euthanasia service starts at $395. Aftercare is separate: communal cremation starts at $150 and individual cremation starts at $275. Any applicable additional fees are discussed before the appointment is confirmed.

How do I pay?

We accept cash, credit card, and Venmo. Checks are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Payments are arranged directly with Dr. Ruth or a team member, not through this website.

Pet loss support

After your goodbye

Grief after losing a pet is real, and you don’t have to carry it alone. We’ve gathered gentle guidance for the days ahead, ideas for helping children and other pets, and a few trusted pet loss support lines.

Pet loss support & resources →
Here when you need support

You’re welcome to call, text, or email.

If you are unsure whether it is the right time, need to ask about availability, or simply want to understand the process, reach out. At initial contact, it is helpful to share your pet’s name, breed, approximate weight, health condition, and your location.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 am–6 pm
Evening, weekend, and holiday visits available by arrangement

Calls and texts are usually returned within a few hours. We do our best to accommodate urgent, same-day, evening, and weekend requests.

If your pet is in distress after hours, please contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

Call Dr. Ruth • 484-301-0891