A service to help people with their pets passing away has become available in the Norwich area.
CodaPet, which is offered in 114 cities across the country, offers at-home euthanasia service for pets. The service, where veterinary professionals make home visits and help with the process, began operating locally last week.
The service was started by veterinarians Bethany and Gary Hsia, and Dr. Karen Whala. Bethany Hsia was inspired to start CodaPet after she euthanized her own dog that had a bone cancer called osteosarcoma. Hsia and her family were gathered in the backyard. The dog lay in a sunny spot and departed from this life peacefully, instead of in a busy veterinary office. At home, she was able to be physically and emotionally present with her dog.
“I want every pet parent to have access to this sort of goodbye,” she said.
The name emphasizes the philosophy, as a coda represents the a beautiful ending to a musical movement or piece.
At home pet euthanasia is a growing trend, with both pet comfort and the difficulties off transporting a pet driving interest, Hsia said.
“(Some people) haven’t heard of it and haven’t realized it could be done that way,” she said.
How CodaPet works
People looking for the service can call 833-263-2738, or visit the website, and they’re connected with the closest provider. The veterinarian is alerted once credit card information is given, though they're not charged until services have been rendered. Prices are set by the veterinarian.
The veterinarian contacts the pet parents the night before or morning of the appointment to answer their questions. The veterinarian may or may not have an assistant with them during the euthanasia.
At the scheduled time, the veterinarian meets with the pet and its family. After signing paperwork, the veterinarian explains each step of the euthanasia and may sit with the family while the medications calm the pet before the final injection. The doctor can step out if the family wants privacy, “but they’re there for you in that moment,” Hsia said.
“They’re not having to juggle multiple patients,” Hsia said, comparing to a veterinary office.
After the pet has passed, the owner can work with CodaPet to coordinate cremation, coffins or turning the ashes into memorabilia.
If the CodaPet provider sees an animal and believes euthanasia isn’t the best choice, they will suggest alternatives to prolong the pet’s life, and refer the animal back to its regular practitioner. The veterinarian will bill for a consultation fee instead of a euthanasia fee.
“In those situations, the families are so happy and grateful for that,” Hsia said.
How providers are selected
CodaPet lets veterinarians approach them to offer the service in an area, instead of targeting an area, Hsia said.
“It’s really community-driven,” she said.
The CodaPet provider for the Norwich, Groton and New London area is Dr. Mary Juber, who has been practice veterinary medicine for 38 years. She left a private veterinary practice in 2020, wanting to avoid burnout. She started learning about in-home euthanasia soon after, and started working with CodaPet a year and a half ago. The company takes care of the business end, so Juber can focus on the pet and the family, she said.
The first week has gone well, as Juber has had several appointments in the service’s first week in Southeastern CT, Juber said.
Another veterinarian, Christina Vernon, has offered the CodaPet service for a year in the Phoenix, AZ area. CodaPet has helped provide flexibility in her own life, but also helped her better connect with pet parents.
“I get to see people who truly love their pets, and how deep that human-animal bond is,” she said.
At-home euthanasia is peaceful way for people to say goodbye to their four-legged family member, but people might not be yet aware of it as an option, Vernon said.
“I think it's great (CodaPet) is able to reach more people,” Vernon said.
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