Deciding to let a beloved pet go is one of the hardest things a family can face. The question of whether it’s the right time, the fear of making the wrong choice, and the grief of what’s coming — these are things no one should have to navigate alone. At Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer provide compassionate, unhurried end-of-life care for dogs and cats, guiding families through this decision with honesty, warmth, and the kind of support that only comes from veterinarians who already know your pet.
Dr. Miller and Dr. Stayer co-founded Pawtown because they believe this community deserves a veterinary practice that feels like family — and that commitment matters most when the moments are hardest. When you need to talk through your pet’s quality of life, you’re not calling a stranger. You’re calling the doctors who’ve cared for your animal, who know their history, and who can give you honest guidance without pressure. The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes that end-of-life care focused on quality of life is one of the most important services a veterinary team provides. For a complete overview of everything Pawtown provides, visit our veterinary services page.
How Do I Know When It's Time? Understanding Quality of Life
The most common question families bring to this conversation is: how do I know when it’s time? There’s no single answer, but there are clear signals that help guide the decision. Dr. Miller and Dr. Stayer evaluate quality of life across five dimensions that research supports as the most meaningful indicators.
One of the most practical tools families use is a good-days-versus-bad-days calendar. Tracking daily for two to four weeks gives you an objective record that’s easier to interpret than memory alone. If bad days consistently outnumber good ones, that pattern is meaningful. Dr. Miller and Dr. Stayer welcome these conversations at any point — you don’t need to wait until a crisis to ask.
What to Expect: The Euthanasia Process at Pawtown
For families who choose in-clinic euthanasia at Pawtown, the experience is designed to be unhurried, private, and entirely centered on your pet and your family’s comfort.
You are welcome to stay with your pet throughout the entire process, and we encourage families to take as much time as they need before and after. Children can be present if they feel comfortable and if you feel it’s right for them. There is no wrong way to say goodbye.
In-Clinic vs. In-Home Euthanasia: Understanding Your Options in Bend
Several providers in Central Oregon offer in-home euthanasia for families who want their pet to pass in a familiar environment. Pawtown performs euthanasia in our clinic during business hours. Both options are compassionate — the right choice depends on what will feel most peaceful for your family and your pet.
Families who choose Pawtown for this care often do so because of the existing relationship — because Dr. Miller or Dr. Stayer has known their pet for years and they want those doctors present at the end. For pets who experience severe anxiety during car travel or who have significant mobility limitations, in-home services may be worth exploring. Dr. Miller and Dr. Stayer can discuss both paths honestly and help you decide what fits your family’s situation.
Pet loss is real grief, and the people who love animals the most sometimes feel pressure not to show how hard it is. Dr. Miller and Dr. Stayer take this seriously. Preparing children for pet loss involves age-appropriate honesty — acknowledging that the pet is going to die, allowing them to say goodbye if they want to, and not shielding them entirely from the process. Pawtown accepts CareCredit and Scratch Pay for end-of-life care. Costs are discussed transparently upfront so financial considerations don’t add to the stress of an already difficult time.
Aftercare and Grief Support
Following your pet’s passing, several aftercare options are available. Many families choose cremation, which includes individual cremation with urn return or communal cremation. Pawtown works with reputable local cremation services in Central Oregon and can coordinate pickup and return. Some families prefer burial on their property, which is permitted in many areas around Bend with appropriate precautions. Memorial keepsakes such as clay paw prints or fur clippings can be arranged and provide lasting comfort through the healing process.
Pawtown Veterinary Care — Compassionate End-of-Life Support in Bend
Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer provide end-of-life care for dogs and cats with the same warmth and honesty they bring to every appointment. When the time comes to have this conversation, you deserve guidance from veterinarians who know your pet, who will tell you the truth, and who will be with you through it.
schedule an end-of-life care appointment to speak with Dr. Miller or Dr. Stayer about your pet’s quality of life or to schedule an end-of-life care appointment. We are here for you, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm.