Vet provides at-home euthanasia for pets

Sometimes the most difficult thing someone can do is say goodbye.

Dr. Kathy Bissell, a small animal veterinarian, can now help pet owners say goodbye to their loved ones through her business, Tranquil Transitions of the CSRA, which provides in-home euthanasia for small animal companions - cat, dogs and pocket pets.

She is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina and has practiced feline medicine and surgery for more than two decades.

Bissell obtained her degree in veterinary medicine in 1984 from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee Institute, Ala.

As the owner of the Charlotte Cat Clinic, she was called upon hundreds of times by clients to perform the service, and it was at that time she realized the importance of providing a humane way to say goodbye to a loved one in a comfortable and dignified manner, while in the pet owners' home.

"The clients were very appreciative that they didn't have to make the final trip, some animals die in the car on the way to the veterinarians because they are so stressed," said Bissell. "I'll be doing house calls restricted to euthanasia in the Aiken-Augusta area."

It's a practice that fills a necessary void, and the profound loss of a family member has to be handled in a delicate manner. Pet euthanasia practitioners are not uncommon, said Bissell.

She has contacted all of the small animal veterinarians in Aiken.

"It's a time of peace and transition for the pet," said Bissell.

The owner is the only person who knows when it's time to say goodbye to a pet, said Bissell.

"One thing I encourage pet owners to do when their pet is young and healthy is to start writing down what brings joy to that relationship with that pet," said Bissell. "We took an oath to reduce animal suffering when we graduated from school."

Tranquil Transitions of the CSRA is working in conjunction with Plumtree Pet Cremations and Interment Services in Williston.

"If you decide not to bury your pet and decide to choose cremation, they provide pet owners with an alternative," said Bissell. "They can cremate pets up to 400 pounds."

Those who choose to use the service can call Tranquil Transitions of the CSRA as Bissell works by appointment.

For more information about Tranquil Transitions of the CSRA, for their rates or to set up an appointment, call Bissell at 646-0355 or visit www.tranquiltransitionsofthecsra.com.

Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.