At Homeward Bound, we provide gentle, compassionate euthanasia for pets in the comfort of their home. Serving families in Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Marietta, Woodstock and the surrounding North Atlanta area, our goal is to make every goodbye peaceful and stress-free — for both pets and the people who love them.
Compassionate goodbyes, where your pet feels most loved.
Our Services
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A peaceful passing in the comfort of home, surrounded by family.
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Private Cremation – Ashes are returned to you in a chosen urn, along with a clay paw print and fur clipping.
Communal Cremation – Pets are cremated with others; ashes are not returned.
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Respectful transfer of your pet to our partner crematory, Paws Whiskers & Wags, if cremation is selected.
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We provide deceased pet pick-up and transport for cremation if your pet has passed at home.
Pricing
In-Home Euthanasia
$450
This option is chosen if home burial is desired. We are unable to assist with the home burial process at this time.
Euthanasia with Communal Cremation
$600
This option is chosen if you would like your pet cremated without the return of ashes. Other keepsakes, such as a clay paw print are available.
Euthanasia with Private Cremation
$750
This option is chosen if you would like your pet’s ashes returned to you.
Private cremation Includes an urn, a clay paw print and a fur clipping.
Your pet’s ashes are typically returned to you within a few days to a week.
Options for return of ashes:
Pick up at the crematory
Delivered to your primary care veterinarian for pick up
Delivered to your home by Homeward Bound
Shipped via mail from the crematory ($50 fee applies)
Travel fees may apply outside of our standard service area.
Additional fees may apply for evening, weekend and holiday appointments.
We accept all major credit cards, cash, Zelle and Venmo. An invoice will be sent to you prior to the appointment as most families prefer to pay in advance.
Schedule with us
You can schedule an appointment via call, text, email or online. To schedule online, please view available appointments through our appointment portal.
If you don’t see a time or day that works, please contact us directly—we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Taylor has limited evening, weekend and holiday availability.
After scheduling your appointment, Dr. Taylor will reach out to you via call or text to answer any questions you may have.
If you believe your pet is in need of emergent care for euthanasia, please bring your pet directly to your closest emergency veterinary facility.
Special Considerations
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Large Pets
We can accommodate large dogs. Dr. Taylor attends visits alone and may ask that a family member or friend be available to help with gentle lifting or positioning for large and extra-large dogs.
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Exotic & Non-Traditional Pets
In addition to dogs and cats, Dr. Taylor provides end-of-life care for a variety of animals upon request, including:
Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, etc.)
Reptiles (turtles, lizards, snakes)
Birds
Small farm animals (such as small pigs or goats)
If your pet falls into one of these categories, please call to discuss details so we can make the appointment as smooth as possible. -
Behavioral Concerns & Aggressive Pets
Some pets experience fear, anxiety, or aggression that can make veterinary care especially difficult. Dr. Taylor is sensitive to these cases and has extensive experience handling them safely and compassionately.
We ask that families schedule these appointments in advance to allow time for further discussion.
In many cases, we recommend oral sedatives prior to the appointment in order to help reduce stress, keep everyone safe, and ensure the process is as calm and gentle as possible. These will be called into a pharmacy of your choice and administered by you as directed by Dr. Taylor.
About Us
Homeward Bound is a privately owned, single-doctor practice founded by Dr. Katie Taylor.
Dr. Taylor believes that pets deserve the same compassion and dignity in passing as they have always given us in life.
Dr. Taylor grew up in Buford, GA with a houseful of animals. She attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate degree and veterinary school. She is married to her husband, Jackson, who is also a veterinarian. Together they share their home with five animals—dogs Anne, Rigby, and Brewer, and cats Mango and Squid. When she is not working, she enjoys hiking with her dogs, riding horses, spending time with family and friends, and watching UGA football.
Dr. Taylor understands the deep bond between families and their pets, and she is honored to help provide comfort during such an important moment.
Service Area
Homeward Bound serves families in metro Atlanta, within a 30-mile radius of Roswell, GA.
For families outside of this area, a travel fee may apply—please reach out for details.
What to Expect
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. At Homeward Bound, our goal is to make this experience as gentle and stress-free as possible for both you and your companion.
Here is what you can expect during an appointment:
Arrival & Conversation
Dr. Taylor will take a few moments to meet your pet and speak with your family about the process.
You will be encouraged to choose a comfortable space in your home where your pet feels most at peace—whether that’s a favorite bed, couch, or sunny spot in the yard.
Gentle Sedation & Anesthesia
Your pet will receive pre-euthanasia sedation and anesthesia via injection. A small needle and gentle approach is used to minimize discomfort.
This will help your pet relax and alleviate discomfort and anxiety. This typically takes effect within 5-15 minutes.
Final Goodbye
The euthanasia medication is then administered after your pet is fully under anesthesia. This ensures they do not feel any discomfort.
This is a peaceful process, and you may remain with your pet the entire time.
Aftercare
If cremation services are chosen, Dr. Taylor will respectfully prepare your pet for transfer to the crematory.
Families who select private cremation will be contacted once their pet’s ashes are ready to be returned.
Every step is done gently, with your pet’s comfort and dignity at the heart of the process.
How do I know if it’s time?
One of the most difficult decisions we face as pet parents is knowing when to say goodbye. There is no single “right” answer. It’s a deeply personal decision, but there are tools and signs that can help guide you.
Quality of Life Considerations
Ask yourself these questions about your pet’s daily experience:
Is my pet able to eat and drink comfortably?
Can they move around enough to reach food, water, or their favorite spots?
Are they free from constant pain, breathing difficulty, or distress?
Do they still experience joy in daily activities (playing, cuddling, exploring)?
Are there more bad days than good days?
If the challenges are outweighing moments of comfort and happiness, it may be a sign that their quality of life is declining.
Quality of Life Scales
Some families find it helpful to use structured tools like the HHHHHMM Scale (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, More good days than bad). Additionally, The Ohio State University has a tool that can be used for evaluating your pet’s overall quality of life. These checklists provide a clearer picture of your pet’s well-being.
Trust Your Bond
Ultimately, you know your pet best. Subtle changes—such as withdrawing from family, restlessness, or seeming “tired of fighting”—can carry as much weight as physical symptoms.
We’re Here to Support You
Dr. Taylor is available to discuss your pet’s quality of life with compassion and honesty. Together, we can help you make a decision rooted in love, dignity, and respect.