Dr. Steven Silberman

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

My next door neighbor growing up in Alabama was a large animal veterinarian and as tough and hard edged as they come. My good fortune, although my Jewish mother questioned it at times, was that he had 5 daughters and no sons. This gave me the unique opportunity to ride with Dr. Newman as his farm gate-opening trainee on vet calls during the day and to very quietly date his southern Baptist middle daughter at night, both dangerous and highly aspirational endeavors. Having somehow survived both adventures and also having founded 3 veterinary practices from scratch, I am now at the final stages of that same career with over 100 thousand cases under my belt since 1987. In all that time, I have learned that no service that I could every offer was as significant, necessary or kind as humane euthanasia performed for the right reasons, at the right time and especially, the right way. The right way, and the best way, is in the home (if medically possible). The reasons are many and the experience is almost always so much better for the patient - and everyone involved. Although the medications will make euthanasia painless (physically) regardless of location, there is always stress (or distress) for a loved pet when compelled to visit any vet hospital, especially when very sick. In home euthanasia, surrounded by comfort and family, prevents the biggest stress event on the most stressful day of pet ownership. Simply put, a high intensity family visit to a medical clinic does not need to be the most intrusive and disruptive part of your sick pets last day. In home euthanasia is a mitzvah and perhaps the most loving act that we can provide for our cherished friend and pet. My long experience has validated my belief in this service and I hope to finish my career helping in this way. It's a true way to keep my oath until the literal end. A hospital is a terrible place to leave this earth if it can be avoided. Every loved pet and most people would agree.

Education

Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University - 1983

Veterinary Medicine: Auburn University - 1987

Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association