At Homeward Bound, I provide compassionate in-home pet euthanasia, allowing dogs, cats and other cherished companion animals to pass peacefully in the comfort of their own home. I serve families in Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Marietta, Smyrna, Woodstock, Canton and the surrounding Atlanta area. My goal is to make each goodbye as gentle, calm and stress-free as possible — for both pets and the people who love them.

Compassionate goodbyes, where your pet feels most loved.

A person and a dog sitting together, watching a sunset.

Meet Dr. Katie Taylor

Homeward Bound is a privately owned, single-doctor practice, founded and operated by me, Dr. Katie Taylor.

I believe that pets deserve the same compassion and dignity in passing as they have always given us throughout their lives. Providing families with a calm, respectful goodbye in the comfort of home is at the heart of my work.

I grew up in Buford, Georgia, surrounded by a house full of animals, which shaped both my love for pets and my path into veterinary medicine. I attended the University of Georgia for my undergraduate degree and veterinary school. My husband, Jackson, is also a veterinarian, and together we share our home with six animals — dogs Anne, Rigby, and Brewer; cats Mango and Squid; and our ball python, Pretzel.

I understand the deep bond between families and their pets, and I am honored to support you during such an important and emotional moment.

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Care & Services

  • A peaceful passing in the comfort of home, surrounded by the people and familiar surroundings your pet knows best. I move at your pace, explain each step, and ensure your pet is comfortable and calm throughout the process.

  • Private Cremation – Your pet is cremated individually, and their ashes are returned to you in a selected urn. A clay paw print and fur clipping are included as keepsakes.

    Communal Cremation – Your pet is cremated alongside others, and ashes are not returned.

  • If cremation is selected, I will handle the respectful transfer of your pet to my trusted cremation partner, Paws, Whiskers, & Wags. Your pet is treated with care and dignity at every step.

  • I offer deceased pet pick-up and transport for cremation if your pet has passed at home. This service is handled with the same care, respect, and compassion as an in-home euthanasia appointment.

Schedule a Visit

Pricing

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In-Home Euthanasia

$475

This option includes a peaceful in-home euthanasia appointment and is chosen when home burial is planned, or when families prefer to use their own trusted crematory. While I am unable to assist with the home burial process itself, I am happy to coordinate care based on your aftercare preferences.

A watercolor painting of a forest trail with animals' paw prints on the ground, tall trees lining the path, and a distant misty background with autumn-colored foliage.

Euthanasia with Communal Cremation

$600

This option includes in-home euthanasia followed by communal cremation, meaning your pet is cremated with others and ashes are not returned. Keepsakes, such as a clay paw print, are available.

Silhouette of a dog sitting next to a tree at sunset over a calm landscape.

Euthanasia with Private Cremation

$775

This option includes in-home euthanasia with private cremation, in which your pet is cremated individually and their ashes are returned to you.

  • Private cremation includes an urn, a clay paw print and a fur clipping.

  • Ashes are typically returned within one week

  • Options for return of ashes:

    • Pick up directly from the crematory

    • Delivered to your primary care veterinarian for pick-up

    • Shipped via mail from the crematory (additional $50 fee)

Travel fees may apply outside of my standard service area.

I accept all major credit cards, cash, Zelle and Venmo. An invoice is typically sent prior to the appointment, as many families prefer to take care of payment in advance.

Schedule a Visit

You can schedule an appointment by phone, text, email, or online. Online scheduling shows my standard availability and allows you to reserve a time directly.

I offer limited evening and weekend appointments, though not all of this availability is shown online. If you are hoping for an evening or weekend visit, or do not see a time that works, please contact me directly by call or text and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.

Please note that online scheduling does not allow appointments to be booked within four hours of the visit time. If you are seeking an urgent appointment, please contact me directly.

After your appointment is scheduled, I will reach out by phone or text to answer any questions and review next steps.

If your pet is experiencing a sudden emergency and cannot wait for an in-home visit, please seek care at your closest emergency veterinary facility.

Evening and weekend appointments are available by request — please call or text if you don’t see a time that works.

Special Considerations

  • A realistic watercolor painting of a large, black and brown dog with a serious expression, looking slightly upward.

    Large Pets

    I am able to accommodate large and extra-large dogs. Because I attend visits alone, I may ask that a family member or friend be available to assist with gentle lifting or positioning when needed. This helps ensure your pet’s comfort and safety throughout the visit.

  • A watercolor painting of a bird, a rabbit, and a turtle. The bird is perched above the rabbit and turtle, which are on the ground.

    Exotic & Non-Traditional Pets

    In addition to dogs and cats, I provide 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 contact me in advance so we can discuss details and ensure the visit goes as smoothly as possible.

  • Drawing of a dog lying down with its head resting on the ground, with a relaxed and sleepy expression.

    Behavioral Concerns & Aggressive Pets

    Some pets experience fear, anxiety, or behavioral challenges that can make veterinary care especially difficult. I approach these cases with patience and sensitivity, and I have extensive experience handling them safely and compassionately.

    I ask that these appointments be scheduled in advance to allow time for thoughtful discussion and planning.

    In many cases, I may recommend oral sedatives prior to the visit to help reduce stress, keep everyone safe, and ensure the experience is as calm and gentle as possible. If needed, these medications will be called into a pharmacy of your choice and administered by you as directed.

Service Area

Homeward Bound serves families throughout metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas, with Roswell, Georgia as a central starting point.

Appointments are generally available within approximately one hour of Roswell, based on drive time rather than distance alone. Because travel time can vary significantly around Atlanta, I am often able to travel farther in some directions than others.

If you are unsure whether your location falls within my service area, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I am always happy to discuss availability. A travel fee may apply for extended distances.

Map of the metropolitan area around Atlanta, Georgia, including cities and highways, with the boundary marked in green.

This map reflects my primary service area. Availability outside this region may still be possible based on drive time — please reach out to discuss.

What to Expect

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. My goal is to make this experience as gentle, calm, and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet, in the comfort of home.

Below is an overview of what you can expect during an in-home visit.

Arrival & Conversation

I will take a few moments to meet your pet and speak with you about the process, answering any questions you may have along the way.

You will be encouraged to choose a comfortable space where your pet feels most at ease — whether that is a favorite bed, couch, or a quiet spot in the yard. There is no “right” place, only what feels best for you and your pet.

Gentle Sedation & Anesthesia

Your pet will first receive a gentle sedative and anesthesia by injection, using a calm, unhurried approach to minimize discomfort.

This allows your pet to relax deeply and drift into a peaceful sleep, helping to relieve pain, anxiety, and stress. This typically takes effect within 5–10 minutes, though timing can vary slightly between pets.

Final Goodbye

Once your pet is fully under anesthesia and completely unaware, the final medication is administered. This ensures that your pet does not feel any discomfort.

You are welcome to remain with your pet throughout the entire process, for as long as you wish. Many families find comfort in talking, touching, or simply being present during this time.

Aftercare

If cremation services are selected, I will gently prepare your pet for respectful transfer to the crematory. Families who choose private cremation will be contacted once their pet’s ashes are ready to be returned.

Every step of this process is handled with care, patience, and respect — always keeping your pet’s comfort and dignity at the center.

An elderly woman with gray hair, wearing a gray knit hat and brown jacket, sitting on a couch and relaxing with her eyes closed. A ginger and white cat is curled up next to her, sleeping peacefully on her lap. Sunlight is shining through a window in the background.
A woman with gray hair tied back, wearing an orange jacket and gray pants, sitting on a sofa with a large Labrador Retriever lying beside her, resting its head on her lap.

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. This is a deeply personal decision, but there are signs and tools that can help guide you.

Quality of Life Considerations

It may be helpful to reflect on your pet’s daily experience and ask yourself:

  • Is my pet able to eat and drink comfortably?

  • Can they move around enough to reach food, water, or their favorite resting places?

  • Are they experiencing ongoing pain, breathing difficulty, or distress?

  • Do they still find joy in daily activities such as cuddling, playing, or exploring?

  • Are there more difficult days than comfortable ones?

If the challenges are beginning to outweigh moments of comfort and happiness, it may be a sign that your pet’s quality of life is declining.

Quality of Life Scales

Some families find it helpful to use structured tools when weighing this decision. One commonly used option is the HHHHHMM Scale (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad).


The Ohio State University also offers a quality-of-life assessment that can help you evaluate your pet’s overall well-being.

These tools are not meant to make the decision for you, but rather to provide clarity and perspective during an emotional time.

Trust Your Bond

Ultimately, you know your pet best. Subtle changes — such as withdrawing from family, restlessness, or simply seeming “tired” — can be just as meaningful as physical symptoms.

Many families share that they sense when their pet is no longer comfortable, even if it is difficult to put into words.

I’m Here to Support You

I am always available to talk through your pet’s quality of life with honesty and compassion. Together, we can explore your concerns and help you make a decision rooted in love, dignity, and respect.

Get in Touch

📍 Serving the Metro Atlanta Area
📧 Email: athomewardbound@gmail.com
 📞 Call or text: (470) 326-9323

If I am unable to answer your call, please leave a message or send a text. I will follow up with you as soon as I am able.

Have questions or concerns? Fill out this form to send me a message.

If you are reaching out about an urgent situation or would prefer to speak by phone, please call or text directly.