SAN DIEGO – Paws into Grace, a women-owned and operated business based in San Diego, has been transforming the experience of pet loss since its inception in 2007.
The company specializes in providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets, offering home euthanasia services for cats and dogs throughout San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Understanding the emotional toll that a trip to a veterinary hospital can take, Paws into Grace allows pet owners the comfort of saying goodbye to their beloved companions in the serene environment of home.
Paws into Grace, however, doesn’t limit its services to just euthanasia. While home euthanasia is available exclusively for dogs and cats, the company also offers cremation services for a broader range of pets, including rabbits, reptiles, fish, and chickens, along with smaller animals like hamsters.
Dr. Elizabeth Benson, the founder and veterinarian behind Paws into Grace, was inspired to create this compassionate service at a young age.
“I was inspired to build this company back when I was age 11,” Benson said. “My inspiration with Paws is to change someone’s entire experience with death. I want the healing process to begin right away. And it starts with a beautiful goodbye.”
The idea for Paws into Grace stemmed from Benson’s personal experiences with loss, including the death of her mother and unsettling visits to late-night emergency veterinary hospitals.
In her own words, she reflects on her realization that pets deserve to be at home, surrounded by their family in their final moments, rather than in a busy clinic filled with alarming sounds and unfamiliar sights.
Recently, the company has expanded its offerings to include creative memorial services.
Lauren Johnson, the marketing manager, explained, “Paws has recently expanded its memorial offerings by bringing more creative work in-house. Our in-house artists can create custom-engraved urns, paw/nose print keepsakes, and jewelry pieces. Families can even request specific colors or styles, making each tribute custom and unique.”
In an exciting development for the organization, Johnson noted that Paws into Grace’s Chief Operating Officer, Courtney de Craen, has been invited to join the board of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC).
“This means Paws into Grace now has a direct role in influencing how ethical, compassionate care is provided around the world. It also shows how trusted and respected our team is in the industry, giving families even more confidence in the work we do,” Johnson added.
Paws into Grace’s cremation office is designed with empathy in mind.
“Our cremation office is not what you might expect,” Johnson described. “It is a cozy, warm, and welcoming space, designed to provide comfort to grieving families.”
The team at Paws into Grace comprises experienced veterinarians and staff who offer comprehensive support for pet hospice, home euthanasia, private memorial services, and cremation services.
“We believe that every farewell should happen at home, where your pet feels most at ease,” said de Craen. “We are here to guide each family through the challenging journey of loss, ensuring they can say goodbye with love and grace.”
What sets Paws into Grace apart is not only its services but also the eco-friendly nature of their cremation process.
“We use water instead of fire,” Johnson explained. “This eco-friendly approach avoids emissions that occur with fire cremation, making it a more environmentally friendly option. This process, called Aquamation, is a gentle method that results in more ashes/remains returned to a pet’s family compared to traditional fire cremation.”
For those who prefer it, Paws into Grace also offers traditional fire cremation upon request.
The compassionate focus of the company extends to memorial ceremonies, where they can coordinate personalized services featuring flowers and thoughtful details.
“We provide a variety of memorial items to help families honor their pets,” Johnson said. “Our offerings include a large selection of urns, custom-engraved options, as well as handmade jewelry created in-house using a small amount of a pet’s ashes. We also offer custom glass memorials, shadow boxes filled with mementos, personalized beads, and key chains.”
After a home euthanasia appointment, many families choose to have their pet cremated, relying on Paws into Grace’s in-house cremation facility.
“One of the key benefits of using our services is that we own and operate our cremation facility,” Johnson stated. “We handle every step of the process with care and respect. We have an advanced tagging system to ensure families receive their pet’s ashes with complete confidence and peace of mind.”
The costs for pet home euthanasia in San Diego begin at $375, with potential additional travel fees based on location.
Additional charges may apply for services rendered during weekends, holidays, and after-hours. Individual cremation starts at $275, while communal cremation is available from $175, with the cremation fees depending on the weight of the pet.
As Paws into Grace continues to grow, its commitment to offering dignified and loving endings for pets sets it apart in the Southern California region, allowing families to navigate their grief in a caring environment.
For more information, you can visit their website at pawsintograce.com or contact them at (619) 977-6698.
image source from：timesofsandiego
