We understand the decision to euthanize your pet is one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make. We wish to make this experience as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet. Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions you may have.
Here's what to expect:
In order to administer the euthanasia solution, the veterinarian must gain entry into a vein. The euthanasia solution is specially made to act quickly and painlessly, but it must be administered intravenously. We want to achieve this as peacefully and humanely as possible. This requires that your pet be calm. If your pet is uncooperative, defensive, afraid or even fractious, the veterinarian will not be able to properly carry out the euthanasia procedure and can end in a very uncomfortable experience for all. To avoid this, a technician will provide your pet with a sedative. The sedative comes in injectable form and will be given under the skin. Some pets find the injection causes a mild stinging sensation. If it does, it lasts only seconds. The sedative can take up to 10 minutes to take effect. Your pet will get tired and eventually lay down to go to sleep. During that time, the technician will leave you to be with your pet and will come back periodically to check in until your pet is completely sedated.
Some veterinarians ask that an IV catheter be placed before the procedure to allow them an open port into a vein to administer the medication. This is not always necessary. If the veterinarian requests an IV catheter for your pet the technician will place it. Please note, some animals (especially senior and/or ill) can have frail veins which may require more than one attempt to place the IV catheter. Our goal is to make this process as comfortable and humane as possible. Your pet will not feel anything while sedated. However, if you prefer not to be present for this, please inform your technician and they will make arrangements with you.
Once the IV catheter is placed, the technician will send in the veterinarian. You may wish to hold your pet in your arms at the time of euthanasia. The veterinarian will try to accommodate your wishes, but remember that it is imperative that the solutions be injected within the vein for the procedure to unfold properly and this may require a certain positioning in order to do so.
Usually within seconds after the solution is injected, your pet will take a slightly deeper breath, then grow weak and finally lapse into what looks like a deep sleep. Your pet, although completely unconscious, may continue to take a few more breaths before all movement ceases. The veterinarian will then listen with a stethoscope until your pet's heart stops. You may choose to spend a few moments alone with your pet after the procedure. We will leave the room to allow you to do so.
If you have arranged to take your pet home with you after, please make sure to bring a container or plan a location lined with non-absorbable material in your vehicle to receive your pet. The technician will usually place your pet into the container and will have someone help carry your pet out to your car for you. Please let us know if you wish to do this on your own.
If you wish to have your pet cremated through our cremation services, please complete the form below. Make sure to answer all questions pertaining to the options available. If you would like more information about your pet's cremation, please visit Pet Reflections. **Note: We do not offer more options than what is avialble on the form below.
Suggestion: You may want someone to be with you after the euthanasia appointment to drive you home. You may be surprised how difficult it can be to concentrate on driving after undergoing such an emotional event.