Thank you so much for filling out this information prior to your appointment, we greatly appreciate it. This will also provide information on the process, but please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions at all before we see you.  

All appointment times will have an arrival time range of approximately 30 minutes, but I will text you when I'm on my way so you know when I will be at your home.

Take good care, Dr. Carrie

When I arrive at your home, I'll take time to meet you and your pet, discuss anything that you would like to and answer any questions that you have. Know that we can be wherever you would like to be -- inside or outside, wherever you and your pet would be the most comfortable.  Pets can be in their beds, on the floor, on the couch, in the grass, we are very flexible with where we are able to be.  You may be able to hold your pet in your lap, as long as we are able to position in a way with no movement and sufficient access to administer medications.  

Note if you choose to be outside in warmer weather -- be aware that as the sedative takes effect, pets are not able to regulate their body temperatures as well and you may see increased panting and fast breathing as they relax.

The procedure first involves an injection of a sedative medication, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes to have the full effect -- this will allow your pet to fully relax, and take some deeper breaths, until they get very sleepy and to the point where they will be deeply sedated and will not feel anything. Sometimes administration of the sedative injection, which is just like getting a vaccine, will cause a reaction as any shot can do. You may have to hold your pet still for the injection.

Offering a favorite food or tasty treats is very helpful during the first injection.  If your pet is not eating, just talking to them and petting them, scratching their ears, can help them focus on you and not me while I give the first injection. 

Know that any reaction to the injection is very temporary and is almost immediately replaced by a calming and euphoric feeling as pain drifts away. I will typically step away after the first injection to prepare for the next, which usually also takes about 5-10 minutes.  After that time, and when you are ready, I will give the next injection which will go into a vein.  I will place a tourniquet, clip the fur around this area, and once I secure IV access and the injection begins, your pet will peacefully cross over the rainbow bridge. Sometimes this happens even before the injection is completely given.

I will typically use pets' hind leg areas for injections so that you are able to be with them up front near their head.  You can continue to talk to your pet through the procedure, they will be able to hear you.  I will check to make sure that your pet is not feeling anything -- though the injection that is given does not cause them any pain, I give the sedative so that securing vein access is allowable.

I will always discuss (as much as you would like) what I am doing and why during the time I am with you. If you don't need additional information or feel like talking that is absolutely ok too. Once I am able to start giving the medication through the vein, it does take effect relatively quickly, and will usually take about 2-5 minutes for the medication to be given.  Afterwards, the I will listen to your pet's heart and let you know that he or she has peacefully passed.  

I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that I am the owner (duly authorized agent for the owner) of the animal described above; that I do hereby give Dr. Carrie Donahue full and complete authority to humanely euthanize this pet.

I do hereby, and by these presents forever release the said doctor, her agents, or representatives from any and all liability for so euthanizing this pet.

I do also certify that this pet has not bitten any person or animal during the last ten (10) days, and to the best of my knowledge has not been exposed to rabies.

For home burials only:  I hereby accept full and total responsibility for the remains after the procedure.  I have read up on all applicable laws concerning disposal of remains. I understand the regulations and the inherent dangers of disposing of animals that have been euthanized with chemicals.

A note on credit card payments: If you pay with a credit card and need to cancel the appointment for any reason, we will refund your payment minus the credit card fees that were assessed when the payment was processed and are non-refundable. 

Cancellation Policy:  There is no charge if your pet passes prior to the visit, or if you cancel your appointment with 4 or more hours of notice.  There is a $100 fee if your appointment is canceled with less than 4 hours of lead time.