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 completely 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.
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 sedated and will not feel anything. Sometimes giving the sedative injection, which is just like getting a vaccine, will cause a reaction as any shot can do. Having some treats or just talking to and petting your companion can distract them while we give the first injection. 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.