While this is one of the hardest decisions we must face, Sometimes this is the kindest thing we can do. It is a gift and a blessing for a pet that is suffering to have its final moments at home surrounded by loved ones.
We are here to help you decide if or when it’s the right time to make this choice.
Prior to the Euthanasia Appointment
If you would like to discuss your pet’s quality of life, pain management or the possible euthanasia, we would be glad to set up a phone, video or at home consultation with you. Many clients find these conversations very useful in helping them to determine the right course of action for their pet. We believe it is important that you understand what to expect on the day of our visit. We will provide you with an overview of how it works and discuss any special arrangements or questions you might have. This service is completely optional and is not required prior to setting up a euthanasia appointment.
If your pet has been attending a veterinary clinic, records from your previous veterinarian can help understanding the condition of your pet. We ask that you provide these records to us around the time you complete the consent form.
A Euthanasia consent form needs to be filled up, at the end of this form you will be able to mark your choice for after care services.
Euthanasia at Home Procedure
Your pet is normally sedated as a first phase to reach a relaxed/unconscious stage, for this the pet will receive an injection with a small needle on a back leg.
As your pet falls asleep, you might notice some twitching of the legs or ears, open eyes, deep breathing, or snoring. These are natural physical reactions and are no cause for alarm. The sedation normally takes, depending on the pet between 5-15 minutes.
Once your pet is comfortably and soundly asleep, we will inject the last medication. Depending on your pet’s condition and size, the injection will be in the vein on the hind leg. This final medication causes rapid peaceful unconsciousness that leads to loss of respiration and, finally, stops the heart.
You would have the opportunity to spend as much time as you want with your pet once the euthanasia is completed. Please let us know if there is anything you need throughout any phase of the process. Our goal is to help your pet’s passing be as dignified, pain-free, and peaceful as possible.
After care Services
We work with an exceptional local licensed pet crematorium called Gateway Pet Memorial and we can arrange cremation options.
We offer an individual cremation that means that your pet will be individually cremated, and the ashes will be returned to you. The ashes will be placed in a standard urn you can choose from, or you can request from other memorial products they offer at an extra cost. For this you will receive an e mail from Gateway with a link where you will be able to log-in and choose from a variety of memorial products, i.e.: paw prints, pendants, and other personalization options. Ashes will be returned to your regular veterinarian and in case this is not an option will arrange another way of delivery. It may take up to three weeks for delivery to happen.
If you do not wish for the ashes to be returned, you may also choose a communal cremation. In this case, the ashes will be spread at the crematorium.
*For pets over 40 pounds we would require that someone be available to help lift the pet into the car if you wish to make cremation arrangements.
