The Euthanasia Process

When I Get There

First, I will ask if there’s anything you’d like to discuss or if you have any questions. I’ll give a basic initial explanation of the process, and will add some information as we proceed. My wish is to make the process as peaceful as possible, both for you and your pet, and any questions or preferences you have are welcome. We can discuss what’s going on with your pet and how you’re feeling about it in-depth—or you don’t have to talk at all; that’s up to you. I’ll say hello to your pet, as long as you think they’ll be comfortable with that.

Sedation

I’ll give your pet sedation by injection that will first make them sleepy and relaxed, and relieve any pain and anxiety they might have. Later effects of the sedation will relax them further, and make them less and less aware—until they are fully relaxed, completely unaware of what is happening, not feeling any bodily sensations, and not having any conscious thoughts. The sedation process typically takes 5-20 minutes, depending on how fast your pet absorbs and responds to the medication.

“Fully relaxed” means that they’ll be lying down and all their muscles will be relaxed. This includes their eyelid muscles, which probably won’t close, or not all the way; and their throat muscles, so we may hear some snoring sounds. It also includes their bladder muscles, so they will probably pee at some point; I’ll have a pee pad (or a few) and will ask you how I can use one in the way that’s most comfortable for your pet, and fits your preferences.

Euthanasia Itself

Once I know your pet is fully sedate and totally unaware of what’s going on, I’ll give the euthanasia injection, which they will not feel at all. Nothing dramatic will happen, though they may breathe more quickly or deeply as they absorb this injection (but that doesn’t mean they’re aware of anything; it’s just a body response). Their breathing will stop first, and after a few minutes, their heart. We won’t see anything that tells us this, but I will listen with my stethoscope to confirm that they have passed.

Aftercare

At this point, if you are keeping your pet with you for burial or making your own cremation arrangements, we’ll say goodbye and I’ll go. Otherwise, if I am taking your pet with me for cremation, I will go back out to my car to put some things away and to give you some private time with your pet. This can be just a minute or two, or 5-10 minutes, or a longer time (up to about 30 minutes or so). You should take whatever length of time is comfortable for you. Everyone has different preferences about this, and I’ll ask about what you want at the time. If you have other pets or family members who you’d like to have the option to say goodbye to your pet, without the distraction of my presence, this is a good time for that.

If you want more than about a half hour with your pet afterwards, please ask—we can figure out whether you would prefer to make your own aftercare arrangements, or if you would like to schedule a second visit for me to return and take them with me for cremation.

Memorial Objects

I’ll make a clay paw print or nose print, if you want one. You can have more than one print, if you like, at no additional cost. I also have tiny glass bottles with me to hold a lock of your pet’s fur, if you would like. To decrease the number of questions you have to deal with during the appointment, I only typically ask about the clay paw print, but if you want any of these other things (clay nose print, extra clay paw prints, fur) or if you have your own kit for making prints and would like help with it, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Who Can Be There

Anyone who wants to can be there, and can be present for whatever part of the process they’re comfortable with. I’m happy to answer questions from anyone of any age. If you’re wondering whether your kids or other pets should have the option to be present, the staff is glad to talk about this with you in advance, or you can talk with me at the appointment. Remember, it’s up to you to decide, as the parent or human in charge of this situation, and you can make whatever decision feels best and allows you to be as fully present with the pet you’re saying goodbye to as you want or need to be.