WHAT TO EXPECT
These are the steps usually taken at a euthanasia appointment:
- At arrival we will finish paperwork and payment first
- The procedure can be done indoors or outdoors – wherever the pet and family is most comfortable.
- I will explain the whole procedure to everyone that wants to be present. The first step is to give a sedative/anesthestic injection under the skin (like how a vaccine is given). This is a slow and gentle process that usually takes 5-15 minutes depending on the size of your pet. The larger the pet the longer it can take. Their eyes will likely stay partially open even under deep anesthesia and after death.
**If your pet is reactive to injections or gets very stressed, anxious, or aggressive with vets or strangers please let me know so we can make an alternative plan to keep this process safe and gentle as possible for everyone involved.
- Once your pet is deeply sedated I will tuck an absorbent pad under their hind end to keep them clean and dry. It is normal for them to leak some urine or feces during the process.
- I will check for full anesthesia by lifting their head a little and tickling between their toes and under their feet. I wait until there is no reaction to any stimulus before proceeding to the last step. Even if the sedation takes longer than expected, I would rather give them more time to ensure they are in a deep, peaceful sleep and won’t feel anything else.
- When they are fully under anesthesia I will proceed with the last injection which is usually given in the back leg so the family can be present near their pet’s head. This is an IV injection given with a butterfly catheter. During the injection your pet won’t feel anything or be aware of what’s happening. The most common thing we see is some changes to the pet’s breathing pattern. They may take some big breaths or some fast breaths just before they stop breathing. This happens during or just after the injection is finished. After they stop breathing I will check their heart until I’m sure it has stopped beating.
- If you are getting your pet cremated I will take my bag out to my car to give your family and other pets a few minutes alone with the patient. After a couple minutes I will come back in and help move the pet to a basket or stretcher with a soft blanket. You are welcome to send them with their own blanket if you wish. For larger pets on a stretcher I will need help carrying them to my car.