There comes a time in each of our beloved pet’s lives, that we must say goodbye. We are here to support you during this difficult time. Just as every pet is different, so is every relationship. We trust you to know when your pet is ready to take their journey
over the Rainbow Bridge but we also know that sometimes you need some guidance to know when the time is right.
Please don’t hesitate to call us if you would like to speak with a veterinarian about your pet’s Quality of Life.
Scheduling
When you think the time is near, you can call us to set up an appointment in the office or to have a housecall. The process goes more smoothly if we are able to prepare for your arrival and you are able to mentally prepare beforehand. Often however, our pets let us know that their time is now and there is no time to prepare in advance. In that case, just give us a call and we will make arrangements based on your preference. The only exception would be house calls and ideally those arrangements need to be made at least a day or two in advance, but we will work with you as best that we can if it needs to be sooner.
What to Expect on the Day of Euthanasia
We will provide our most comfortable room for you which is private and has plenty of room if you have family members with you to say goodbye, and a separate door to exit without having to leave through the lobby. You will have as much time as you need to sit with your pet before and after the procedure. Upon arrival, you will be escorted into the room and one of our front desk staff will go over your options for cremation unless you choose to take your pet home for burial.
You will also be offered a Paw Print be made, which is a complimentary clay impression of your pet’s paw. If you are not getting your pet’s cremains (ashes) back, please ask to have your Paw Print returned to you before you leave, or feel free to pick it up if needed, we will keep it safe.
After your options have been selected, consent signed, and payment arranged, in most cases, but not always, your pet will be taken to the treatment area to have an IV catheter placed in its front leg. This allows us easy access to a viable vein when it is time to administer the medication. Your pet will then be brought back to you. For most pets, they will benefit from a sedative at this point to help them relax and to make for a smoother transition. Your veterinarian will discuss their recommendations for sedation with you before moving forward and again, you will have as much time as you need to sit with your pet. When you are ready, the veterinarian will come back in to administer the euthanasia solution through the IV port. This procedure is totally painless and is equated to giving an overdose of anesthesia so the pet will simply fall asleep peacefully. You will be able to hold your pet throughout this process if you would like. We encourage owners to be present for this as it is very peaceful and usually provides closure for family members, but if it is too difficult we understand and will move forward and your pet will be in loving arms of the doctor and the technician.
If you chose individual cremation, we will call you in 5-10 days when your pets cremains have been returned to our office.
We strongly recommend that you visit our page on Pet Loss and Grief Resources if you are considering euthanizing your pet or have recently loss a pet.
