From the moment you welcome a new pet into your family, a strong bond starts to form. As our pets reach senior age, we all wonder,: “Will I be able to put my pet down when the time comes?” We fear losing our pets because they mean so much to us. When the time eventually comes, many pet owners have questions about the process of pet euthanasia, and how to deal with their grief.
This guide is for owners who are trying to decide if euthanasia is the right choice for their pet and to answer some common questions about the pet euthanasia process, how to set up the appointment, and what to expect that day.
How to know when to let a pet go?
Deciding to euthanise your companion animal may be one of the most difficult decisions you ever make. Pet owners may wonder how they will know when it’s time to say goodbye to their beloved companion.
A pet’s quality of life is the most important factor to consider when making this decision. The quality of animals’ lives is defined by their overall physical and mental well-being. Pets are often euthanised to minimise suffering.
How much does euthanasia cost?
The cost of euthanasia is dependent on the size of the pet. Additional options, such as home visits, cremation, or burial, should be factored into the overall cost. Your vet clinic will be able to provide information on request.
Because our clinics use an external cremation service company, this service requires payment before pets can be sent for cremation. If possible, please speak with the veterinary team to discuss the available options and payment arrangements prior to the euthanasia appointment.
Making the appointment and how to prepare?
Your veterinary team understands what a difficult decision this is.
When you call to schedule an appointment, your veterinarian will discuss the process of euthanasia with you before the procedure. If you would like to discuss options ahead of time and please let the receptionist know.
You also have many options for your pet’s remains. You may choose to leave your pet with the veterinarian for cremation, or you may be able to bury your pet at home depending on your personal situation.
If you choose cremation, you may choose the option of cremation with no return of ashes. Other cremation options are a little more costly, but your pet’s ashes can be returned to you in several different ways.
It is important to try to finalise these details and payment arrangements ahead of time, instead of having to make decisions in the emotional moments after your pet has passed away.
Staying with your pet during the euthanasia procedure
It’s your choice whether to stay with your pet when your veterinarian administers the sedation and euthanasia injection. While the thought of watching your pet pass away may be difficult to imagine, many owners appreciate being there when their pet is euthanised. Your vet team will be happy to accommodate your wishes.
What to expect at a pet euthanasia procedure
On arrival at the clinic, you will be admitted to a private consult room or quiet room to spend time with your pet while the veterinary team get set up to perform the procedure. Some owners prefer to have the procedure performed in the car, and this can be arranged on request.
Your veterinarian will discuss the process of euthanasia with you, and you will be asked to sign a consent form to give the team permission to proceed.
When possible, finalise your wishes and payment arrangements ahead of time, instead of having to make decisions in the emotional moments after your pet has passed away.
Sedation
Your veterinarian will need access to a vein to place an intravenous catheter or to administer the euthanasia solution to your pet. This requires that your pet be calm and relaxed, so your veterinarian will sedate your pet with an injection. This ensures that the procedure is as humane and peaceful as possible.
The sedation injection may be given under the skin or in the muscle. Depending on the combination of medications used, the injection may sting momentarily, but this sensation goes away quickly. Once it’s given, it will take several minutes for your pet to relax completely.
As they relax and become sleepy, you may notice your pet breathing more slowly. Their pupils may become dilated, and some pets may even vocalise. These are all completely normal effects of the sedative.
Once the sedative has taken full effect, your pet may lose consciousness. You may choose to leave your pet at this time if you do not want to be present for the final injection.
The injection
The procedure is specifically designed to be as painless and stress-free as possible for your pet. Before the euthanasia solution is given the vet or nurse may put an intravenous catheter in place to ensure easy access to the bloodstream. Sometimes this is not needed. Once the catheter is in place, you may request some time alone with your pet.
This will be the final few minutes you get to share with your companion before saying goodbye, so do not be afraid to take the time you need. You can help hold your pet or cradle them in your arms at the time of euthanasia.
The euthanasia solution is a form of anaesthetic. This allows pets to quickly become unconscious so they have no awareness of the process.
Usually, within a few seconds after the solution is injected, a pet will take a slightly deeper breath, then slow and finally lapse into what looks like a deep sleep.
The pet, although completely unconscious, may continue to take a few more deep breaths and give a full body stretch before all movement stops. For pets that are dehydrated or have poor circulation, the transition may take a few minutes longer due to a slower distribution of the euthanasia solution through the body. Some pets may also lose bladder and/or bowel control as the body relaxes.
Confirmation
Once the euthanasia solution has been administered, your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s chest to confirm that both breathing and the heartbeat have stopped. The vet may also check other reflexes.
After the euthanasia procedure is complete, you can ask to spend a few more moments alone with your pet. If you would like this additional time to say goodbye, take all the time you need.
If you have arranged to take your pet home, the veterinary staff will carefully wrap your pet in blankets or place them in their crate and help carry your pet out to your car for you.
Pet aftercare / cremation options
There are a variety of options for body care after your pet has passed away, including home burial, cremation with no ash return, or cremation with return of ashes.
If you do not have the option of home burial or simply do not wish to keep your pet’s remains after death, our pet cremation service will take care of the final disposition for your beloved companion’s ashes.
Because our clinics use an external cremation service company, this service requires payment before pets can be sent for cremation. If possible, please speak with the veterinary team to discuss the available options and payment arrangements prior to the euthanasia appointment.
If you choose to have your pet cremated, your veterinary team will discuss costs and options and make these arrangements for you. The veterinary staff will notify you when your pet’s ashes are ready for you to pick up.
Special Requests
It’s not unusual for pet owners to save a bit of their pet’s hair to keep in a locket or special container.
There are specialty services that can create personal keepsakes such as bracelets, rings, and pendants containing a small amount of your pet’s fur, or some ashes from your pet’s remains.
Your veterinary staff can also make a paw print or nose print as a keepsake while you are still in the clinic.
Some owners may want to include a few possessions, photos, a flower, or a personal letter or poem addressed to their pet. Don’t be afraid to make special requests during this time as a final loving tribute to your companion.
Grieving the loss of a pet
Many pet owners deeply grieve during and after the time of their pet’s passing. Pet loss is a very individual experience, and there is no right or wrong response. Pets are a special and important part of your life, and you should not apologise or feel guilty for grieving deeply when you lose them. It is completely normal for you to feel the need to talk to someone who understands your sadness after the death of your pet. If possible, reach out to family and friends who can provide support during this difficult time.
There are pet loss support groups and counsellors who specialise in grief counselling to help you process your loss. You may be able to find in-person or online support groups that share their personal stories related to the loss of a pet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the clinic to let the receptionist know if you would like to discuss end-of-life options with the veterinarian ahead of time or have some information sent to you.
Your veterinary team understands what a difficult decision this is, so they will be willing to give you all the information you need and to work with you to find the time that will work best for you and your pet.
