The Day of

Many pet owners have experienced losing a pet during their life. It will always be a sad, challenging day, but knowing what to expect may make the experience a little easier to accept. 

If your pet has anxiety or aggression around strangers, an oral sedative may be needed prior to the appointment. 

An estimate will be provided based on the estimated weight and aftercare options prior to the visit. 

If you are opting for a home burial, it is best to have the site prepared prior to the appointment. 

You are welcome to spoil your pet with foods they may not typically eat, but there is a risk of vomiting and diarrhea that can occur before, during, or afterwards. Given the opportunity, most pets would agree that this risk is completely worth it. 

Please select an area prior to the visit and make sure the path from the vehicle to the area is free of obstructions. I have a  bag with supplies I will need to bring and if transporting the pet afterwards for cremation, it can be difficult to maneuver around objects. You may want  to have bed or blanket nearby for your pet.

If you have children, you may choose to have them present or not. Other pets can also be present, but seem to know what's happening and may not be interested in sniffing the pet afterwards. 

On arrival, there is a simple consent form to complete on an iPad. 

Once we are ready to proceed, there is an initial injection that contains pain medication and a light sedative given under the skin like a vaccine. The majority of pets do not react to this injection, but some may find it stings a little and may vocalize. Cats and certain dog breeds tend to have more of an opinion regarding this injection. It's very quick and distraction with treats or pets may help. It will take several minutes to take effect, during which the pet is allowed to walk around as long as there are no hazards and we can keep them close. As the medication takes effect, they will become wobbly and want to lay down. Once sleepy and relaxed, we can move to a different location if wanted. Some owners may choose to hold their pet. I carry pee pads that we can place under the pets rear to prevent leakage of fluids underneath them. The pet may start to snore, dream, and may or may not close their eyes. 

Once relaxed, a tourniquet is applied. An anesthetic will then be injected into the vein to fully anesthetize the pet, making them unaware and removing any remaining pain. This is the same level of anesthesia that a surgical patient would undergo. The euthanasia injection is then given very slowly into the vein and flushed with saline afterwards. Most pets will pass prior to completion of this injection, but passing will be confirmed afterwards. There is no pain and many pets give a sigh and then are gone. In some pets that are very sick, the veins may be too fragile or collapsed and alternate sites of injection may be used. 

After passing, you are welcome to visit with your pet. They may urinate, defecate, or have some muscle twitching. In pets with congestive heart failure or fluid in their lungs, there may be fluid that starts to leak from their nose and mouth and can contain blood. Once you are done visiting, I will wrap the patient in a blanket if I am transporting for cremation. You can also provide a blanket that can be cremated with the pet or returned. Small items may be sent with the pet for cremation. 

Remember to remove any collars you want to keep. 

I will load the pet in my vehicle to transport for cremation. If the pet is larger than 50lbs, assistance may be needed.