What to expect

We believe in  maintaining your pet's quality of life for as long as possible, but when that quality of life deteriorates, euthanasia offers us the option of allowing them to peacefully pass away, without further suffering. When they are suffering or are likely to begin to suffer with a terminal illness, it can be the kindest gift we can offer them, even though it may be the toughest decisions we'll ever make as  animal lovers.

Once the decision has been made to euthanize a pet, there are a few other tough questions that need to be asked and decisions to make. The first is whether you plan to bury them, or if you'd prefer to have them cremated. If you choose cremation, you'll also have to decide whether or not you'd like their cremains (ashes) returned. 

When you contact us about an at home euthanasia appointment, we will be as understanding as possible whilst still having to ask you a few tough questions. 

If you'd prefer to pay by credit card, we will email you an invoice with a "pay now" link that will allow you to enter your payment information securely online. We do not carry card readers and cannot accept credit card payments at time of service, therefore we require pre-payment if electing to pay by card.

When we arrive for the appointment, we will have one consent form that requires a signature from the adult taking responsibility for the pet, that grants us permission to perform the procedure.

Once the consent form  has been completed and any questions or concerns from anyone present have been answered, the Vet will begin by giving the patient a small but powerful sedative as an injection in to a muscle, usually in the back leg. This medication takes ~2-8 minutes, depending on the pet, to relax them, and placing them in to a light to moderate level of anesthesia, where they will just be peacefully sleeping. 

Once they are comfortable  and everyone present is ready, we administer a second injection that is an intentional overdose of an anesthetic. This medication quickly and comfortably puts them in to a very deep sleep. Deep enough that brain, heart and respiratory function cease. The second injection is usually given into a vein, but may be administered elsewhere, especially in small and/or debilitated animals. Depending on how it is administered, it takes between a few seconds and a few minutes to cause the pet to pass away. As the medication takes affect, we will often notice subtle changes in their breathing rate-it may speed up momentarily, it may slow down, but we'll notice their breaths get shallower, then stop. 

If you plan to bury them, we will confirm they have passed and excuse ourselves-allowing you to begin the grieving process. 

If you elect cremation, we will give you as much time as you need before taking them with us. We do have a gurney that allows us to move animals up to ~150 lbs with little to no help if there are no obstacles (stairs, tight corners, etc.) in our path, but we may need assistance, especially for large dogs or with exit barriers.