Paperwork

When you arrive for your appointment, we will escort you to one of our quiet rooms. We lay out a soft bed and squishy blankets for your pet to relax on while we discuss the euthanasia process and discuss body care. We know the only thing on your mind is your pet, so the payment process can be done at whatever stage of the process seems appropriate for you. We will work with you to make this as easy and painless as possible.

Time for Goodbyes

When your pet is fully sedated, our doctor and technician will be back in to check on your pet and answer any questions you may have at this stage. You are welcome to spend as much time with your pet as you want, or if you and your pet are ready, they will give the second injection. The second injection is an overdose of medication that stops the heart. Because they are sedated, they neither feel the needle nor the medication that performs the euthanasia. The medication is injected directly into your pet’s blood stream. Sometimes, due to the sedation given before, it may be difficult to find a vein on the first try. The doctor and technician will explain to you if they are experiencing any difficulties. Once the medication has been injected, the doctor will listen for your pet’s heartbeat. When the medication reaches the heart, the heart will slowly cease to beat. At this point, they have passed on. You can spend as much time with your pet as required - we know that this isn’t an easy thing to do and goodbyes aren’t quick.

Sedation

Your doctor and technician will be in first to answer any questions that you may have and explain the process. We use a two-part sedation technique. The first injection is a sedative that puts your animal into a deep, peaceful sleep. As far as they know, it’s just like they’re taking a nap with the people they love most. The sedation takes about 10-15 minutes to kick in fully. Some animals may pass with the sedation only, which is okay: it just means they were ready to go.

Remembering Your Pet

When you are ready to leave the room, we ask that you close the door and shut the lights off on your way out to allow your pet to rest in privacy and peace. The technician will be in after you leave to cover your pet’s body with a blanket.

We understand this process is hard and that there are many ways to remember your beloved pet. Please talk to our technicians or office staff if you need anything.