Saying Goodbye

Pets bring immense joy, happiness, and companionship into our lives, but unfortunately, there comes a time when we must say goodbye. This is understandably a difficult period, and this checklist is intended to help you make the right decisions for yourself, your family, and your pet.

It’s often better to think ahead and plan for your pet’s passing, as this can give you the opportunity to consider what you want. If it’s a family pet, you may want to include the wishes of family members, including children. Leaving decisions until the last moment, when emotions are heightened and grief is involved, can make things more challenging.

Thinking about your pet’s passing in advance allows for clearer decision-making. Writing down your wishes in a plan can be helpful, so nothing is overlooked during a more stressful time. You can alter and revise your plan at any point.

The following information is intended to provide more details on the euthanasia process and guide you in making the right decisions for yourself, your family, and your pet:

Where Would You Like It to Happen?

Currently, we can only offer this procedure at our clinic. However, whenever possible, we have access to a dedicated euthanasia room that has less of a clinical feel and can be accessed via a side entrance, providing more privacy.

Who Will Be There?

Any family members or friends who wish to attend are welcome.

When Will It Happen?

This is a difficult question, and your vet can offer sensitive and objective advice. Remember that your pet’s quality of life is the most important factor in deciding when to say goodbye.

Depending on your preference, you may choose to be present during the procedure or not. The procedure can vary slightly depending on the type of pet and their condition.

• Generally, either an intravenous catheter will be inserted into one of your pet’s limb veins to administer the euthanasia agent, which is an overdose of an anesthetic injection, or the agent will be given into an organ.
• The pet may need sedation before either of these procedures.
• The process is quick—most pets fall asleep within 10 seconds to a couple of minutes, and it is entirely painless.
• After the procedure, you may take some additional private time with your pet if you wish.

What Will Happen to Your Pet’s Body After the Procedure?

There are several options, including:

• Burial at Home – If you wish to bury your pet in a place that holds sentimental value, ensure it’s privately owned land.
• Cremation Services – We offer various options through our crematorium partner, Pet Crematorium Services (PCS).
  • Communal Cremation – You will not receive your pet’s ashes, but some of the ashes will be respectfully scattered in a memorial ground at the crematorium. Paw prints and hair clippings can be provided by the practice upon request.
  • Individual Cremation – You will receive your pet’s ashes, along with keepsakes such as paw prints and hair clippings if desired. For individual cremation, you can select a vessel for your pet’s ashes.
• If you prefer, you may transfer your pet directly to the crematorium yourself after the euthanasia and wait while the cremation is undertaken. Please contact the practice ahead of the euthanasia appointment to discuss this in further detail.

Important Information:

• Pets may not close their eyes upon passing.
• They may take a few deep breaths or experience muscle tremors after euthanasia; these are normal bodily reactions.
• Pets may also release their bowels or bladder during euthanasia due to muscle relaxation.