In-Home Euthanasia

One of the hardest decisions we have to make as pet owners is determining when the right time is to say goodbye to our ailing loved one.  Whether your pet has been aging and gradually declining and is at the point of poor quality of life, or they have suddenly been diagnosed with a painful or rapidly progressing terminal disease, the decision is never an easy one. But we are so grateful to be able to ease the pain and avoid suffering for our loved ones so that they can pass with grace and dignity.  When the time comes for you to make that decision, we can help guide you to the best time and option for your pet.

THE PROCESS:

Once the decision is made that euthanasia is the best step for your beloved pet, an in-home appointment can be scheduled. Further assessment in person can be elected and helpful.  In this home visit, Dr. Seana meets with you and your beloved pet to discuss your needs and perform a brief exam (sometimes just a visual exam).  She will explain the entire process of how the appointment will go and answer any questions of yours that come to mind.  This visit includes sedation and pet euthanasia in the privacy and comfort of home. We avoid the need to get into the car to go to the veterinary hospital and the related stress. We take our time to allow pet parents to say goodbye and grieve in their own way. In this way, we can take our time to honor your bond and life together. 

There are typically two injections that will be given. When the time has come for the process to begin, a first injection of pain medication and sedation will be administered under the skin or in the muscle. The goal with the first injection is heavy sedation or anesthesia where your beloved pet is unaware of their surroundings and completely pain free.  This medication typically takes between 2 and 10 minutes to take full effect, depending on the route given and other unique circumstances for each pet.  Sometimes an oral medication may be given prior to the first injection to help the pet relax prior to injection.

The second injection is the euthanasia medication that travels to the brain and stops function of the brain first, then the breathing slows and stops, then the heart stops.  This is most often administered directly into the vein. If given into the vein this medication takes effect right away or under 2 minutes. This injection will be completely pain-free for your loved one. Occasionally if the veins are not a great option for a particular pet, another route will be used, but any route used for this drug will result in NO PAIN, since your pet is essentially under anesthesia-level sedation from the first medication.  You can be with your pet the entire process. I try to use the back leg vein for the last medication so you can stay close to your pet's face during and throughout the injection. After the injection is over I listen with the stethoscope over the heart to confirm they have passed.   

After your pet is confirmed to have passed away, if you have elected to use our cremation package, I will give you privacy with them to say goodbye if you wish. When you are ready, I will wrap them up comfortably in a blanket and carry them to my vehicle. If your pet is over 40 lbs, I will likely need help carrying them to my car. I have a gurney to lay them on.  Alternatively, if you are burying your pet at home or you will be handling transport to a different crematorium, then I will excuse myself after your pet has passed so your family can start the grieving process with privacy.

*We reserve the right to decline a euthanasia if we do not feel it is in the best interest of the pet, or not a safe situation for us, you, or the pet*