It’s important to remember that when it comes to saying goodbye there isn’t a set formula that suits everyone. As with humans, animals all have their own unique and wonderful personalities and no two animals are ever the same. As their owner, you know more than anyone else your pet’s personality and preferences. Once the decision has been made that euthanasia is the kindest way forward for your pet, together we will create a plan of how best to help your pet pass peacefully.
I do offer telephone and in house consultations for those who are not yet decided and require some extra help in deciding if the time is right. Please contact me for more information regarding this service.
Before making your booking, I will go through a list of details with you to retrieve as much information as I can about your pet’s health conditions and personality. This is due to the fact that some drugs can take longer to take effect if certain health conditions are present, and it’s important I obtain the correct information to help achieve that balance. Once I have retrieved the information I need, a consent form will be drawn up and emailed to you ahead of time.
I will call you on the number you provide me with at least 10 minutes before arriving at your property. I will arrive in a car (not a van), and I will wear casual clothing (not scrubs- unless requested). The reason for this is to prevent pets associating my visit with any prior trips they’ve had to a veterinary practice. I prefer a domestic car to keep my visit private so owners can decide if it’s something they’d like their neighbours to know about.
Sedation
It is important for me that all animals are sedated prior to the final injection. Often animals being euthanised are suffering from chronic health conditions. A Sedation allows for you to spend those final moments with your pet, pain free and drifting off into a deep sleep. For animals who have a more challenging temperament, oral sedatives will be given to you to administer while I wait in my vehicle, out of sight from your pet as not to cause any unnecessary alarm. Upon entering your house, I will introduce myself to your pet, and administer a small subcutaneous injection, which is generally well tolerated and often goes unnoticed. I will either leave the room, or wait quietly in a corner of the room as you spend some time comforting your pet as they fall into a comfortable slumber. I will ensure that your pet is completely anaesthetised before we proceed.
The Euthanasia Injection
Once I have established that full general anesthesia is present, I will proceed to place a catheter in a vein. This process usually dictates that I clip away a small amount of your pet’s fur to make for greater visualisation of the vein. As chronic health conditions can result in a lowered blood pressure, there are times when gaining venous access is difficult or impossible. In such cases, I will administer the final injection into an organ. This will only be done after verifying that your pet is deeply sleeping under a general anaesthetic. While your pet will be completely unaware of anything going on, I will always endeavour to keep you completely informed at every step of the process. If you want to step out of the room, or look away for the final injection, this is something I am comfortable helping you through. Everyone deals with life and death differently, and it’s important that you’re given as much support as you need.
What to expect in the final moments
When I administer the final injection, your pet will already be in a deep slumber. I will listen for a heart rate 2 minutes after administering the injection. I will let you know as soon as your pet’s heart stops beating. It is important that if you have any questions or concerns that you do not hold back from asking them. I understand this is potentially one of the worst days of your life, and I want to make sure it goes as smoothly as it can for both your pet and for you and the rest of your family.
After care
After your pet has passed away, I will offer my emotional assistance and stay with you until you feel safe for me to leave you. If you are using my cremation services, I will take your pet to my car. Depending on the size of your pet, I may need your assistance carrying your pet to the car. If you are unable to provide this, please let me know ahead of time so I can bring an assistant with me. There is a small surcharge for this service.