home pet euthanasia
Thank you for guiding your loved one on their end-of-life journey. Below, we include what to expect and how to prepare for this special visit. To make this experience as calm and comfortable as possible for your pet, be sure to read the following information.
Preparation for the visit
Allow your pet to find a quiet, comfortable, warm, soft spot to rest (pet bed, human bed, couch, soft blanket, outside on the grass) while waiting for the doctor to arrive. You may offer your pet any foods they love, including human foods like fresh bacon, cheeseburgers, steak, ice cream etc., and fresh water. Some families choose to create a calm surrounding environment for their family and pets (soothing music or video, dim lights, light candles, etc). Friends, family, children and other pets are welcome to be present. Some families prepare an item to send along with their pet (letters, poems, flowers, blankets, toys, etc). The intention is to help make your pet's transition as peaceful as possible for your pet.
What to expect
Step one: An injection of sedation medication is given to help your pet relax. This is the only injection your pet may feel. If you feel your pet may react and/or need a distraction, have a treat (steak, ice cream, cheeseburger, peanut butter etc.) ready. Your pet will begin to feel sleepy and will lay down about 5-10 minutes after this injection. Animals keep their eyes open during deep sedation, this is normal.
Step two: The doctor will let you know when your pet is deeply sedated and ready for the next step. You are welcome to spend time alone with your pet before the last injection. If you would like some time alone with your pet the doctor will step out of the room at this time.
Step three: The last injection given to your pet will help your pet pass away. The doctor may shave a small amount of fur on your pet's paw in order to deliver the medication. Your pet will not feel the injection, and the doctor will let you know once your pet has passed on. Your pet may keep their eyes open after passing away, this is normal.
Step four: If you’ve chosen cremation for your loved one, the doctor will step out to prepare the vehicle for transport. Your pet will be carried out to the vehicle in a small basket or stretcher and a blanket. You or a family member are welcome to carry your pet outside to the vehicle along with any special toys, blankets or other items to be sent with your pet.
We hope this allows you to feel more comfortable with your in-home visit.
Our pets are very intuitive about our energy and can easily sense our emotions. Be kind to yourself and open to the emotions that come to you during this visit. Your pet may look to you for comfort and understanding, and this is a time for comforting them and showing compassion before their journey.
Should you have any questions prior to your scheduled appointment, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Curtis at drcurtis@cosmiclightvet.com
Preparation for the visit
Allow your pet to find a quiet, comfortable, warm, soft spot to rest (pet bed, human bed, couch, soft blanket, outside on the grass) while waiting for the doctor to arrive. You may offer your pet any foods they love, including human foods like fresh bacon, cheeseburgers, steak, ice cream etc., and fresh water. Some families choose to create a calm surrounding environment for their family and pets (soothing music or video, dim lights, light candles, etc). Friends, family, children and other pets are welcome to be present. Some families prepare an item to send along with their pet (letters, poems, flowers, blankets, toys, etc). The intention is to help make your pet's transition as peaceful as possible for your pet.
What to expect
Step one: An injection of sedation medication is given to help your pet relax. This is the only injection your pet may feel. If you feel your pet may react and/or need a distraction, have a treat (steak, ice cream, cheeseburger, peanut butter etc.) ready. Your pet will begin to feel sleepy and will lay down about 5-10 minutes after this injection. Animals keep their eyes open during deep sedation, this is normal.
Step two: The doctor will let you know when your pet is deeply sedated and ready for the next step. You are welcome to spend time alone with your pet before the last injection. If you would like some time alone with your pet the doctor will step out of the room at this time.
Step three: The last injection given to your pet will help your pet pass away. The doctor may shave a small amount of fur on your pet's paw in order to deliver the medication. Your pet will not feel the injection, and the doctor will let you know once your pet has passed on. Your pet may keep their eyes open after passing away, this is normal.
Step four: If you’ve chosen cremation for your loved one, the doctor will step out to prepare the vehicle for transport. Your pet will be carried out to the vehicle in a small basket or stretcher and a blanket. You or a family member are welcome to carry your pet outside to the vehicle along with any special toys, blankets or other items to be sent with your pet.
We hope this allows you to feel more comfortable with your in-home visit.
Our pets are very intuitive about our energy and can easily sense our emotions. Be kind to yourself and open to the emotions that come to you during this visit. Your pet may look to you for comfort and understanding, and this is a time for comforting them and showing compassion before their journey.
Should you have any questions prior to your scheduled appointment, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Curtis at drcurtis@cosmiclightvet.com
