Preparing for the appointment
Who will be present?
Anyone that you would like to be there is welcome. Sometimes a supportive friend is helpful. Children and their curiosity and spirit are a valuable part of this time. Some people want to be present while the pet gets sleepy from the sedation but then want to take a walk or go elsewhere after that.
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Other pets are also welcome as long as they do not interfere with the tasks we need to perform. We have seen some pets that seem very in-tuned with what is happening around them and other pets seem to have no clue that it is such a solemn and momentous occasion.
Location
Most of the time we will be working in your home somewhere. This could be on a dog bed in the living room, resting on someone's lap in their favorite chair, or laying at the foot of the bed where they sleep every night.
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If you have a specific location in mind, make sure that your pet's mobility level allows them to access it without too much difficulty. Consider what room they like to rest or sleep in. Are they drawn to soft blankets and beds or do they prefer to rest on the cool tile floor?
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If the weather is good and your pet and family members are comfortable outdoors, it can be a beautiful experience to be out in nature. We recommend choosing a private location like a back yard where there won't be unplanned observers.
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When working with animals we always have to be prepared to adapt our plans if needed. If they have other ideas about where they are comfortable than we expect, we can decide together the pros and cons of moving them or not.
Concerns and Special Considerations
​​​Each pet's physical and mental condition and health history is different. It is very helpful for us to know whether your pet has been diagnosed with anything, but if there is no specific diagnosis it is not a problem. Just let us know what you are seeing and why you are reaching out. If your pet takes any medication at all please be sure to let us know so we can make any needed adjustments to the drugs and/or doses we use.
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It is just as important that you share any behavior concerns, history of aggression or anxious behavior. If your pet is anxious, aggressive or unpredictable with new people or during vet visits, there are strategies we can use to make things easier for everyone involved but they are more effective if we know ahead of time and can work with you to make a plan. If your pet has bitten a person during the 10 days prior to euthanasia there are crucial human health considerations we MUST take into account.
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If you or anyone who will be present has any special requests, rituals, or precautions please let us know ahead of time so we can accommodate accordingly.​
Logistical Information
If your pet is eating, we recommend not feeding them for about 4-6 hours before the appointment. This is for a few reasons. We may give medications mixed with treats or food to start the sedation process. We regularly use treats and very tasty foods as a distraction from injections. Finally, although it is not common, the sedation medications can cause nausea, so a relatively empty stomach is best.
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All consent forms and payments will be sent to you electronically shortly before the visit, so that the focus is on you and your pet the whole time we are there.
During the visit
​​When we arrive, we will take a few minutes to greet you and your pet, allowing us to get acquainted and address any questions or concerns you may have. This initial time helps us evaluate your pet's physical and mental condition and observe their behavior. We will provide an overview of the process before we begin and ensure clear communication at each step along the way.
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The first step is giving a sedative that is mixed with a pain medication, usually in the form of an injection although sometimes we will give medications by mouth first. The most appropriate location for this injection varies depending on each situation and we have a lot of strategies for making it as easy and painless as possible. Once it is given your pet will begin to relax and get sleepy within about 2 to 10 minutes. This is a good time to talk to them, tell stories about them, pet them, and show how much you love them. Then a second, stronger anesthetic may be given that will provide full anesthesia, meaning your pet will not be feeling any pain or anxiety at that point. Finally, the last medication will be given, usually in a leg vein but sometimes in a different location closer to the abdomen.
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You and your family will have the opportunity to spend some time with your pet if desired. We will make paw and/or nose prints and collect fur samples for you to keep if you would like. Depending on what after-care option you have chosen we will prepare you pet's body for either burial or transporting to the crematorium.
After the appointment
If you choose to have your pet cremated, we will transport them to the crematorium. (If you have a large dog (over ~50 pounds) we will likely need a second person to help lift them into the vehicle on a stretcher - we will check with you ahead of the appointment to see if you or someone at your home is able to assist with this.)
It usually takes around 2 weeks to get your pet's ashes back. We will communicate with you to arrange to bring the ashes to your house or make other arrangements to get them to you.
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If you choose to bury your pet's body, guidelines for burial will be provided. Inappropriate burial procedures can harm other domestic animals and wildlife and contaminate the environment with the medications used. We will place your pet's body in a Euthabag, which is a veterinary-specific, sturdy, eco-friendly zippered bag that allows for a dignified burial.