What to Expect During Euthanasia

Every caregiver is different in terms of how much or how little they want to know about the process of euthanasia. When the time comes for your pet, we will explain each step in as much or as little detail as you are comfortable with. We also recommend a pre-euthanasia appointment to help you prepare, both on a practical and emotional level.

For those who want to know more about what to expect ahead of time, more information is available here.

Will the vet examine my pet first?

Yes, in the majority of cases, a brief exam will be carried out and a conversation had with you to ensure euthanasia is the right decision for both you and your pet at this point. The exception to this is if a pet is obviously in crisis, and euthanasia is needed without delay to relieve their suffering.

What if I change my mind?

The decision to euthanise a beloved pet is an extremely difficult one, never made lightly. In our experience, if a pet owner thinks the time has come, they are usually right. But if, after an examination and discussion with the vet, you are still having doubts about going ahead and the vet agrees it will not cause concern for your pet's welfare, the best decision may to be delay and re-assess in a day or two. Our goal is to make this decision with you - we never want you to feel pressured into a decision you and your pet are not ready for.

Is there much paperwork?

We will ask you to sign a consent form, and confirm your aftercare choices. That's it.

Should I stay with my pet? What about children or other pets?

You can stay with your pet for as much or as little of the euthanasia process as you would like. If you decide to stay with them, but change your mind part way through, that is ok. Many people stay with their pet to the end, while others don't want the memory of seeing their pet's passing and choose to step away once sedation has taken effect - there is no right or wrong choice, just what is best for you and your family.

Whether children or other pets should be present is unique to every situation. Children and pets grieve loss just as adults do, and deserve the opportunity to say goodbye. We will try to help you decide how best to handle these decisions, but you know your family best and ultimately it is up to you.

What happens during the procedure itself? Is it painful? How long does it take?

Once the decision has been made to proceed with euthanasia, we will confirm your aftercare choices, and ask you to sign a consent form. We will also usually take care of payment at this stage so that from here on all of our attention is focused completely on your pet.

We will then give your pet some sedation in the form of a small injection, similar to a vaccine. This allows your pet to completely relax and fall into a comfortable sleep, free from any pain or fear. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, during which time we can give you some privacy with your pet if you wish.

Once sedation has taken effect, we will place an IV catheter for dogs - this is another small pinch through the skin, but usually unnoticed thanks to the sedation. An IV catheter is often not needed for cats.

When you are ready, we will give the final injection. Your pet will fall into a deeper sleep before losing consciousness, their breathing will stop, and eventually their heart will stop. They will be completely unaware of what is happening, and will not experience any pain. We will let you know when your pet has passed away, this is usually within a few minutes of the last injection being given, sometimes less.

In the minutes after death, some pets will appear to take a few very deep breaths, seem to stretch or become stiff, have muscle tremors, or void urine or faeces. Their eyes will remain open. Any of these, if they happen at all, will only occur after your pet has passed away, and are a natural part of death.

What happens after my pet has passed away?

We will first give you some private time with your pet, if you would like this.

If you have chosen to bury your pet at home, we will then take paw prints and fur clippings if you would like to have these. Your pet's remains will be left with you.

If you have chosen standard cremation (without ashes returned), again will with take paw prints and fur clippings. We will remove your pet's remains and make arrangements with the crematorium.

If you have chosen private cremation, we will arrange transportation to the crematorium. Your pet's ashes will be returned to you usually in about a week, along with framed paw prints and fur clippings.

There are also a variety of memorial keepsakes available, including jewellery and pet portraits.

Please visit our Aftercare page for more information on the options available.

Though a euthanasia appointment lasts only an hour or so, grieving the loss of a pet takes much longer than this. Please take a look at our Bereavement page for more information on the grieving process and supports available.