At-home euthanasia is a service where a veterinarian comes to your home to perform euthanasia on your pet. It’s a humane option that allows your pet to pass away in a comfortable and familiar environment.
Explanation
Your veterinarian will first explain the process from start to finish. We encourage you to ask questions, seek clarification or simply ask for the veterinarian to rephrase anything that is unclear. When we experience grief or other intense emotions, our ability to process information is challenged. Please feel free to speak up if you are confused or needing information at any point during your appointment. Your veterinarian is there to address your concerns.
Sedation
Your veterinarian will first administer sedation either under the skin or into the muscle, similar to how vaccines are given. If your pet is still eating, this is a great time to offer them a special treat (even chocolate) to distract them from that little poke. Your pet’s sedation cocktail is a powerful combination of pain medications and sedatives. This will allow your pet to slip into a deep and pain-free sleep in about ten to fifteen minutes. Every pet is unique and if yours happens to need extra sedation to fall completely asleep, your veterinarian has everything they need.
Once your pet is sleeping peacefully, your veterinarian will assess the depth of their sedation. This is often done by firmly squeezing your pet’s toes and toenails. When your pet no longer responds to that stimulation, we know their sedation is very deep. They are no longer feeling their body and they are ready to make their peaceful transition.
Administering Euthanasia Medication
Your pet’s euthanasia medication will be given into a vein. Because of this, an area of fur may be clipped from your pet’s leg and the area will be prepped. Occasionally, because of old age, certain disease processes or other patient factors, it’s possible that your veterinarian may have to try more than one spot to find a suitable vein to deliver the euthanasia medication. Rest assured that your pet will not be aware of this, nor will they be feeling anything at all.
Euthanasia medication is essentially an overdose of anesthesia (a barbiturate) which starts to work as it’s given. It goes to work anesthetizing the brain completely first, which in turn brings the heart and lungs to a stop. This process is gentle and completely pain free for your pet. They will literally pass away in their sleep.
Time Alone with Your Pet
Your veterinarian will confirm that your pet has passed by listening to their heart. Then they will return to their vehicle to give you privacy. When you are ready, let your veterinarian know and they will return with a stretcher or basket and tuck your pet in with a blanket.