FAQ’s
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Knowing when it is time to say goodbye to your beloved friend can be one of the most difficult decisions you will make.
First, please know that there is rarely an exact right time. Often when pets are nearing the end of their good days, we describe them as being in the "euthanasia window." This means that there is enough going on for them, be it pain, poor mobility, poor appetite, or soiling themselves to name a few potential problems, that any time is the "right" time for euthanasia.
There are many reasons you may decide it's time to say goodbye. Most people want to be sure their pet is not in pain, or that they are not being selfish and just wanting more time. Most older or ill pets do have some pain. The questions are whether or not the pain is, or can be, adequately managed; and what the impact of the pain is on the pet's quality of life.
There are other markers besides pain that we use to determine whether or not our pet's quality of life is adequate to keep on keeping on. One of the best ways to assess a pet's quality of life is to use a quality of life scale.
There are several listed under the Resources tab on the Quality of Life page, which you can find here. Different people relate better to one version than another so we encourage you to look at all of them and use the style that resonates best with you.
If you find that you are not yet at the point of needing to choose end of life, using these scales periodically can help you trend the decline (or possibly the improvement if a condition is being managed with a new care plan) in your pet.
Sometimes seeing things on paper can help us make a more objective decision in an otherwise very emotional process. It can also be helpful for individual family members to fill out the scales separately so that we can see where everyone stands on the decision.
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On the day of our appointment, I (Dr. Chandler) will arrive sometime in the scheduled 2 hour window. I will call or text when I am on my way with a more exact time of arrival, and again to let you know when I actually arrive at your house. Please let us know about any special arrival requirements, like gate codes, or if there are any unexpected navigation notes that GPS won’t recognize. It is helpful for loading/departure if there is a space in the driveway or near the house that I can back into if I am helping with aftercare arrangements.
Generally I come into the place where we are going to be working to say hello to the family and meet your pet. I bring some special cookies that most dogs are interested in eating as a way to make friends and to distract them from the process. This is a good time to address any concerns or questions about your decision, as well as the process itself, if there are any lingering doubts. If the paperwork and payment has not been addressed ahead of time, it’s best to take care of it first as long as your pet is not in distress. I typically start the process with a little numbing cream between the shoulders or on the back of the neck. Because it’s best to let this “soak in” for a bit, I will often apply it before we take care of the paper work.
When we are all set, I will proceed with the sedation process. Sometimes the sedation shot itself can sting for just a moment, especially in small dogs and cats, so I numb the area a little more with a small amount of solution infused just under the skin before administering the sedation medication. If your pet will still eat a little treat, we can usually distract him or her while we are getting the medication on board.
This is the only part of the process your pet will feel as he or she will gradually become very sleepy over 2-15 minutes, eventually to the point of unconsciousness. I may move away during these minutes to allow you the privacy of being with your good friend during their last conscious moments. It’s important to be calm, speak softly, and be gentle in your touch, reassuring your pet during this time, even while you are more than likely experiencing a lot of emotion. After about 10 minutes I will check your pet’s reflexes.
This is often the point when I will make a molded paw print for you if you would like to have one, and place a potty pad underneath the hind end. Sometimes after 15-20 minutes, we have to repeat the sedation shot to reach the desired point of unconsciousness. Once your pet can no longer feel what I am doing, I will proceed with the euthanasia injection. Depending on the circumstances, I may try to put this medication directly into the bloodstream through a small butterfly catheter, or I may choose to put it elsewhere in the body where I know there will be a good blood supply. We are basically giving your pet an anesthetic overdose.
Your pet’s breathing will stop first, then the heart will stop, resulting in death. If we are directly in the bloodstream, death will occur within a minute or two, usually before I even finish the injection. When the medication is elsewhere in the body, death can still occur quickly, or it may take several minutes for the medication to be fully absorbed and have its effect. Just like with the sedation shot, sometimes we have to repeat the euthanasia shot to have the desired effect.
I will listen carefully with my stethoscope to confirm your pet’s death. If you are burying your pet at home and need help positioning or moving your pet, I may be able to assist you with this. If I am taking your pet with me, I can either do that immediately or can give you and your family some time for goodbye. This is a very personal moment for families and you just need to let me know what you need. I will accommodate you as best I am able.
When you are ready, I will return with my stretcher (for pets 20-80 lb) in order to load your pet into my car. I will need at least one person’s assistance with moving your pet from your home to my vehicle. The last goodbye often happens at my car. If you are getting your pet’s remains back, it usually takes 2-4 weeks for them to return, at which point I will usually personally deliver them to you.
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Your primary focus should just be spending and enjoying time with your pet in the finals moments to days.
That said, thinking some things through before hand can help reduce stress on the appointment day. If you have time, think about who will be present, where your pet will be most comfortable while still being safe (inside, outside, in the back of the truck for example), whether or not you want to have music playing, or have a special a toy, or blanket or treat for your pet. See additional FAQs for more detailed information on some of these topics. There is a good planning guide to help you prepare for day on the Veterinary Wisdom page. We also recommend that you spend time beforehand thinking about ways to memorialize your pet.
For more information or ideas on memorialization, please visit our Memorialization page.
We will need to discuss the details about any memorial options you may want and what we are going to do with your pet after we are done ("after care"). There is some paperwork we can take care of ahead of time on-line or at the time of the appointment if that is an easier option for you. This includes a euthanasia consent form for you to sign (electronically or by printing and signing), and an invoice based on your wishes for after care and memorialization options. All forms of payment are accepted.
If we are helping with your pet's after care, we will need one person to assist with moving pets that are over 20 pounds. Dr. Chandler has a stretcher so it is not physically difficult for two able-bodied people but it can be an emotional strain. It may be possible for us to arrange to have a helper come to the appointment if no one in the family can assist with this. There is an additional fee if we need to do this. It is easiest for loading and departure if there is a space for me to back my car into when I arrive.
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Yes.
If your pet is still eating, feel free to feed them on their regular schedule. Now can also be a time to give your them the forbidden foods you think they would enjoy (chocolate bars, brownies, a steak, etc, always being mindful of choking hazards). It's best to do this within a few hours of the appointment time so that they don't have a tummy ache for the day prior to the appointment. While uncommon, there is a chance your pet may experience nausea at the time of euthanasia, most likely due to a pre-existing condition or sensitivity to the medication, not because of the food you give them beforehand.
Any medications your pet is currently taking should be given on their regular schedule the day of the appointment. Some medications can be given in higher doses the day of the appointment for extra sedation and pain management if needed. Please discuss your pet's current medications with us ahead of time so we can best advise you if you have any questions about this.
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Yes.
You can absolutely be with your pet every step of the way. We will keep you informed about what's happening and include you in the process as much as you would like. People have many different thoughts about being present, all of which have merit. During the procedure, while the pet is getting sleepy, it's best if the atmosphere is calm, gentle and quiet, as the more stimulation your pet has at this time, the harder it will be for him or her to become sleepy.
Quiet talking and soft pets are usually best. It is okay and appropriate to be emotional throughout the process. Please understand, however, that hysterical wailing may make it harder on your pet to relax. Should you choose to leave at any point, we will do our best to ensure you pet remains as comfortable as possible.
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How much to involve children depends on their age and maturity. If possible, it is good to include your child in this process in order to avoid feelings of unresolved grief and confusion later on. We recommend using the proper terminology (death, dying, dead, etc) rather than euphemisms meant to protect them from the truth (gone to sleep, going to the farm, etc). This is important because if your child thinks their beloved friend is still alive, they will feel more confused and upset when they don't come home. Your family's spiritual practice comes into play here. It is helpful if you share your beliefs with us ahead of time so we can try to craft our language to fit your practice.
It is also important to model healthy grieving for your child. It's ok for them to see you cry. In fact, this will help them understand their own emotions. Rather than hide your child from what is happening, including them will help normalize the process and teach them to not be afraid to show their emotions while they come to terms with loss.
For more information, please see the downloadable resources on our Grief Resources page for talking to children about grief and loss.
We highly recommend visiting the Veterinary Wisdom page: Kids and Grief.
You might also find our blog post on Euthanasia and the Presence of Children to be helpful.
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We strongly believe that all children should have the opportunity to say goodbye to their friend. Whether or not you want your children present for the actual euthanasia depends on their age and maturity. Very young children (under 5) will not likely have any real sense of what is happening and may respond more to your emotions than to anything they are recognizing about a pet dying. In these cases it may be best to have a baby sitter or friend stay with the young ones so that you can focus on what is happening with your pet.
Older children may appreciate the option to be involved. Our recommendation is to talk to your kids and ask what they would like to do, then let them do that. Sometimes kids (and adults) think they do or do not want to be present and change their minds part way through. This is okay in most instances. Dr. Chandler is happy to talk with your kids ahead of time during a consultation appointment to address any questions they may have in understanding the process.
We highly recommend visiting the Veterinary Wisdom page: Kids and Grief.
For more detailed information, please visit our Euthanasia & the Presence of Children blog post.
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We find that just like people, other household pets need this time to say goodbye. They seem to understand what is happening and often know better than the humans do that their pack member is not well. Depending on the pet, they may sit quietly throughout the process, bringing you peace and comfort. Some busier dogs (and cats) can be more interested in what I am all about, especially because I usually bring cookies.
In these cases, where managing the other pets becomes more of a distraction to you, or for pets who might be particularly protective of you or the pet we are euthanizing, keeping them confined elsewhere, with a favorite treat or friend to play with them during the appointment, may be best. In all cases, allowing other pets to see and smell their friend after euthanasia is important for their understanding that their friend has died.
Your other pets may act depressed or display unusual behavior for a few days after the euthanasia, but generally return to their normal selves within a short period of time.
