Making that most difficult decision
Understanding the pain that your pet is experiencing or lack of lust for life, help us to make the tough decision, whilst heartbreaking, to put our pet down, to let go. Old age, inability to move without pain, chronic diseases, cancer, congestive heart failure are some of the reasons that a pet owner might decide that letting their pet go peacefully is the most loving alternative. Though your normal vet can help you to know if this is the only option available, putting your pet to sleep peacefully at home in a timely manner completely relies on you, the loving owner and pet parent.
The day before euthanasia
This is a challenging day once a date has been set, knowing this is the last day you get to spend with your beloved pet and ensuring that you make the most of it, will leave a long-lasting positive memory for those left behind.
Try to take your pet out if he/she still likes going out or alternatively stay at home and stay close to your pet and give them lots of treats, love and cuddles – if he or she allows this at this stage. Many people as well as yourself and your family can become so close to your pet as they have become treasured family members so ensure that all that matter, can spend some quality time with your pet too, it will be amazing for all and your pet will feel like a rock star! Take pictures together, make your pet’s favourite meal – they can have all those naughty treats that they have never been allowed before and make sure that you comfort them if they are in pain. You can usually give simple and normal medication and pain relief prior to pet euthanasia safely.
The day when euthanasia is scheduled
On the day of the euthanasia appointment, you will be asked to sign a consent form to authorise the decision. Payment is often finalised in advance when booking your pets appointment to save you having to worry about this on the day and have less to deal with there and then. This allows for your full attention to be with your special friend. You may also decide or discuss the after care/burial options at this time if this hasn’t been decided before.
You may choose to stay with your pet during its final moments, even hold them in your arms if you like or else you can stay outside the room if you prefer. Which ever you feel most comfortable with is best for all.
Our vet may, on your request, examine and discuss your pet first to ensure this is the right decision, if in doubt. Our fully qualified expert vet then use Vets2Home’s gentle two-step euthanasia protocol which is often different to your normal clinic vet. Our vet will always administer a gentle sedation to the back of your dog’s neck (or in the side if a cat) – first, so that he or she drift peacefully off to sleep in 3-10 minutes. The second and last step is to administer the final injection which your deeply sleeping pet will not feel at all as they cross the rainbow bridge. You can then spend some time with your pet before Vets2Home take your pet and look after them and arrange the agreed after care.
Home euthanasia
In-home euthanasia is the procedure of getting your pet euthanised in the comfort of your own home. The known, familiar environment of your home ensures that your pet will be at ease and make the euthanasia process comfortable and safe for your pet as well as all family members.
Cremation
You can choose to have a home burial, make your own arrangements for cremation, or our vet can arrange all this for you on the day as either as a group cremation or a 100% individual cremation with your pet’s ashes returned to your home or your vets for collection. When you first call to make an appointment, one of our small, caring team at Vets2Home will discuss all these options with you so you can choose what you would prefer. It’s completely up to you if you want us to arrange everything from door to door or if you alternatively choose to retain your pet for burial at home or your own private cremation arrangements. We will assist and support you either way.
Grieving process
The grieving process afterwards, we know from experience, differs vastly from one person to another, and there is no time limit or rules to this. There is no right way to grieve. Having support from family members who understands that a pet is a family member too and also joining a pet loss support group can be of great help. If you have a young member in your family who is heartbroken about saying goodbye to their pet, helping them to go through the grieving process is extremely important. Sharing your feelings with a friend, trusted colleague or any trusted group can help to ease your emotions.
The final goodbye is always so difficult and sad because our furry friends are a big part of our family for so long and therefore often regarded as our pet children. We at Vets2Home, try our best to smooth that process for you and your pet as much as possible and turn this tough journey into an unforgettable, loving memory for all.