
When it comes to pet euthanasia at home, owners have two main questions: will my pet feel any pain and how does the process work?
The pain question is always hard to answer, because an elderly or very unwell pet may already be in pain. However, it’s reassuring for everyone that, when the home euthanasia procedure takes place, the very first part of the process will alleviate any existing pain and will ensure that your pet has a compassionate, pain-free goodbye.
Having answered the pain question, if this is enough information for you, please stop reading now. The following information may cause distress if you would prefer not to know about the whole process.
Preparation
Once the vet has come to your home and had a short chat, there may well be a short examination, just to check on the pet and to answer any uncertainties or questions. This process is unhurried, to allow the pet time to settle and to reduce any anxiety.
Although this is a clinical procedure, when it takes place at home, owners have choices and can request what they feel is best for their pet, so it’s fine to prepare a comfortable place for the procedure to take place, for instance with the pet on its favourite bed or snoozing spot.
It’s also important to say that owners can choose whether or not to be present throughout. Many do, feeling it’s a respectful way to say goodbye, but there is absolutely no obligation or judgement if you would prefer not to. The vet is happy to stay with your pet instead if you wish, and you can be sure your pet is in safe, compassionate hands.
Procedure
When everyone is ready, the procedure begins with a sedative being administered. This takes just seconds via injection, usually a small pinprick to the back of the neck. As with any injection, your pet may experience some mild discomfort but it is usually quick and very rarely painful.
Over the next 10 minutes or so, the pet drifts off into a calm, peaceful sleep. For owners staying with their pets, this is the perfect time for stroking, saying goodbye and spending final moments together. The vet will give you time and space to do this.
Once the sedative has taken full effect and your pet is soundly asleep, the last injection is administered. This is an overdose of the anaesthetic and the vet will explain where this will be given and what is happening. The sleeping pet feels nothing at this stage and once this dose is administered, the moment generally tends to be very quick, with the pet passing peacefully whilst sleeping.
The vet will make a check for vital signs and confirm that the pet has passed away, then quietly exits the room, whilst the family say goodbye in peace.
If cremation has been requested as part of the home euthanasia service, we will help to make arrangements for the pet crematorium service to collect your pet shortly after the home visit service.
Adapting the process
As all pet owners know, every pet has its individual characters and preferences – and the vet knows it too. The main reason for home euthanasia is to reduce stress for all concerned, allowing a beloved pet to have a calm, compassionate goodbye.
So if an alternative process is needed to achieve this, and to accommodate the needs of a pet, please discuss this with your home pet euthanasia service. We’ve had visits where it was possible to administer the initial sedative in food or in a way that the pet remained unaware of the vet’s presence, so please always ask for help.
To book a home visit with one of our kind and compassionate vets you can contact us here