Deciding when your pet may need hospice care or euthanasia is a very personal decision. Our team is here to help and make this process as smooth as possible. Our goal is to provide a peaceful and dignified experience for your beloved family pet where they are most comfortable — in your home.
What to Expect
Dr. Kristine Haroldson arrives at your appointment location at the scheduled appointment time. If not received prior to your appointment, Dr. Haroldson walks you through completing any remaining forms including the euthanasia release and making payment before the appointment begins.
Dr. Haroldson starts by administering a sedation medication into the muscle of one of your pet’s back legs. Sedation takes full effect in about 5-15 minutes. Once sedated, your pet appears to be sleeping but can still hear and potentially react to loud noises or stimulation. For this reason, Dr. Haroldson encourages your family to say the majority of your goodbyes prior to sedation. You can continue to touch and talk to your pet throughout the procedure, but they will not be attentive after the sedation medication is given.
Next, Dr. Haroldson administers the euthanasia solution into a vein or internal organ such as the heart. The euthanasia solution is a concentrated anesthetic that is overdosed and stops the heart. This process typically takes 2-5 minutes. Dr. Haroldson then listens to the heart and confirms your pet has passed.
Important Notes:
- As your pet passes away, muscles relax and potentially cause your pet to pass urine or stool.
- Your pet’s eyes will remain open — they do not stay closed even with us assisting the eyelids.
- Nerves can continue to fire after the heart stops beating, causing muscles including the diaphragm to move and pulse. This can give the appearance that your pet is still living and can happen multiple times after your pet has passed.
After your pet passes away, you and your family are welcome to take as much time as you need with your pet. When you have said your goodbyes, Dr. Haroldson makes a paw print casting and facilitates transportation of your pet to the crematorium.
For private cremation, ashes will be returned to you either through your primary vet clinic (if agreed) or through other arrangements.