You will be asked whether you'd like to stay with your pet for euthanasia. This is an important point to consider - some people are not emotionally capable, and whichever choice you make is okay.
You may choose to be present while your pet is sedated, but you do not have to be. You can also remain while euthanasia is injected. You may also want to invite a friend or family member who your pet knows and who would like to be with you or your pet at this time.
A consent form and estimate of cost will be emailed to you through an electronic document signer ahead of time. The consent form will include a question about what you would like to do in terms of aftercare. We offer:
Private Cremation — Your pet will be privately cremated and the ashes will be returned to you in a customized cedar chest. We will contact you when your loved one is ready to be picked up. The cost of private cremation is based on your pet’s weight.
General Cremation — Instead of being returned to you, your pet's ashes will be spread at sea by Tides to Tranquility and Ocean Defenders.
No Aftercare — You can take your pet’s remains home with you.
Hold — If you are unsure what you would like to do with your pet's remains, we can hold them until you are ready and able to decide. We ask that you please call us within 7 days to update us regarding your wishes.
Hold for Pick-up — Choose this option if you will be picking up your pet's remains at a later date or if you will be contacting an outside company to pick them up. If another company will be picking up your pet, please provide us with their name, phone number and approximate pick-up date (if available).
Paw Print — If desired, we can make a clay impression of your pet's paw as a keepsake for your family. Once it dries, it will be painted and glazed. If you are electing private cremation, the paw print will be available for pick-up with your pet's ashes. If you have chosen any other aftercare option, the paw print will be shipped to the home address on file once it is finished unless you specifically request to pick it up instead. Once it dries, it will be painted and glazed. If you are electing private cremation, the paw print will be available for pick-up with your pet's ashes. If you have chosen any other aftercare option, the paw print will be shipped to the home address on file once it is finished unless you specifically request to pick it up instead.
The entire euthanasia process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. When you arrive at the hospital, our caring staff will bring you to a private, quiet, and peaceful room. Your pet will be brought into the Treatment area, where a veterinary technician will place an IV catheter in order to provide your veterinarian with unimpeded access to your pet’s vein when it comes time to administer the necessary injections.
Once the IV catheter is placed, we will bring your pet back to you, and you will be allowed to spend as much time as you need to say goodbye.
When you are ready, the veterinarian will join you in the room. She will first administer an anesthetic agent called Propofol which will be injected directly into your pet's vein to cause the nerves in your pet’s body to cease sending signals (including pain signals). This medication takes effect quickly and once it does, your pet will lose consciousness and essentially, fall asleep. Your pet's breathing and heart rate will slow.
The euthanasia solution will then be injected. Your pet's breathing, heart rate, and brain function will eventually stop. This is a relatively quick process that only takes a few seconds or minutes depending on your pet, their condition, and other factors.
Many pets take a final, deep breath as they pass away. Some will urinate or defecate when they are euthanized due to the total relaxation that occurs.
Euthanasia is not painful for animals. Afterward, your pet's eyes may be open. If you wish, your vet can close them.
The vet will listen to your pet's heartbeat with a stethoscope to make sure they are gone. The vet will listen to your pet's heartbeat with a stethoscope to make sure they are gone.
Afterward, you may spend as much time as you need with your pet’s remains. When you are ready to leave, a staff member will escort you out through a private back door. We are committed to treating every pet owner with as much sensitivity and compassion as possible.
