End of Life – What To Expect

About End of Life Care at Pet Vet

Our worst day with a beloved pet is the realization that their lifespans are painfully short compared to our own.  Pet Vet strives to make this decision and the entire experience as peaceful and compassionate as possible.  We fully understand how difficult this choice can be, and have had to make the same decisions with our own pets.  As you, with the help of your veterinarian as needed, make end of life decisions for your pet, many clients take comfort in understanding what expect.

We handle the necessary consent forms, paperwork, and payment before the process so you can dedicate the remaining time to being with your beloved fur baby without any distractions.

The process begins with a sedative injection that helps them quietly drift into a deep sleep. This takes away all their pain, and ensures they are relaxed and comfortable for the final injection that will gently stop their heart. Sometimes, they might experience a temporary state where they seem a bit wobbly as they relax. Once they are sleepy – which typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes – we will shave a small area on their leg to place an IV catheter.

You and your family can decide to have the sedative and IV catheter placed while your pet is with you, or we can do this out sight and bring them back to you once they’re drowsy. As they sleep, you can take as much time as you need. When you’re ready, the doctor will come to administer the final injection and listen to their heart to ensure your pet passes peacefully. You’ll also have the time you need afterwards to say goodbyes. Please feel free to bring other family members and other pets if you would like.
It’s important to understand your options:

• There is a fee for the euthanasia procedure itself based on the pet’s weight. This fee includes the medications used for the sedative, the final injection, and the placement of the IV catheter.
• Home burial is available at no additional charge, and we can place your pet in an aftercare container if you wish.

There are also several cremation options that are priced accordingly:

• A private cremation means your pet will be cremated individually at our partner facility, and their ashes will be returned to the clinic for pick up.  This process usually takes about a week.
• Communal cremation is another option, where your pet is cremated along with other pets, and the ashes are scattered together in a memorial garden. With this choice, you won’t receive ashes back.We can provide estimate pricing for the process and additional memento paw prints either when you come in or beforehand if you wish. We offer also complimentary hair clippings and ink stamps of paw or nose if you choose.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any member of our staff or the practice manager directly.