Knowing your pet is nearing the end of their life is heartbreaking, but understanding and preparing for their final moments can help you accept their passing.
The discussion of when to say goodbye to a beloved pet can be hard, but thinking about end of life preparations in advance can ease stress for both you and your pet. Although it can be difficult to think or talk about, at Latah Creek Animal Hospital we believe in approaching this process with openness and empathy. We want to be transparent about every step of the process so that on that difficult day, you know what to expect and can focus all of your attention on saying goodbye to your pet.
What can I expect during my pet’s euthanasia?
Before Your Appointment
We recommend picking up a dose of anti-anxiety medication for your pet prior to your appointment. Emotions may be running high on the day of your appointment, and even if your pet normally loves coming into the clinic, we do not want them to be feeling any extra anxiety. Please let us know if you would like us to prepare this for you to pick up.
We hope you can take some time to consider your wishes for cremation or burial. If you choose cremation, you may also choose to receive your pet’s ashes back in an urn. The urn and jewelry options can be found at Pet Cremation Services & Remembrance Boxes | Eternal Paws (eternalpawsllc.com) so that you may have some time to view the selection before the appointment, to allow you to remain more focused on your pet during the appointment.
During Your Appointment
When you arrive at the clinic, you will be shown to a private room. Your pet will be provided with treats and a comfortable blanket to rest on, but please feel free to bring any additional treats, bedding, music, etc that may make you and your pet more comfortable. We may also have a small piece of chocolate for your pet. We will provide pillows for you to sit on should you choose to be on the floor with your pet.
After you arrive, a nurse will discuss the process with you. If you didn’t get a chance prior to the appointment, you will get an opportunity to discuss questions regarding cremations, urns, cost, or any other questions or concerns you may have. We will also discuss your wishes for being present for the euthanasia, as everyone has different preferences for this. You may remain with your pet through the entire procedure, or leave at any time through the appointment, depending on you and your pet’s comfort level. Your pet will remain in the room to ensure their comfort.
When you are ready, your pet will be given a sedation injection to ensure they are comfortable. This way, your pet will become sleepy, and then drift off to sleep before the final injection. This helps ensure the procedure is painless and peaceful. The method of injection will be personalized to your pet, and will be discussed with you before proceeding. After the final euthanasia injection is given, the veterinarian will confirm that your pet has peacefully passed on.
After your pet has passed, you can spend as much time with your pet as you need. Once you have said your final goodbyes and are ready to leave, a paw print will be made and sent to you. If you have other requests, such as keeping a lock of fur, please let one of our team members know so that we can accommodate your request.
We are always available to talk about end of life preparations with your family. We are here for you and want to make this as peaceful as possible.
