The Process

Before Dr. Morrison’s arrival, imagine all the things that would make the setting nice for your beloved companion’s in home euthanasia. Would you like to have music playing, or the TV on with ball games or candles burning? Whatever is normal for your family and pets. Unfortunately, we can not have the euthanasia outdoors due to loud, uncontrolled noises and more importantly, your pet does not relax enough to go to sleep.

Once at your home, Dr. Morrison will discuss who you would like to be present and what to do with other family pets. During this time, please feel free to express any special requests you may have for your pet’s end of life transition.

She will also perform the typical duties of a veterinarian which includes a history gathering, a brief physical exam to determine the type and amount of sedation based on your pet’s physical condition and review your preferences for after care as described in the section below.

It is our philosophy that your pet never experiences any pain or discomfort throughout the euthanasia process and therefore we provide a sedative. This sedation will put them into a peaceful, comforting and deep gentle, twilight sleep. For a dog euthanasia, this sedation will take full effect in approximately 20 minutes and for a cat euthanasia, it will only take approximately 5 minutes. To your pet, they will feel very relaxed and pain free and thus you will feel more comfortable seeing them in this state. This injection will be placed right under the skin.

Once your pet is sedated, many clients take this time to express loving words, say a prayer, read a poem or eulogy, express their love and appreciation for all they have meant in their lives…and to let them know it is okay to pass over. It is a wonderful final bonding and connection experience and aids in the acceptance of this phase of life.

Once you and your loved ones have had a chance to say good-bye and you feel you are ready, we will proceed with putting your beloved pet to sleep. A second injection will be given and only takes a few moments to take effect. We will listen to your pet’s heart and let you know when your beloved friend has passed away.