It’s important to remember that when it comes to saying goodbye, there isn’t a method that suits everyone. As with humans, animals all have their own unique and wonderful personalities, and no two animals are ever the same. As their owner, you know more than anyone else your pet’s nature and preferences. So once the decision has been made that a mobile euthanasia service is the kindest way forward for your loved one, together, we will create a plan of how best to help your pet pass peacefully.
On My Arrival
On the day of your appointment I will arrive in a car (not a van), and I will wear casual and colourful scrubs. The reason for this is to prevent pets connecting my visit with any prior trips they’ve had to a vet practice.
Euthanasia Sedation
It is important for me that all animals are under sedation prior to the final injection. Often, animals receiving end of life care are suffering from chronic health. A sedation allows you to spend those final moments with your pet as pain-free as they can be and drifting off into a deep sleep.
For animals who have a more challenging temperament, I can give you oral sedatives for you to give to your loved one while I wait in my vehicle. This is so I am out of sight from your pet and I won’t cause any needless alarm. There is a £150 surcharge for this option.
Upon entering your house, I will introduce myself to your pet and administer a small subcutaneous injection. This is usually well tolerated and often goes unnoticed. I will either leave the room or wait quietly in a corner of the room as you spend some time comforting your pet as they fall into a gentle slumber. I will then ensure that your pet is completely anaesthetised before we proceed.
The Euthanasia Injection
Once I have established that full general anaesthesia is present, I will proceed to place a catheter in a vein. This process usually dictates that I clip away a small amount of your pet’s fur to make for greater sight of the vein. As chronic health conditions can result in lowered blood pressure, there are times when gaining venous access is difficult or impossible. In such cases, I will administer the final injection into an organ. I will only do this after checking that your pet is deeply sleeping under a general anaesthetic.
While your pet will be completely unaware of anything going on, I will always make sure to keep you completely informed at every step of my mobile euthanasia process. If you want to step out of the room or look away for the final injection, this is something I am comfortable helping you through. Everyone deals with life and death differently, and it’s important that you have as much support as you need.
What to expect in the final moments
When I administer the final injection, your pet will already be in a deep slumber. I will listen for a heart rate 2 minutes after giving the injection. I will let you know as soon as your pet’s heart stops beating. It is important that if you have any questions or concerns, you do not hesitate to ask them. I understand this is potentially one of the worst days of your life. Therefore, I want to make sure it goes as smoothly as it can for both your pet, for you and the rest of your family.
Mobile Euthanasia Aftercare
After your pet has passed away, I will offer my support and stay with you until you feel safe for me to leave you. If you are using my cremation services and if your pet is 15 kilograms or under, the driver of the crematorium company is comfortable carrying your pet to their vehicle. If your pet is heavier than 15 kilograms you will need to ensure that a family member or friend are present to help you transport your pet to the vehicle. Please remember that unless your pet is very small, carrying an animal once deceased is far more trying than carrying your pet while they were alive. So please account for this by having at least 1 person present who is physically able and willing to assist you.
I understand that this is a very difficult time and not everyone is ok with carrying their pet. If you don’t have anyone that is able to help you please select the assistant option on my consent form and I will ensure that the crematorium service brings an assistant on the day. There is a £30 surcharge for this service.
If there is anything else you would like to enquire about please feel free to let me know here.