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 clothing. 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 conditions. 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 this to take place it is important that your pet will allow a small injectable sedation. If your pet does not have a calm enough temperament to allow this then it is important that you are able to place a muzzle safely on your pet which can be removed once the sedative has been administered. I try to avoid the use of muzzles where possible but when a pet is anxious or uncooperative sometimes a few seconds wearing a muzzle can be the most stress-free method of quickly administering the sedation.
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 comfortable before we proceed.
The Euthanasia Injection
Once I have established that your pet is calm and comfortable 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 10 kilograms or under, I am comfortable to carry your pet to my vehicle. If your pet is heavier than 10 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.
If there is anything else you would like to enquire about please feel free to let me know here.