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On this page, we will discuss subjects that deserve special attention and special considerations.
Euthanasia, definition
 There is not much controversy regarding pet euthanasia. It is a much different issue than the controversy engendered by the subject of euthanasia in people. It is a commonly held principle that as pet owners, we have a responsibility and a duty to make the decision to put our pets to sleep when, in our viewpoint, they have come to suffer and are no longer enjoying life.
The word euthanasia comes from the Greek and means “easy death”. The root “eu” means good, improved, easy. “Thatanos” means death. It is the act of ending a pet's life for humane reasons. It is done by the administering of an overdose of anesthetic in as painless a manner as possible. Some common synonyms are “putting to sleep”, “put to sleep”, “put down”, “euthanize”, “mercy killing”, “humane end of suffering”, “painless death”. Some incorrect variations I have also heard are “euthanization”, “eutanize”, etc...
Preparing yourself for the event
The decision of euthanizing your pet is undoubtedly one of the most difficult ones you will ever have to face. This experience will be made more peaceful and easier if you, your family and your pet are well prepared and if you create an environment that is conducive to having a peaceful experience.
There is no doubt that you will be upset and vulnerable during the event. It will be a painful, difficult time for you, your family and your pet. However, it will be made much easier if you don’t experience untimely interruptions or unexpected “surprises”. The following article will help you to get prepared and to minimize the possibilities that unforeseen circumstances will make things harder for you.
Being well prepared might turn this painful event into a meaningful, spiritual sendoff of your pet’s next journey and a celebration of your pet’s life instead of a stressful and painful moment.
First, when you make the appointment, you should make sure that you have all your questions answered about the procedure, the aftercare, etc... You may not think of what questions to ask, so it is important to educate yourself on the procedure. A full description of the procedure is on the Home page, and there is even a video you can watch which will help to prepare you. Once you have read and watched the information, questions may arise that you may want to ask the doctor or staff. If this is the case, we are always happy to answer all your questions and concerns. Don’t hesitate to call us (contact).
It is important that you have all your questions answered regarding the cost of the procedure. Don’t be afraid to ask: it is an important part of being prepared and we will be happy to give you a quote. The cost depends on the size of your pet, the type of aftercare you choose, where you are located and whether the visit is done during regular operating hours with an appointment or outside of regular hours, on an evening, week-end or even in the middle of the night. The fee schedule is clearly laid out on our “Fee Schedule” page.
Something important to consider is how you would like to have the aftercare handled. Will you prefer to have a private cremation with the return of your pet’s ashes? A communal cremation with ashes spread out at sea or over a garden? Will you prefer to handle the aftercare yourself and take your pet to a pet cemetery or (depending on the city ordinances) bury him or her in your backyard? See “Aftercare” page for details.
Next, you may want to fill out the forms ahead of time so that you don’t have to be bothered with this technically during the time of the event. You may download them by visiting the “Forms” page on this website. Then, you may print them, fill them out and keep them to hand out to the doctor at the time of the appointment. If you wish, you may also scan them and email them at
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. In doing so, you will completely eliminate the paperwork at the time of the visit. If you do not get around to filling out the forms or if you prefer to fill them out at the time of the appointment, this is totally fine: the doctor always has the forms available. At the time of the euthanasia, we will begin the visit with having all the technicalities of filling out paperwork done and out of the way. You will be given the choice of handling the financial aspect before the procedure or, if you prefer, you may also do it at the end of the visit. Most people prefer to have the payment done before the euthanasia, at the same time as the paperwork as it may be more difficult for you to deal with finances after, when you will likely be upset and experiencing heavy grief.
Part of preparing yourself is to decide who will be present. What family members are able to and/or want to attend? Who will be of good emotional support for you and your pet? Will you feel comfortable being present for the procedure? Or perhaps for part of the procedure or maybe none at all. Consider your children’s presence too (see “Should children be present?”). What about the other pets in the family (see “Should other pets in the family be present?”)? Will you feel comfortable helping the doctor carry your pet to the doctor’s vehicle or will you require an assistant (see “Will an assistant be needed?”)? These are all considerations that you may want to resolve ahead of time in order to make things smoother and more peaceful.
Parking for the doctor’s vehicle will be important to plan for particularly if you live in an area where you have to rely on street parking or if visitor parking is limited in a HOA community. Remember that your pet’s remains will need to be taken to the doctor’s vehicle and that it may make things difficult if parking is not readily available. Also, please note that an additional fee may be applicable if the doctor has to park in a distant or remote location from your home.
Another aspect to consider is the atmosphere and ambiance of the setting. Where will you, your family and your pet be most comfortable? Will it be outside under your pet’s favorite tree, inside on his bed, on the couch? Will you want to have the lights dimmed, candles burning, soft music playing? Or perhaps you will find yourself and your pet most comfortable in “the usual” lighting, and ambiance of your home. Will you want the procedure to be done at a park, at a friend’s home? These are all different possibilities depending on what you, your family and your pet will feel most comfortable with. It is important to note that we wish to make this event as non-clinical as possible. No special lighting is required for the doctor and the doctor will feel comfortable working in any location of your choosing where your pet is comfortable and reasonable access to your pet is granted. It is important to note that the euthanasia will go more peacefully for your pet in a quiet, soft environment. It is expected and normal that you will experience sadness and grief. However, a noisy, loud environment and agitated people will make this much more difficult for your pet.
Here are some of our recommendations to minimize untimely interruptions and possible inappropriate disturbances for you and your pet: Turn off your phones (home and cell), turn off the television and place a “do not disturb” sign on the front door. This will help to protect the privacy of your family at a time where you will all be a bit more vulnerable than normal. If you wish to have music playing, soft, low-volume music is recommended.
Another important thing to consider is whether or not you would like to have something read or said before, during or after the euthanasia. Would you like to have prayers said? Would you like to express your thanks to your pet for his or her life and the joy he or she has brought? Is there a special poem you would like to read? Dr Forslund is an ordained minister in addition to being a trained grief and loss counselor and licensed veterinarian and is able to help you make this event a meaningful spiritual experience. However, absolutely no ritual will be pushed off on you and you will be completely free to have the event be as simple, uncomplicated, and matter-of-fact as you like. Our purpose is to make this as easy as possible for you and your family and very peaceful for your pet. We will respect, honor and facilitate your wishes and beliefs in this difficult time.
After your pet has passed away, there will likely be a little (or a lot) of urine leakage and there may or may not be feces leaking out. This is normal. However, you may want to plan on having some old towels or a pee pad readily available to slide under your pet after his or her passing. This will help to preserve your couch or carpet from stains and odors.
After you and your family have spent as much time as you need to say your final goodbyes and after all the pets in your family have had a moment to realize what occurred and to have their own closure, we will move your pet into the doctor’s vehicle for the aftercare. If your pet is over 35lbs, it is important for you to consider whether or not you will feel comfortable helping the doctor to lift your pet and transport his or her remains to the doctor’s vehicle. If you do not feel physically or emotionally able to do this, it will be important to either plan on having a family member, friend or neighbor be there to help out or advise us that an assistant will be needed. Please note that an assistant fee will be applicable and that a 24 hours notice is required to ensure the availability of an assistant.
Your pet will be placed on a stretcher and taken to the doctor’s vehicle (or, if you prefer, you may carry your pet in your arms). Will you want to have your pet be wrapped in a special blanket or would you prefer for us to use one of our own blankets? Home Pet Euthanasia has many blankets and towels and it is not required for you to provide a blanket to place over your pet at the time of the departure. However, if you do have a special blanket you would like your pet to leave in, you are welcome to place one on your pet. Please note that blankets leaving with your pet will not be returned. Blankets will either be cremated with your pet (at your specific request), re-used by Home Pet Euthanasia, donated to a goodwill service or an animal hospital or may be discarded (depending on the condition of the blanket and the leakage of bodily fluids).
Here is a summary of the important points to consider:
-Educate yourself on the procedure
-Ensure that all your questions are answered to your satisfaction
-Ask for a quote or visit our “Fee Schedule” page
-Have all the forms filled out ahead of time if you wish (“Forms” page)
-Plan the aftercare
-Payment
-Consider who you will want to be present (family, friends, children, other pets, etc...)
-Will you feel comfortable helping to carry your pet to the doctor’s vehicle after the euthanasia? If not, plan on friend or neighbor assistance or ask doctor to bring assistant
-Parking for doctor
-Choose a location for the euthanasia, ambiance, lighting, music, etc...
-Handle untimely/inappropriate interruptions (phones, doorbell, TV, etc...)
-Plan special ceremonies, rituals, prayers, poems, etc... if you wish (it is totally OK not to have any special ceremony)
-Have towels or pee pads available for post mortem leakage if your pet will be laying on carpet, bed or couch
-If there is a special blanket you would like your pet wrapped in when his remains are taken, plan on having it readily available or let the doctor know if you would like us to use one of our own
The above will help you greatly in planning a peaceful, smooth transition for your pet and will make this difficult event easier for you and your family. Please do not hesitate to call us or email us with any questions or concerns. WE ARE HERE TO HELP.
Major contributing factors to Quality of Life for considering pet euthanasia
My Quality of Life page already has a lot of information and guidelines to help you make this difficult choice.
Here are some additional points to think of when you are trying to make this kind of decision:
Several factors contribute to quality of life, all having their influence. Knowledge of these factors is important for a pet owner trying to make a decision of continuation of life versus euthanasia.
Social relationships—Dogs being highly social animals, a set of pleasant and unpleasant emotions promote and cement social relationships. Positive social affiliations and companionship elicit pleasant emotions, and separation and isolation elicit unpleasant emotions (e.g., loneliness). These emotions have strong influences--positive and negative on quality of life. Do you have to leave your pet isolated due to incontinence, aggression or other factors? Is this isolation permanent? If so, are you able to provide your pet with sufficient interaction to support enough happiness?
Health—It is the immense importance of health matters that explains why Quality of life is often mistakenly equated to health status. Medical conditions impact quality of life through the unpleasant situations associated with illness and injury. Nausea, pain, weakness, pruritus (itching), and inadequate oxygen intake are examples of these factors. Physical disabilities limit one's opportunities for experiencing the attainment of pleasure (for example, by preventing the dog from being able to play ball or hike in the mountains like he used to), thereby negatively affecting quality of life.
Food consumption—The pleasant taste of food and the unpleasant feeling of hunger both motivate consumption of nutrients to sustain life. When a pet no longer has an urge to eat, it is a pretty reliable indicator that his quality of life is greatly affected.
 Stress—Stress primarily refers to specific unpleasant emotions, such as fear, anxiety, pain, loneliness, boredom, and anger and are the result of the encounter of situations perceived as being non survival.
Your happiness—Your happiness in the presence of your pet and that of your family has a great influence on when to make the decision to euthanize your dog. Has it become too stressful, too demanding, beyond your financial and time wherewithal to keep your pet alive? This is a question that only you and your family can answer. It is not fair to you, your family or your pet to keep a pet around when doing so hinders everyone's happiness including the pet's.
Other pets—Sometimes, the issue arises in a multiple pet household that other animals can become “mean” to a sick or debilitated pet. It can become distressing and puzzling to a pet owner to witness the healthier pet(s) “pick” on the sick or old one. As human beings able to demonstrate compassion and help others who are weaker, it can be difficult to understand how such behavior is acceptable and even desirable in the animal world. Animals instinctively sense when another becomes weaker and they may consider the weak or old pet as a threat to the survival of the pack. They may simply ignore the weakling or go as far as growling, snapping or injuring him or her whereas before they were friends. Cats, not being so gregarious, don't seem to display this kind of behavior as much. However, it is possible to witness such behavior in cats also, particularly when a pet comes back from the veterinary clinic and has all the smells of the hospital on him or her. Other cats in the household can become aggressive to the pet who is returning from a visit at the vet's. This may be a temporary reaction. However, if the aggression of other pets continues and is due to the weakening of the pet, it may become a factor that will influence a pet owner's decision as to when “it is time”.
Pre-euthanasia options
 Each pet is very different. Each pet's needs are individual and should be individually evaluated in regards to the need of pre-medications. The general description of how the procedure is performed is discussed on my Home Page.
I strongly believe in taking an approach that will take into consideration the individual pet in front of me and his or her special circumstances. I do not believe in taking the same approach straight across the board in a robotic manner.
For those reasons, the euthanasia process may differ greatly from individual to individual. It is my role to make this process as painless and stress free as possible, but there are conditions that may make this a challenge. In most cases, it is less stressful to simply have the IV catheter placed without any pre-medications. The only discomfort the IV catheter placement will usually cause is simply a little prick. It usually takes only a few seconds.
The advantage of having the IV catheter placed with no prior injections is that there will be only one needle and the injections given thereafter, since they will be given IV, will cause no pain and no discomfort at all.
However, there are factors that may make the placement of the IV catheter more challenging and more difficult for the pet. Therefore, in some cases, the use of a sedative may make things easier on your pet. With the use of the heavy sedative, your pet will be, for all intents and purposes, unconscious and out of pain, although he or she may not loose blinking reflexes and may have an occasional swallow.
The advantage of the pre-euthanasia injection is that it requires minimal restraint and very little time to administer the injection under the skin and that the rest of the procedure, including the placement of the IV catheter, will be done with greatly decreased or no pain, greatly decreased or no anxiety or, in the case of the heavy sedation, out of consciousness.
The disadvantage is that there will be more than one needle prick and that some of the products given may cause a burning sensation at the injection site. Some pets will experience a greater or lesser degree of pain upon the administration of such injections. Usually, the discomfort of this injection will be minimal. Unfortunately, some pets who have a lesser pain threshold may demonstrate pain. Also, some pets, like cancer patients or pets with neurologic disorders may react differently to medication and to pain.
In addition, the sedative takes some time to take into effect. This will cause your pet to experience a gradual onset of a heavy drugged feeling and in some cases, the pet may attempt to fight off the sensation of the induced sedation/drugged sensation. In many cases, this is preferable to putting the pet through the restraint needed to the placement of the I.V.; in some cases, it is an unnecessary additional step.
For which pets should the procedure be done with a pre-euthanasia injection?
1. When the pet's anxiety level at being handled by a stranger is such that it would cause undue stress to restrain the pet so that he is immobilized for long enough to allow the placement of the i.v. catheter. The most common example of this is encountered in fractious cats.
2. When the pet's level of pain is such that having to move him or her in a position that will allow the placement of the IV catheter will cause too much pain. Examples of this are spinal pain, or diseases causing hyperesthesia (the exacerbation of pain).
3. When the condition of the pet causes dehydration, emaciation or poor perfusion (poor circulation) which may make it difficult to find a vein and which may subject your pet to more than one poke of the needle.
4. When the pet's condition causes him or her anxiety and restlessness and when he or she is not able to rest in a lying down position comfortably.
5. In my experience, cats ALWAYS do better with the pre-euthanasia sedation except in some rare cases where the pet's condition is so advanced that he or she is already semi-conscious.
Other than that, it is usually preferable to limit the needles to simple placement of the IV catheter. The main question to answer is: which will cause the pet the least discomfort? The restraint needed to place the IV catheter or the discomfort related to injecting a substance under the skin? Another factor to consider is the mental disorientation that accompanies the sedative. The sedative takes anywhere between 2 minutes and 20 minutes to take into effect depending on individual sensitivity to sedatives and the condition of internal organs. During the period of time elapsing between the injection and the time when the sedative has taken full effect, pets may experience greater or lesser mental disorientation and discomfort (you may have experienced this if you have ever received a sedative). The reactions vary. Most pets appear peaceful, but some don't like the sensation during the period of time between the injection and the time when they are fully under the effect of the sedative, regardless of the kind of drug used. Once the drug has taken full effect, the pet will be sleeping, peaceful and for all intents and purposes, out of consciousness and out of pain.
You can rely on Dr Forslund's experience in evaluating the situation and your pet's condition, level of discomfort and level of anxiety and to take the best approach with will cause your pet the least discomfort and stress. You may also want to discuss this with your primary veterinarian whose insights may be invaluable, since he or she has known your pet for years.
Should children be present?
I have had multiple families choosing to have their children present regardless of age. I have seen some children be present who probably should not have been but in my opinion, it greatly, if not mostly depends on how the parents handle it and on the parents' reaction to the euthanasia and their handling of the child.
I don't necessarily think that age is a factor. Maturity is also relative and is not necessarily dependent on age.
It is a very personal decision and I think that one of the best thing that a parent can do is to educate the child (in terms appropriate to age) as to what will happen. I would also (of course depending on your spiritual beliefs) emphasize that your pet's BODY is dying and that your pet himself or herself will go on to his or her next adventure, whatever that might be and again, this depends on your personal spiritual beliefs.
After the child has been educated on what will take place, the other best thing that the parent can do is GIVE THE CHILD A CHOICE on whether or not the child WANTS to be present. And make it clear that the child will have a choice on attending or continuing to attend throughout the procedure. Make sure that the child knows that he or she can leave at any time and perhaps have someone who can be with a very young child if he or she decides that he wants to leave mid procedure, so that he does not find himself alone and scared and so that it does not interrupt your personal involvement in your pet's passing.
It is also very important that you choose a veterinarian who is comfortable with children being present and who does not disagree with the idea of children being around.
Another point to consider is to ensure that the adults around the child will be as calm as possible. Doting a bunch of sympathy and "Ohhhhh pooor baby...." is very harmful to a child's emotional state and can have lasting effects. Of course, holding the child and being there for him or her and hugging him or her is perfectly fine.
Children usually cry hard and intensely, but frequently recover faster and better than we adults do... So don't underestimate your children's strength and ability to recover and ability to handle this loss.
There is a wealth of information on my website that will help tremendously in educating yourself and your children regarding the procedure. I also have a video clip of an in-home euthanasia that I am sure will be helpful. It is done in a very respectful manner and very calming and reassuring. Here is the direct link to the video on my website: http://www.homepeteuthanasia.com/medias
On the rest of the website, you will find written information on how the procedure is done, you will also find information on the quality of life (www.homepeteuthanasia.com/quality-of-life)which will be helpful in preparing your children and in getting them to realize that your pet's life is not enjoyable anymore (or will not be at the time when you make the decision), you will find information on the aftercare so that everyone understand what will happen to the body afterwards.
Hopefully, all this will help you in deciding if your children should be present.
What gives me the right to decide over life and death for my pet?
This is a question that people frequently ask me. It is very difficult to assume the responsibility of ending a life, especially the life of a pet that you consider an intrinsic part of your family, a friend, a soul mate. Am I playing God? How can I make that decision? What gives me the right? These are questions a pet owner faced with this painful moment frequently ask themselves.
Here is my personal viewpoint on this very delicate aspect of dealing with a pet's end of life.
When we assume the responsibility and the position of a pet's guardian, caregiver, owner, we care for them, feed them, provide them with shelter and all the comforts of home, nurse them back to health when they are ill, take them to a veterinarian when they are sick, etc...
Without a doubt, we are artificially extending their lives and without our help, they would have died a long time ago. It is very unlikely that their lives would have been 10 to 20 years in length or even perhaps longer, without our help. In my viewpoint, this also comes with the responsibility to say enough and to take the kindest, most courageous course of action when extending their lives brings them more pain than death would. It IS a decision that takes courage and it is the last act of selfless love we can offer them.
Should other pets in the family be present?
Most definitely yes, if at all possible. Minimally, they should be given a chance to say their goodbyes after the pet has passed away. This will bring them closure and will decrease the chances that the pet will be waiting at the door for hours for the deceased pet to come back home, or for them to look all over the house, under beds, behind couches, looking expectantly out the windows, getting depressed, going off their food, etc...
This is especially important for dogs, since they are naturally pack animals, but it is also true for a lot of cats.
The disappearance of a pack member is very difficult to cope with for a dog. And frequently also for a cat although they are not naturally pack animals. They do frequently naturally live in "families" also called "clowder" or "clutter" (a group of cats). They do experience friendship and attachment to other cats or pets.
If possible, I encourage other pets to be present throughout the procedure if possible. Rarely, some pets will be too "hyper" to be present during the procedure or sometimes too anxious around strangers and it is preferable to have them in a different room. In my experience, however, most pets, even the most "hyper" ones will settle after becoming acquainted with me and I would say that almost ALL of them sense what is happening and will calm down after the procedure has started and will curl up at a small distance or sometimes even will curl up next to their friend and accompany them right to the doorstep of their journey.
I have seen cats as well as dogs take their role very seriously in the support of their friend and stay next to the pet until the pet has passed away and then walk away as soon as they sense that the pet has moved on. It is amazing to me how "they know".
In any case, if it is impossible for the other pet(s) to be present during the procedure, we should at least let them come in and give them a chance to realize what has occurred after the pet has passed away. In most cases, if the pet is brought in after the euthanasia, I will leave the house and sit outside while the pet is allowed to say his or her goodbyes so that my presence does not interfere with the process. Usually, a pet who has not been present and who has not met me will have too much attention on me (or any stranger) and may be distracted.
In most cases, do not expect a lengthy process. In most cases, all it takes is a glance, a brief sniff and they walk away. They "know". And this is enough for them to be able to move on. It is entirely possible that the pet will continue to grieve and may still look for their deceased friend, but it will not be nearly as traumatic as if the pet was to experience a disappearance.
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