The Gift of Peace

What is Euthanasia?

The word euthanasia is Greek meaning “good death”. It means allowing the body to release it’s hold on life in a painless, loving way. A planned euthanasia allows the family to come together and say a peaceful goodbye in the comfort of their own home. Choosing to end your loved one’s suffering is never easy. We will be here to support your family every step of the way. Please know that the love you and your pet shared is all that matters.

At-Home Euthanasia

The decision to euthanize a pet is one of the most difficult and painful decisions pet parents are faced with. We are here to support you every step of the way. Having humane euthanasia performed in the home makes it easier on your pet. It eliminates the stress and anxiety that can occur in a veterinary office, and allows the companion to be more relaxed. Extended family and other pets in the household are welcome to attend and support you during this time. Many people ask us to have other pets present to say goodbye. Family members are also more at ease, and can show emotions more freely at home. We know your pets are more comfortable at home- let us come to you. We can perform this service in a favorite room or in your pet's special place- indoor or out.

What to Expect

The process of euthanasia varies somewhat depending on the patient. Usually, a heavy sedation injection is given under the skin. It might sting a little if the patient is in pain and “hyper-reactive”. Most often, pets do not notice at all. It may take anywhere from 5-15+ minutes for your pet to fall asleep. We work on their timeline and do not rush this process. Once your pet is completely relaxed and your family is ready, we will give the euthanasia injection. We may use a temporary butterfly catheter to give it into a vein, or give it in another location. The euthanasia medicine is usually pink or blue. Once this is given, brain activity ceases almost immediately, then breathing, then the heartbeat. This means that your pet will not feel anything and will pass peacefully and gently. Please be prepared that the eyelids will likely remain a little open as that is their most relaxed position. After your pet has passed, and your family has had time to say goodbye, we will help prepare the body for after-care. If you have elected private aquamation at our partner facility, we will transport the body to the facility and they will return the ashes to you in the urn of your choosing. Please see Body Care below for more information.

Being Present

You do not have to be present during the euthanasia process if you do not want to be. Some people want to be there to help support their pet, and some people prefer to remember their pet the way they last saw them. Some like their children or other family members or pets present, and some prefer a private occasion. A good time to step away is after the sedative has been given and the pet has fallen asleep. We will always ask the family if they are ready before we give the euthanasia injection. If you need to step away, please do so knowing we will not judge you. There is no right or wrong decision, so do not feel pressured to make a choice that is not right for you and your family. We are here to support you and we will be there for your pet too when needed.

Being Prepared

Experts say that making key decisions about the end of your pet’s life is best done before your pet dies. This often makes coping with grief a bit easier; you may be less likely to have regrets, less anxious about facing those final moments, and more ready to support children and others who love your pet too. As you start to plan ahead, consider things like who you would like to be present for your pet’s passing. Children, other pets, extended family members are all welcome by our practice, but no one is ever made to stay. Any person may step away at any time. When considering where you would like to say goodbye, think about the weather, privacy, and post-euthanasia body handling. Talk to your hospice team if there is a day of the week or time of day best for you. A common request we get is for Fridays, so the family has the weekend to process some of their grief before they are expected back to work. Don’t be afraid to communicate with us if you would like more time to say goodbye. We strive to make this experience the best it can be. Also consider if you would like any memorial items to remember your pet by. We have listed some ideas here and you can find offerings from our partner facility here.

We also have a counselor on staff: Amy Fisher. Amy is equipped to assist you in making these difficult decisions. She can also help prepare you for life after your pet’s passing, and help you with caring for your children’s needs during this time. Anticipatory grief is grief we feel before any loss has actually occurred. Amy understands and can aid you in handling these strong emotions.

Body Care

After your pet has been euthanized, it is time to care for their body. There are several options available to your family.

Home burial

We will help by respectfully preparing the body for burial and placing the pet into a zippered carrier. Please be sure to check your city and county's ordinances to see if this option is legal where you live. You must also be aware that the minimum recommended depth of burial is 4 feet deep. If the pet is buried shallowly, there is a risk that scavenging animals could be euthanized due to the medications in the tissues.

Private Aquamation

Aquamation is the gentle, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. In this option, your pet rests peacefully in her/his private compartment within the aquamation cradle. Once the process is complete, taking approximately 1-2 weeks, ashes are delivered straight back to your home. You receive only your pet’s ashes in an urn. The woven bamboo urn is standard, however you may purchase other urn options here.

Simple Aquamation

In simple aquamation, your pet is gently laid to rest in the aquamation cradle. Once the process is complete, your pet’s ashes are respectfully spread in our memorial garden.

Resthaven pet cemetery

This is a pet cemetery cared for by Benton County Memorial Park. They offer grave opening services as well as caskets and other options. See their website for more information or contact them at (479) 636-2412.