Pets bring immense joy, happiness, and companionship into our lives, but unfortunately, there comes a time when we must say goodbye. This is understandably a difficult period, and this checklist is intended to help you make the right decisions for you, your family, and your pet.

It’s often better to think ahead and plan for your pet’s passing, as this can give you the opportunity to consider what you want. If it’s a family pet, you may want to include the wishes of family members, including children. Leaving decisions until the last moment, when emotions are heightened and grief is involved, can make things more challenging.

Thinking about your pet’s passing in advance allows for clearer decision-making. Writing down your wishes in a plan can be helpful, so nothing is overlooked during a more stressful time. You can alter and revise your plan at any point.

The following checklist is intended to guide you in making the right decisions for you, your family, and your pet:

• Where would you like it to happen?
  Currently, we can only offer this procedure at our clinic due to the number of staff involved. However, we hope to provide at-home euthanasia services in the future.

• Who will be there?
  Any family members who wish to attend are welcome.

• When will it happen?
  This is a difficult question, and your vet can offer sensitive and objective advice. Remember that your pet’s quality of life is the most important factor in deciding when to say goodbye.

• What will happen to your pet’s body after the procedure?
  There are several options, including:

  1. Burial at home – If you wish to bury your pet in a place that holds sentimental value, ensure it’s privately owned land.
  2. Communal cremation – You will not receive your pet’s ashes, but they will be respectfully scattered in a memorial ground. Paw prints and hair clippings can be provided upon request.
  3. Individual cremation – You will receive your pet’s ashes, along with keepsakes such as paw prints and hair clippings if desired. For individual cremation, you can select a vessel for your pet’s ashes (we offer various options through our partner, PCS).

The Euthanasia Process:

Depending on your preference, you may choose to be present during the procedure or not. After discussing your decision with the vet, a nurse will insert an intravenous catheter in one of your pet’s limbs to administer the anaesthetic agent. Euthanasia is an overdose of this agent, and the process is quick—most pets fall asleep within 10 seconds to a couple of minutes. It is entirely painless. After the procedure, you may take some additional private time with your pet if you wish.

Important Information:

• Pets may not close their eyes upon passing.
• They may take a few deep breaths or experience slight muscle tremors after euthanasia; these are normal bodily reactions.
• Pets may also release their bowels or bladder during anaesthesia due to muscle relaxation.