OUR SERVICES
End-of-Life Care
Every pet owner knows that, eventually, they will have to say goodbye to their beloved companion. This is always an incredibly difficult time, and we absolutely understand this.
Because your pets, our patients, naturally don’t live as long as we all would like, end-of-life care is something we need to manage frequently. Our team of truly compassionate and dedicated caregivers is here to help and guide you through every step of this process, from helping you understand your pet’s unique situation and the difficulty of deciding it is time, right through to arranging any aftercare. We will be here for you and your family.
As difficult as this is for us also, we look at the responsibility of doing the best we can to ensure that no pet suffers unnecessarily and rather leaves this world in a painless, peaceful and dignified way as a truly sacred privilege.
Helpful Q&As
How will I know when it’s time to say goodbye to my pet?
This is a very common question, and there certainly is no single answer. We will always be open, honest and compassionate when we are asked to help with this very difficult decision. Typically, we find ourselves at this crossroads when our pets are either very elderly or have an illness for which recovery is not likely, and deterioration is inevitable.
One way we typically suggest pet parents approach making an end-of-life decision is to first realize that their pet does not view their situation as we do. The knowledge of life ending in death is not a burden they have to carry. As such, they are perfect examples of living in the moment. They do, however, understand very well how they feel “right now.” We suggest taking as objective an inventory as you are able of what it is that makes a “good day” for your pet. This will be very different for different individuals. Making this can help when you discuss with us your pet’s unique situation, and better be able to see when we are no longer able to help them maintain an acceptable quality of life on a daily basis.
What is involved in a visit for humane euthanasia?
Upon arrival at the clinic, you and your pet will be escorted to an exam room, where we will make sure you both are set up comfortably. You will be greeted by your veterinarian and another member of our patient care team, who will ensure you and your pet are comfortable and well-informed through every step of the process. At this time, the veterinarian will typically administer a sedative to your pet to make them as relaxed as possible right away. The next step usually involves our care team gently placing an intravenous catheter, which gives us a painless way to administer injections directly into a blood vessel.
At this point, we will be ready to proceed whenever you are. We will give you as much or as little time as you need. When you feel ready, the veterinarian can then administer the medication we use for humane euthanasia, which is a very concentrated barbiturate anesthetic called Pentobarbital. As with any anesthetic, the first physiologic effect is that your pet will fall asleep, but because of this drug’s strength, this will quickly be followed by your pet passing away. The veterinarian will then confirm that the heart has stopped, and you will be left privately in the room for as long as you wish.
When you feel ready to leave, you will be able to exit the hospital through a separate entrance and avoid the waiting area. We will then prepare your pet’s remains for collection by Gateway Pet Memorial Services, who will perform the cremation of your pet according to your directions. Where ashes have been requested, these will be returned to us within 1 -2 weeks, and we will inform you that they can be picked up at the clinic.