Euthanasia

You have made the decision, you have prepared yourself & your family to the best of your ability, & now it's time.  This article will be focusing on the actual appointment at your vet office & aftercare available. 

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This article will be based only on St. John's Animal Clinic practices & after care options.  Your veterinary clinic may be different so check with your own clinic for details if desired.

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When you arrive

When you enter our lobby for your end of life appointment, one of our staff will quickly room you & your pet to ensure more privacy for this emotional visit.  There will be some paperwork to fill out (if you have not done so prior) & aftercare will be discussed.  We will also settle your account at this time as this is much easier then settling after your visit.

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Catheter

Either during your paperwork phase, or directly afterwards, one of our veterinary staff will come to collect your animal.  We will take them to our treatment area for a short period to place a catheter one of their front legs for instant venus access during the actual process.  If your pet is unable to walk, we may elect to place a catheter in the room.  Sometimes we may do this with you present, but sometimes we may ask you to step out of the room momentarily or you are welcome to step out if this part makes you uncomfortable.  After the catheter is placed, your pet will come back to the room with plenty of treats to give to them provided by us.  

We use catheters for all in-room euthanasias to ensure the actual process is smooth, quick, & painless for your pet.

Euthanasia

The actual euthanasia process comes next.  We usually will ask if you have been through the euthanasia process before & can answer any & all questions you have about what to expect at that time.  You can take as much time as you need to say your goodbyes prior to us bring in the doctor...we know this is hard, & we will not rush you.

When you are ready, we will bring in one of our doctors & the doctor will administer 3 syringes.
1. White syringe (Heavy Sedative): This will make your pet feel very sleepy & perhaps even fall asleep.
2. Pink syringe (Euthanasia Solution): This solution will stop all cardiac & respiratory functions within seconds & is painless.  You may still see your pet take some breaths afterwards, but that is muscle contraction.
3. Clear syringe (Saline): Your veterinarian may use this to push any remaining drug from the first 2 syringes through the catheter.

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After

This is a very emotional visit.  There are tissues in the room for a reason.  Mourn your pet & your loss.  You can take time afterwards to stay with your pet, share stories, or just mourn.  When you are ready, our staff will escort your out a side door for privacy.

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Body Care

Our clinic offers 3 options for body care.
1. Take Home: We offer free pet coffins to take your pet home to bury on your property.
2. Communal Cremation: Using a company called Partridge, we can take care of the after care of your pet.  They will pick your pet up from our clinic, cremate, & scatter the remains in their pet cemetery, which is also open for visitors to come visit their pet.  

3. Individual Cremation: Also using Partridge, you have the option of receiving your pet's ashes back to scatter or keep as a keepsake.  

**Ink & clay paw prints are also available for purchase**

Please contact our clinic for all pricing & to answer any questions you have.