We recognize that the final chapters with our beloved animals are some of the most difficult. Our goal is to provide comfortable, pain-free palliative care for our patients.
When we can no longer provide the quality of life we want for our pets, then a decision is made to prevent further suffering. Euthanasia can be a very personal and emotional choice for many families. We are here to support you with this final kindness for your pet.
Euthanasia – What to Expect
Euthanasia can be done in-clinic in our appointment rooms, outside on our grassy fields at North Simcoe, or pre-arranged as a house call to your home. We welcome any family members to be present for the entirety of the process. One member of the family will be asked to sign for permission to proceed.
To help ease our patient’s anxiety & pain, an initial injection of a sedative & pain medication will be given.
Once the pet is calm and relaxed, an IV catheter will be placed, in either a front or hind leg.
When the family is as ready as they can be, the veterinarian will administer a final injection through this IV catheter. This medication is similar to anaesthetics, in that the pet will feel like they are falling asleep. Again, family are welcome to be holding or around their pet while this is happening. Many people will pet or speak to them during this time.
Once the final injection is complete, the veterinarian will confirm your pet’s passing by auscultation (listening to their heart).
The family’s chosen arrangement for aftercare will then be followed.
Aftercare Options
You have options for your final resting place of your pet. The most commonly chosen choices are:
Our practice cremations are performed by Gateway Pet Memorial. In addition to urns, they also offer various memorial items to honour your pet. Please see their website for current offerings of pawprints, urns, headstones, jewellery, and for further information regarding their services.
